Master of Chemistry overview
The Master of Chemistry is a two year program if taken full time or four years if part time. Institutions like the University of Melbourne offer these to students who desire extensive knowledge of chemical synthesis and characterisation, advanced spectroscopy, systems modelling and more. These programs also give students the chance to undergo a research project in a relevant subject of their choice. The relevance of study choice is determined entirely by the faculty in question, so students and prospective students ought to contact the chemistry departments of their chosen institution to learn the nature of these topics in greater detail.
Employment options
The employment options mentioned here are quite accessible to students of chemistry. Working in the development of nanotechnology, for instance, is an excellent use of skill. Graduates can utilise their extensive knowledge of the workings of matter and its constituents to better implement and design technologies scaled at one millionth of a metre.
Working as an analytical chemist can also be viable, as government departments have particularly need for deciphering the composition and legality of chemical compounds. The likes of the CSIRO are a great example, even lending out the use of their laboratory by request.
Scholarships and funding
There are a variety of scholarship opportunities available to master students of chemistry, with even more open to PhD students. These opportunities tend to happen annually, so if you notice any to be closed, check back later or contact their administrators for advice on when they will be reopened. Two of these include:
- The Dean’s Scholarship for Scientific Excellence provides up to $20,000 to international students so long as they are within one of a select few disciplines, including chemistry. Payment is paid in instalments across semesters. Students must have achieved at least a high-range distinction GPA (79 - 84%) throughout undergraduate study to be successful in their application.
- Eric Booth Memorial Grants in Chemistry provide up to $8,000. Unlike the former scholarship, these opportunities are for Australian and New Zealand citizens. Applications require a variety of documents, including birth certificate, citizenship documents, a CV, up to three written references and copy of academic record.
For those unwilling or unable to apply for these, general scholarships available across faculties can be found in abundance here.
Prerequisites and selection process
A prior bachelor degree in chemistry is mandatory for all these courses, as they often build off assumed knowledge. Many institutions also require students to have a minimum credit GPA (65%), but this doesn’t necessarily guarantee entry into these programs. Applications are often ranked primarily on the basis of GPA, so as is to be expected, higher is preferable in all cases.