Master of Scientific Studies(Chemistry)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Master of Scientific Studies (Chemistry) at the University of New England (UNE) provides advanced training in chemistry through a flexible coursework-based master's degree, with opportunities to strengthen scientific knowledge, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Students study advanced chemistry areas including Organic Synthesis and Catalysis, Medicinal Chemistry, Applied Physical and Materials Chemistry, and Forensic and Analytical Chemistry, while also having options to broaden their studies through related science units.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build advanced chemistry knowledge through the major's prescribed units, including Organic Synthesis and Catalysis (CHEM502) and Medicinal Chemistry (CHEM503), while developing an understanding of synthesis, catalysis, and chemistry applications in medicine. Elective choices can extend this foundation into areas such as Physical Chemistry: Quantum and Thermal Structure (CHEM210), Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM220), or Analytical Chemistry (CHEM250).

Year 2: Students progress into applied and specialised chemistry through Applied Physical and Materials Chemistry (CHEM505) and Forensic and Analytical Chemistry (FSC510), connecting chemical principles with materials, analytical techniques, and forensic applications. Further study can incorporate Artificial Intelligence and Computing for Science (SCI510), Statistical Modelling and Experimental Design (STAT410), or Work Integrated Learning – Professional Skills Development (WORK500), depending on the study plan.

Focus areas: Organic synthesis, catalysis, medicinal chemistry, physical and materials chemistry, forensic chemistry, analytical chemistry, scientific computing, statistical analysis, and applied scientific problem-solving.

Learning outcomes: Advanced discipline knowledge, critical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving, applied chemistry skills, and the ability to address complex scientific problems in changing technological environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The official UNE course information identifies the Chemistry major and its advanced chemistry units but does not state a specific professional accreditation for the Master of Scientific Studies (Chemistry).

Reputation (employability rankings): A specific current QS, Guardian, or official employability ranking for the Master of Scientific Studies (Chemistry) is not stated on UNE's official program pages.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Scientific Studies (Chemistry) at the University of New England gives students a strong applied and research-oriented chemistry experience through advanced coursework, statistical analysis, professional skills development, and access to specialised scientific facilities. The Chemistry major includes a research-oriented pathway and advanced units such as Organic Synthesis and Catalysis, Medicinal Chemistry, and Applied Physical and Materials Chemistry, allowing students to develop practical capabilities relevant to chemical analysis, synthesis, materials, and scientific research. Students can build their practical and research capabilities through the following resources and activities:

Organic Synthesis and Catalysis: Students develop advanced knowledge relevant to organic synthesis and catalytic chemistry through the prescribed CHEM502 Organic Synthesis and Catalysis unit.
Medicinal Chemistry: CHEM503 Medicinal Chemistry provides specialised study of chemistry relevant to medicinal applications and complements the program's advanced chemistry training.
Applied Physical and Materials Chemistry: CHEM505 explores chemical equilibria, adsorption, electrochemistry, polymers, colloids and surfactants, while also introducing materials preparation and techniques such as 3D printing for advanced materials.
Research Project: The Chemistry major provides an opportunity to complete a research project, giving students experience in developing and investigating a scientific research problem.
Advanced Analytical Techniques: UNE chemistry teaching includes analytical techniques such as molecular and atomic spectroscopy, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and conductometric methods, supporting practical analytical chemistry skills.
NMR Facility: The School of Science and Technology provides access to a Bruker Ascend 500 MHz NMR for nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry in the Riggs Building.
Preparative HPLC: Students undertaking relevant research can benefit from UNE's Agilent Infinity 1260 Preparative HPLC with Auto Fraction Collector, designed for chromatographic separation of mixtures into purified fractions.
Chemical Analysis Facilities: UNE research facilities include Environmental Analytical Research and Carbon Laboratories, supporting elemental and chemical analysis using techniques including ICP-OES, mass spectroscopy, near-infrared spectrophotometry and ion chromatography.
Organic Analysis Laboratory: The University's research facilities include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry capabilities for analysis of substances including petroleum hydrocarbons, VOCs, PAHs, pesticides and plant volatiles.
Statistical Research Skills: STAT410 Statistical Modelling and Experimental Design, STAT520 Advanced Statistical Modelling, STAT430 Statistical Learning, and STAT570 Frequentist and Bayesian Statistical Inference are available within the Chemistry major, strengthening students' ability to design experiments and analyse scientific data.
Professional Skills: WORK500 Work Integrated Learning – Professional Skills Development provides a structured opportunity to develop professional capabilities alongside the scientific component of the degree.
UNE Library: Students have access to extensive research collections, e-journals, databases, computer facilities, group-work rooms, private study spaces, and research support through UNE Libraries.
Chemistry Facilities: The Armidale campus includes dedicated Chemistry facilities, with the University's campus information identifying the Chemistry building and associated scientific infrastructure.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Scientific Studies (Chemistry) at the University of New England develops advanced scientific knowledge, applied skills, and research capabilities that can support careers across analytical, pharmaceutical, environmental, forensic, and materials chemistry. UNE specifically identifies analytical chemist, pharmaceutical scientist, environmental chemist, forensic scientist, materials scientist, and quality assurance specialist among chemistry-related career pathways.

Typical job roles: Analytical Chemist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Environmental Chemist, Forensic Scientist:

Career Development: UNE provides career chats, career coaching, resume support, interview preparation, industry reports, a jobs board, and employer-focused events such as The Big Meet, connecting students with employers across public, private, not-for-profit, and professional sectors.
Work-Integrated Learning: Students may be able to undertake WORK500 – Work Integrated Learning – Professional Skills Development, while UNE's WIL framework connects students with host employers to gain workplace experience and professional skills.
Employment & Salary: UNE reports five-star Graduate Employment in the 2026 Good Universities Guide, with UNE ranked among the top 20% of Australian universities for graduate full-time employment and starting salary; a specific chemistry salary figure for this master's program is not stated by UNE.
Industry Partnerships: UNE Chemistry lists connections with organisations including CSIRO, ANSTO, Australian Wine Research Institute, AB Vista, Circa Group, DKSH Australia, Chemistry Australia, and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
Applied Research: The chemistry major includes advanced units such as Organic Synthesis and Catalysis, Medicinal Chemistry, Applied Physical and Materials Chemistry, together with statistical modelling options and professional skills development, supporting progression into scientific and applied research environments.
Long-Term Academic Value: The chemistry major provides a pathway from advanced coursework into higher-level research. UNE offers Masters by Research and PhD programs, with HDR candidates able to work with research supervisors and access established research facilities.
Graduation Outcomes: UNE reports five-star Graduate Employment performance institution-wide and states that its chemistry studies provide a broad scientific background for future employment or further study.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Scientific Studies (Chemistry), graduates can progress into a Master by Research or PhD at UNE or pursue further research training in chemistry and related scientific disciplines. UNE's research pathways provide opportunities to work with research supervisors, develop industry connections, and participate in industry-focused research programs.