Master of Science by Research (Analytical Chemistry)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Master of Science by Research (Analytical Chemistry) at Edith Cowan University is a research-focused master's designed for students who want to develop advanced expertise in analytical chemistry through independent scientific investigation and thesis-based study. Students can explore areas such as biomarker discovery, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, electrochemistry, forensic chemistry and environmental radiochemistry, supported by ECU's specialised research facilities and international research collaborations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing the research skills needed for an advanced scientific project through Research Proposal Preparation and Research Preparation: Principles and Approaches. In the second semester, Master Research Preparation develops their ability to plan and establish their research project, alongside an elective selected with the Course Coordinator.

Year 2: The second year is centred on the Master Thesis, allowing students to undertake a substantial independent investigation in their chosen analytical chemistry area. Research can connect with ECU's strengths in areas such as mass spectrometry, metabolomics, forensic chemistry, environmental science and electrochemistry, using specialised facilities and instrumentation.

Focus Areas

Biomarker discovery, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, electrochemistry, forensic chemistry, environmental radiochemistry, plant chemistry, proteomics, sediment dating, data science.

Learning Outcomes

Critical scientific analysis, advanced research skills, investigation of complex scientific questions, research communication and collaboration, independent research planning and execution.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation) 

AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Research) accredited by ECU, with research training aligned to advanced scientific and professional practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

5-star postgraduate experience in the latest Good Universities Guide, including ratings for skills development, student support and teaching quality; ECU also highlights its position among the world's leading young universities in the Times Higher Education rankings

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Master of Science by Research (Analytical Chemistry) at Edith Cowan University, experiential learning is centred on a substantial independent research investigation and thesis, giving students the opportunity to apply advanced research methods to real analytical chemistry questions. Students can work with ECU’s specialised analytical research infrastructure and sophisticated instrumentation across areas such as mass spectrometry, electrochemistry, metabolomics, plant chemistry and environmental analysis. The program also develops high-level skills in planning, conducting, analysing and communicating scientific research.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

  • Independent research: Undertake a significant research investigation leading to a Master Thesis, supported by research preparation and proposal-development activities.
  • Analytical instrumentation: Access the Analytical Chemistry Facility, equipped with ICP-MS, ICP-OES, GC-MS, GC-FID/FPD, UHPLC, FT-IR, elemental analysis and isotope-ratio mass spectrometry systems.
  • Advanced chemical analysis: Gain practical exposure to instrumentation for trace-element analysis, organic-molecule analysis, stable-isotope measurement and chemical fingerprinting as relevant to individual research projects.
  • Research specialisations: ECU’s analytical chemistry research covers biomarker discovery, electrochemistry, forensic chemistry, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, plant chemistry, proteomics and environmental radiochemistry.
  • Spectroscopy research: The Spectroscopy and Surface Science Research Facility provides access to a purpose-built photoelectron spectrometer for advanced atmospheric-chemistry research.
  • Industry collaboration: ECU’s Analytical Chemistry Facility was established with a strategic alliance with Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia, supporting access to advanced research instrumentation and expertise.
  • Research facilities: Students undertaking relevant projects can draw on ECU Science facilities including the Analytical Chemistry Facility, Environmental Radiochemistry Facility, Metabolomics Facility, Proteomics Facility and Spectroscopy and Surface Science Research Facility.
  • Research communication: The course explicitly develops students’ ability to analyse, interpret and disseminate research, alongside collaboration and high-level scientific problem-solving skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Science by Research (Analytical Chemistry) at Edith Cowan University is designed for students who want to build advanced research expertise and apply analytical chemistry knowledge in research institutions, universities, and private or corporate industries. The substantial independent research project and thesis develop high-level skills in scientific investigation, communication, collaboration and research management.

Typical career roles: Research Scientist, Analytical Chemist, Research Officer, Laboratory Scientist

  • Career Services: ECU Careers and Employability provides free professional career advice, job-search support, CareerHub resources and employer connections for current students and alumni.
  • Employment support: ECU provides access to Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, including internships, placements, projects and consultancies that connect students with industry and community organisations.
  • Industry partnerships: ECU maintains industry partnerships across business, government, community organisations and large corporations. In science, ECU research has included analytical chemistry collaborations with ChemCentre WA, including research fellowships and forensic/analytical chemistry projects.
  • Professional development: ECU's School of Science has partnerships with professional bodies that can provide students with networking opportunities, industry events, resources, software access and professional qualifications.
  • Employment statistics & salary: ECU's official course information confirms employment opportunities across research institutions, universities and private/corporate industries; however, the university does not publish a specific employment rate or salary figure for this particular Master of Science by Research (Analytical Chemistry), so a course-specific figure should not be assumed.
  • Accreditation value: The qualification is accredited by ECU as an AQF Level 9 Masters Degree (Research), providing a recognised postgraduate research qualification and a strong foundation for further research study.
  • Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop the ability to investigate complex scientific questions, analyse and interpret research, communicate scientific findings and independently manage substantial research projects—skills that support progression into research and industry environments.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the master's, students can progress to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at ECU or another university, moving into a higher level of independent research and specialising further in analytical chemistry or a related scientific field. ECU's PhD pathway involves a substantial research project culminating in a thesis and can typically be completed in three years full-time. 

Program Key Stats

$42,850

Febr Intake : 1st NovJuly Intake : 30th Apr


61%
No

Eligibility Criteria

NA

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NA
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6.5
84
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Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Research Scientist
  • Laboratory Scientist
  • Chemical Analyst
  • Instrumentation Specialist
  • Quality Control Scientist
  • Pharmaceutical Analyst
  • Environmental Chemist
  • Forensic Chemist
  • Research Chemist

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