Master of Science (Chemistry)

The Master of Science (Chemistry) at Griffith University’s Nathan campus gives students access to advanced laboratories, research equipment, and analytical facilities that support practical scientific investigation. Students can develop hands-on research skills through access to research-level instrumentation and specialised laboratory environments, particularly through Griffith’s Griffith Analytical Facility (GAF) and other science facilities at Nathan.

Students can build practical capability through research projects, scientific analysis, and use of specialised equipment, with Nathan also hosting research institutes and facilities that support chemical and related sciences. Key opportunities and resources include:

• Griffith Analytical Facility: A state-of-the-art instrumental laboratory offering research-level analytical instruments, method development, analytical services and training.
• Analytical instruments: Students and researchers can work with high-end instrumentation for elemental quantification, cation and anion analysis, and gas chromatography.
• Stable Isotope Laboratory: The Nathan-based facility provides advanced stable-isotope analysis, including carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur and hydrogen, supporting research across chemistry and related scientific disciplines.
• NMR Facility: Griffith’s research infrastructure includes NMR facilities at Nathan with spectrometers ranging from 400 to 800 MHz, supporting structural analysis and other advanced research applications.
• Science laboratories: Nathan provides cutting-edge science teaching and learning facilities where students can develop practical scientific and laboratory skills.
• Research equipment: Griffith’s research infrastructure portal lists extensive equipment at Nathan across chemical sciences, including analytical chemistry instrumentation, spectroscopy equipment and general laboratory facilities.
• Research environment: Nathan is home to internationally recognised institutes and research facilities, giving postgraduate students an environment closely connected with active university research.
• Library and study facilities: The Nathan campus library provides research, writing, referencing and study resources, with 24/7 access for secure after-hours study.
• Computer laboratories: 24/7 computer labs are available at the Willett Centre, providing additional digital resources for university study and research. 

The Master of Science (Chemistry) can prepare graduates for careers across chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, environmental consulting, chemical laboratories, food production, mining and scientific research. Griffith identifies roles such as analytical chemist, industrial chemist, research and development chemist, and quality control chemist/analyst as potential career pathways.

Typical job roles: Analytical Chemist, Industrial Chemist, Research & Development Chemist, Quality Control Chemist

• Career services: Griffith provides career counselling to current students and recent graduates, along with career-planning resources, job-application support, UniHub vacancies and an Industry Mentoring Program to build professional networks and employability.
• Employment & salary: Griffith’s chemistry career information reports 3,700 employed chemists, moderate future demand, and AUD $1,581 average weekly earnings, based on Australian Government Jobs and Skills Australia data retrieved in August 2024.
• Industry partnerships: Griffith Sciences works with global industry, local businesses, government and NGOs, providing internships, work-integrated learning and industry-based projects. Its partners include organisations such as Brisbane City Council, City of Ipswich, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast Health and Logan City Council.
• Professional recognition: Griffith advises students to check the degree-specific accreditation requirements of their intended profession and relevant professional accreditation bodies, helping graduates understand the professional value of their qualification for longer-term career planning.
• Graduation outcomes: Griffith participates in the Australian Government’s Graduate Outcomes Survey, which tracks graduates’ employment status, salary, further study and job readiness. Career support is available throughout study and for up to four months after graduation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Master of Science (Chemistry), students interested in advanced research can progress to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Griffith. The university also offers an Industry PhD, allowing research candidates to work with industry partners on real-world research projects while developing professional networks and industry-relevant expertise.