Master's degree in chemistry
General overview
The Master's degree in Chemistry is offered by the Chemistry Department of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Montpellier. Our program strives to respond as effectively as possible to major societal challenges and industry expectations in key sectors related to chemistry and its branches, while taking into account their future development. The Master's program aims to provide skills in the latest developments in the design, synthesis, formulation, and advanced characterization of (bio)materials and biomolecules, as well as flavors, fragrances, and cosmetics.
Our training program also ensures that students understand the phenomena underlying their activities in targeted applications. To enable our students to specialize in a specific field of chemistry in line with local, national, or international chemical activity, we offer a range of specializations allowing them to focus on the following sectors: health, sustainable development and the environment, separative and nuclear chemistry, biomolecular chemistry and life sciences, cosmetics, flavor and fragrance engineering, and analytical chemistry and product and process control.
A research-based master's degree
Our training program is based on the nationally and internationally recognized scientific excellence of the research teams at four research institutes: the Max Mousseron Biomolecules Institute; the Charles Gerhardt Montpellier Institute; the European Membrane Institute; and the Marcoule Separative Chemistry Institute.
A shared master's degree
The master's program is shared with other educational institutions such as: Montpellier National School of Chemistry; National Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology; Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier University.
The routes
Biomolecular chemistry
This program offers multidisciplinary training in organic chemistry focused on life sciences. The curriculum focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and study of the biological properties of essential biomolecules such as nucleosides, oligonucleotides, saccharides, peptides, proteins, and biopolymers.
Materials chemistry
This program offers training that allows students to acquire skills in the fields of materials chemistry and its interfaces for research or in industrial sectors related to sustainable development, energy, health, and the environment. The program introduces the concepts and tools used in the design and development of various types of materials, their characterization, and their applications in the aforementioned fields. The training received allows students to integrate academic research with research developed in an industrial setting.
Separative chemistry, materials, and processes
This program provides training that introduces students to the concepts and tools used in solution chemistry, extraction and separation chemistry, development, and materials and process science, in the context of research and development activities, particularly in relation to the nuclear fuel cycle and the recycling of strategic metals.
Theoretical chemistry and modeling
Theoretical chemistry and molecular modeling play an increasingly important role in chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and materials science. This discipline of chemistry provides conceptual tools, qualitative models, and quantitative data that enable theoretical chemists to contribute to the development of innovative, tailor-made chemical systems.
Flavor and fragrance engineering
This program is a two-year professional training course, divided into four semesters, offered in partnership with industry, to train high-level chemists specializing in the flavor and fragrance sector, which has strong recruitment potential. The program is open to M1 students for apprenticeships and dual degrees with the IAE.
Cosmetics Engineering
The aim of this program is to train future engineers specializing in scientific fields relevant to research and development in the cosmetics and wellness industries. The program is offered as an initial training course with a 5- to 6-month internship per year, but also as a work-study program. Recruitment is subject to selection.
Materials science exploring large-scale facilities
This materials science program is part of international partnerships between partner universities, industry, and research centers. The program awards 120 ECTS credits and courses are taught in English. It covers R&D in functional materials in the fields of energy storage and conversion, catalysis, and thin films. It gives industrial partners access to cutting-edge characterization using large-scale instruments (neutron and synchrotron radiation).
Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development
The Master's degree in Membrane Engineering for Sustainable Development offers an advanced program in membrane science and engineering at the interface between materials science and chemical engineering, focusing on specific applications such as energy, food, health, and water. It is an Erasmus Mundus Master's degree.