Master's Programme in Sustainable Chemistry

Sustainability - how to achieve and maintain it - depends on several complex factors where sustainable chemistry is key. Sustainable chemistry is a broad field that addresses and solves important environmental and climate change related problems.

Sustainable chemistry is the field that will accelerate and support a shift in industrial production of chemicals, materials and other products towards resource-efficiency with minimal or almost zero pollution.

The Master’s program in Sustainable Chemistry will equip you with the knowledge on how to assess chemical syntheses and processing routes. You will gain comprehensive understanding on how to design sustainable materials and chemicals and you will above all learn the fundamentals of green and sustainable chemistry.

As a student in the program you will start to grasp complex concepts such as chemical fate and toxicological effects on the environment and human health. At the end of our program you will be able to evaluate chemical syntheses and the production of materials based on UN’s sustainability goals, principles of green chemistry and life cycle assessment. 

The Master’s program will cover specific topics that touch our areas of expertise such as recycling, water purification, carbon capture and storage, sustainable organic syntheses, renewable materials, and energy conversion and storage. It will also provide you with the technical knowledge and laboratory skills to contribute to the development of a sustainable society and industry.

The Master’s program is taught by professors and experienced researchers in sustainable chemistry, together with industrial scientists, experts in toxicology, environmental law and life cycle assessment. To ensure you also aquire transferrable skills such as critical thinking and project management, regular teaching will be combined with problem-based learning sessions. During these sessions you will be challenged to evolve your creative thinking by working on real-life case studies.

The program will also will give you the possibility to dive into research in sustainable chemistry carried out at Stockholm University by active involvement in highly relevant research projects.

The master’s program is taught by professors and experienced researchers in sustainable chemistry, together with industrial scientists, experts in toxicology, environmental law and life cycle assessment. 

  • The program is 120 ECTS. 
  • The program consists of seven mandatory courses (for a total of 52,5 ECTS) and an independent degree project of 30, 45 or 60 ECTS.

Year 1

Year 2

Fall semester:
During the fall semester, students have the option to begin the independent degree project or choose to take 15 or 30 ECTS credits in elective courses.

Period A:
Electron Microscopy for Materials Characterization, 7,5 ECTS?
Period A-B:
Analytical Chemistry, Advanced Separation Methods, 10 ECTS and Analytical Chemistry, Quality control of the analytical process 5 ECTS?

During this semester, there is also an opportunity to study abroad.
Read more here!

Spring semester:
30, 45 or 60 ECTS independent degree project (the 45 and 60 ECTS master’s thesis starts in the fall semester)




Independent project

The independent degree project is mandatory to obtain a degree and graduate. It will give you the unique possibility of carrying out and being part of a highly relevant and cutting edge research project in sustainable chemistry at Stockholm University, or at another university/research organisation.

You apply for the program through universityadmissions.se

Eligibility:

Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, including at least 60 ECTS in chemistry. Also required is Swedish Upper Secondary School course English B/English 6 or equivalent.

Selection process

Additional eligibility criteria

Relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme and motivation letter. 

As part of the application for our Master's programme you will be asked to provide a letter of motivation. The letter is an important selection criterion and must be uploaded together with your application at the university admissions website.

Please answer the follwing questions, and add the document to your application on university admissions. We expect maximum of two A4 pages.

  • Your full name
  • E-mail address
  • The name of the masters programme you are applying to
  • A list of completed courses, including number of credits, which counts towards meeting the specific eligibility requirements for the program (please include courses not completed as well)
  • What inspired you to apply to this particular program?
  • Lab experience, this programme requires very good laboratory skills
  • Why are you a good candidate?
  • What do you hope to achieve with your degree?
  • What research questions interest you and how do they relate to the ongoing research at Stockholm University?
  • Upload this letter with your application on to universityadmissions.se


Study abroad
We offer exchange programs with partner universities in both Europe and beyond. Studying abroad is a great way to gain new perspectives and experience a different culture.
Read more here!

Erasmus Traineeship
Many students choose to go abroad to collect data for their project work. A traineeship abroad provides valuable international experience and can be a great boost for your career. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity during their studies.
Read more about Erasmus traineeship here!

Graduates of the Master’s program in Sustainable Chemistry will be the next generation of decision makers and other experts that will be needed in a broad spectrum of roles in companies, institutes, regulatory boards and governmental agencies.

It will also prepare you to continue with PhD studies toward an academic career.

The degree will also allow you to pursue a career in consulting or in start-up companies where a strong background in sustainable chemistry and scientific analytical thinking are required.

Master's students in Sustainable Chemistry, visit Camfil in Trosa

Program coordinator

Lennart Bergström, email: lennart.bergstrom@su.se

 

Chemistry Section & Student Affairs Office: chemistry@su.se