Postgraduate Degrees in Chemistry

The School of Chemistry is one of the largest Chemistry Departments in Australia with a strong record of achievement and an international research reputation. There are currently over 100 postgraduate students undertaking research towards doctorate and masters degrees, from both Australia and many overseas countries. All students have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and work in newly renovated laboratories and offices throughout the School.

The School offers postgraduate programs in the broad areas of:

Biological and Medicinal Chemistry

Synthesis, Catalysis and Materials

Polymer and Colloid Chemistry

Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

Supramolecular Chemistry

Reaction Dynamics and Kinetics

Chemical Spectroscopy

Chemical Education

leading to the following degrees :

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): This is a research degree awarded for a thesis considered to be a substantially original contribution in Chemistry and is available to candidates who hold a Master's or Bachelor's degree with First or Second Class Honours from the University of Sydney or an equivalent 4 year qualification from another University which involved a substantial research thesis. The maximum length of candidature is 4 years.

Master of Science (MSc): Candidates with First or Second Class Honours in Chemistry or a related field, from the University of Sydney or an equivalent 4 year qualification from another University which involved a substantial research thesis are eligible to enrol in a Masters degree by research. The maximum period of candidature is 2 years.

In addition, the following full-fee paying course is available:

Graduate Diploma in Science: This degree serves as an entry qualification for an MSc or a PhD for students who have only completed a 3 year Pass degree or equivalent. The diploma consists of work equivalent to that carried out by candidates enrolled in fourth year courses. For further information click here.

Please note that the School does not offer postgraduate coursework programs.

The program for which you should apply depends on the stage you are at in your academic career. Research experience is mandatory for entry into a research degree such as the Doctor of Philosophy or Master of Science programs, normally through completion of an Honours research year which has included a written thesis. If you have not completed an Honours research year, we recommend the Graduate Diploma of Science which is an Honours-equivalent year.

The procedures to follow in order to apply for candidature for one of these degrees vary according to whether you are a Local student (i.e.an Australian citizen including dual citizen, New Zealand citizen including dual citizen or permanent resident of Australia) or an International student. Please follow the links appropriate to you.

Future Local Students:

1. Find a research project and talk to potential supervisors in the School;

2. Apply for scholarships to fund your candidature;

3. Complete an application for candidature.

Future International Students:

1. Find a research project and talk to potential supervisors in the School;

2. Apply for scholarships to fund your candidature;

3. Complete an application for candidature.

Further information can be obtained from our Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr Ron Clarke, at the following email address: r.clarke@chem.usyd.edu.au