Postgraduate Study in Chemistry
Making, measuring, understanding.
Chemistry is so much a part of our lives, sometimes we don’t even notice it. It’s at the heart of cooking and eating, breathing and seeing, the clothes we wear and the materials we use to construct our environment.
While studying Chemistry at Otago, you’ll look at how chemicals interact with each other, with light, and with the environment; how to synthesise novel materials and measure trace amounts of pollutants. Research interests in the Department of Chemistry include nanotechnology and marine chemistry, the development of smart polymers and anti-cancer drugs. Chemistry enables change in our world – in medicine, technology and the environment. Study Chemistry at Otago, and be part of it!
Why study Chemistry?
Chemistry is the science of matter; it's so fundamental it's been called the central science. Studying Chemistry will help you develop an understanding of how the universe works. You'll learn how to synthesise new chemicals that could have a profound effect on people's lives. You could assist with the discovery of new drugs, agrochemicals, catalysts and sources of energy, and gain a highly transportable and internationally recognised qualification in Chemistry. Studying Chemistry at Otago means you'll acquire problem-solving skills within a chemical framework.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Chemistry as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, Master’s, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a Master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (MSc)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate Qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
CHEM papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM111 | 2025 | Chemistry: Molecular Architecture | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHEM150 | 2025 | Concepts in Chemistry | 18 points | Summer School |
| CHEM191 | 2025 | The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health | 18 points | Summer School, Semester 1 |
| CHEM201 | 2025 | Physical Chemistry 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHEM202 | 2025 | Organic Chemistry 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHEM203 | 2025 | Main Group and Coordination Chemistry | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHEM205 | 2025 | Biological and Medicinal Chemistry 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHEM206 | 2025 | Analytical Chemistry 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHEM301 | 2025 | Physical Chemistry 2 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHEM302 | 2025 | Organic Chemistry 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHEM303 | 2025 | Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHEM305 | 2025 | Biological and Medicinal Chemistry 2 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| CHEM306 | 2025 | Analytical Chemistry 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| CHEM371 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| CHEM390 | 2025 | Introduction to Independent Research and Methods | 18 points | Full Year |
| CHEM461 | 2025 | Topics in Advanced Chemistry | 20 points | Full Year |
| CHEM462 | 2025 | Topics in Advanced Chemistry | 20 points | Full Year |
| CHEM463 | 2025 | Topics in Advanced Chemistry | 20 points | Full Year |
| CHEM464 | 2025 | Topics in Advanced Chemistry | 20 points | Full Year |
| CHEM480 | 2025 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year |
| CHEM490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year |
| CHEM495 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year |
Contacts
Department of Chemistry
Email chemistry@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/chemistry
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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