Master of Science in Chemistry Ruhr-Universität Bochum

The Master of Science in Chemistry at Ruhr University Bochum is a challenging two-year programme that allows you to create a personalised study profile, strengthening your interests and competencies for a successful international career.

The programme combines one of the most intensive hands-on laboratory trainings with top-level theoretical education, enabling you to develop and implement independent solutions to future challenges.

Entirely taught in English, the programme consists of both compulsory and elective modules. It includes both compulsory modules—such as Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Data Literacy—and a wide range of elective courses in areas like Analytical Chemistry, Theoretical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Functional Materials. By selecting courses according to your interests, you will build a unique competence profile and thus develop a distinct qualification for your future career.

Graduates typically pursue a PhD or start careers in research institutes, public service, or industries such as food, cosmetics, automotive, energy, and construction. Chemistry graduates enjoy excellent salary prospects compared to many other sectors.

• Compulsory lectures in physical chemistry, practical science and communication, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry
• Elective lectures in chemistry of material, advanced electrochemistry, bioinorganic chemistry, crystal engineering, medical inorganic chemistry, main group chemistry, green and sustainable chemistry, biochemistry, enzyme catalysis in organic chemistry, metabolomics for the discovery of new natural products and biomarkers, organofluorine chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, organic synthesis, concepts of molecular chemistry, modern organotransition metal catalysis, biophysical chemistry, concepts of spectroscopy, heterogenous catalysis, industrial chemistry, modern microkinetics, process in chemical production, computational chemistry, theoretical chemistry, biomolecular simulation, atomistic simulations with machine learning, theoretical spectroscopy, industrial computational chemistry, scientific programming methods for chemists, electronic and molecular structure theory
• Practical phases in the first two semesters in three in-depth practical courses and an advanced focal point practical in the third semester
• Master's thesis in the fourth semester (six months)

There are no mandatory internships in this MSc programme.

Six-semester Bachelor's degree in chemistry or a comparable course of study with a total of 180 CP, at least one third of which were obtained in practical courses

Students have to pay a social contribution fee of approx. 380 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket covering public transport in Germany (https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/re-registration-and-social-contribution).

Minimum of 950 EUR per month to cover personal and living expenses in Germany

Students with good academic achievements and a high degree of social responsibility can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium” grant. They will receive a one-year scholarship of 300 EUR per month from the Ruhr-Universität Scholarship Fund: http://www.rub.de/bildungsfonds/info-studierende/en/index_en.html.

International students can also apply at the International Office, e.g. for financial support during their final phase of study, such as graduation grants: https://international.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/scholarships?_wrapper_format=html.

The Career Service for International Students was established to support international students as they move from their studies into the German job market.

• Events & workshops: From networking events to online seminars – learn the best tips from career experts and meet start-ups from the region.
• Digital Career Guide: The Moodle course “Career Service for International Students” prepares you for starting a job in Germany.
• FIT4Job – Mentoring for Internationals: RUB alumni share their professional expertise and good practices 1:1 with you.
• Counselling services: Identify your talents and career goals in a personal counselling session. Our RUB Career Service team provides support in preparing application documents and interviews.

In the city of Bochum, you can find different types of accommodation. On average, students in Bochum pay approximately 400 to 800 EUR per month for a single apartment, which is below the average rent in Germany. A room in a shared apartment is usually less expensive.

About 5,000 students in Bochum live in multiple student halls close to the campus, which are run by the Akademisches Förderungswerk (AKAFÖ). In the halls, each student has a single room and shares a kitchen and bathroom with other students, rents an apartment with a private bathroom and kitchen, or shares an apartment with one or several flatmates. 

More information on the student halls can be found at https://studium.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/wohnen.

In addition, private and church-affiliated student halls accommodate up to 1,000 students: http://www.stuwo.de/wohnheim-region/bochum/.