Physical Chemistry

Most chemical research involves synthesising and characterising new molecules. So basically, a trial and error system. This specialisation goes one step further: it aims at fundamentally unravelling the properties of molecules and materials. How do pharmaceutical molecules arrange in different forms and how does this affect their efficiency as a drug? And in what way does the molecular structure of a polymer influence the mechanical strength of plastics? We try to find the answers by developing theory and applying physical setups for advanced spectroscopic experiments, such as high magnetic fields, free-electron lasers and nuclear magnetic resonance.

Unique characteristics:
• Unlike at many other universities, all our physical and chemical Material Science departments are combined in one institute: the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). Therefore, collaborating is second nature to us.
• Radboud University hosts a large number of advanced spectroscopic facilities. As a Master’s student, you’ll get the chance to work with devices that are unique in Europe and even some that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
• We collaborate with companies that, for example, analyse complex mixtures such as biofuels, characterise hydrogels, and develop anti-caking agents for rock-salt.
• During the courses and internship(s), you’ll meet a wide group of researchers in a small-scale and personal setting: a good starting point for your future network.

Key courses: Advanced Spectroscopy; Materials Science; Physical Chemistry of Molecular Aggregates; Quantum Chemistry; Molecular Modelling.

A completed Bachelor's degree in Chemistry

An international degree has to be equivalent to a Dutch university diploma. The Examination Board will determine if an international student has the required knowledge to be admitted, and if the student is required to follow specific courses from the Bachelor's programme to eliminate possible deficiencies. Entering the Master’s specialisation in Physical Chemistry requires a Bachelor’s degree in:

• Chemistry
• Molecular Science
• Physics
• ... or equivalent, provided that you comply to the admission criteria below and belong to the top 25 percent of your class

Courses with ‘final qualifications’ compliant to general textbooks in the majority of the following scientific domains:

• General Chemistry: at least 3 EC from standard university textbook, e.g. Chemistry by Zumdahl (Cengage Learning)
• Chemical Analysis: at least 3 EC from standard university textbook, e.g Quantitative Chemical Analysis by Harris (Freeman)
• Organic chemistry: at least 6 EC from standard university textbook, e.g. Organic Chemistry by Bruice (Pearson)
• Inorganic chemistry: at least 3 EC from standard university textbook, e.g. Inorganic Chemistry by Housecroft & Sharpe (Pearson)
• Physical chemistry/thermodynamics: at least 6 EC from standard university textbook, e.g. Physical Chemistry by Atkins & De Paula (Freeman)
• Mathematics and physics: at least 6 EC from standard university textbook, e.g. College Physics by Serway, Faughn & Vuille (Brooks/Cole)
• Quantum mechanics/chemical bonding: at least 9 EC from standard university textbook, e.g. College Physics by Serway, Faughn & Vuille (Brooks/Cole)
• Spectroscopy: at least 3 EC from standard university textbook e.g. Fourier Transforms in Spectroscopy by Kauppinen & Partanen (Wiley-VCH)
• Solid state chemistry/physics: at least 6 EC from standard university textbook, e.g. Solid State Physics by Hook & Hall
• Experimental skills: at least 6 EC of practical courses on organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry and/or physics
• 30 EC of Chemistry- or Physics-related courses on third year Bachelor’s level

A proficiency in English

In order to take part in this programme, you need to have fluency in both written and spoken English. Non-native speakers of English* without a Dutch Bachelor's degree or VWO diploma need one of the following:

• A TOEFL score of >575 (paper based) or >90 (internet based)
• An IELTS score of >6.5
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a mark of C or higher

* Applicants are considered to be a native speaker of English if they are from Australia, Canada (with exception of Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, UK, USA or South Africa.

There are various scholarships available for studying at Radboud University. Some of the opportunities are described below. A full list, including detailed information, can be found on our scholarships and grants page at our website. 

Radboud Scholarship Programme

Open to a select number of excellent international students. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Orange Tulip Scholarship

Open to students from Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Indonesia, South-Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Instead of the institutional tuition fees, non-EEA students pay the legal tuition fees (€2,083 in 2019/2020). Visa and residence permit costs, liability insurance and health insurance are also covered.

Fulbright-Radboud Scholarships

Open to excellent American students. The grant will be paid in 12 monthly instalments of 1,050 euros. International travel and the cost of the residence permit will be covered, and an extra allowance of €1150 will be paid on arrival.

Sino-Dutch Bilateral Exchange Scholarship

Open to excellent students from China. Consists of a contribution of € 16,113 towards the total costs of one year of study or research in the Netherlands.

DIKTI-Neso Scholarships

Aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions in Indonesia who wish to pursue a PhD or Master's at a university in the Netherlands. A DIKTI scholarship includes allowances for living expenses, insurance, travel costs, tuition fees and more.

Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP)

Open to excellent Indonesian students under the age of 35. Involves a full scholarship.

Holland Scholarship Programme

Open to excellent students from Canada, America, India and Turkey. Scholarship consists of 5,000 euros payed at the start of study.

Dutch Student Finance

EU/EEA students and Swiss students under 30 years of age are eligible if they are working at least 56 hours per month in the Netherlands, or have been living in the Netherlands for five years or more. Dutch student finance consists of four components: a basic grant, a supplementary grant (depending on the parental income), a student travel product, and a loan.