master's degree Chemistry

Chemistry

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Chemistry

Program type Initial Training

Degree Master's

Graduate program(s) Chemistry

Domain(s) Fundamental Sciences

Discipline(s) Chemistry

Teaching language(s) English

Place Paris

PSL host school

Other PSL school(s) contributing to the curriculum

Description

Program

Admissions

Welcome to the Master in Chemistry of PSL University!
Supported by renowned schools and research institutes of the Graduate Program in Chemistry of PSL University - École Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Paris - PSL, ESPCI Paris - PSL , Ecole Normale Supérieure - PSL, Institut Curie, Collège de France - this master's degree explores advanced topics in chemistry and at its interfaces, in an up-to-date, integrative and transdisciplinary manner.

The Master's degree in Chemistry of PSL University will offer in September 2025 an expanded and updated curriculum with a general scope and high scientific level. Open to the world, this program will be fully taught in English. A modular design will allow students to personalize their curricula in the most meaningful way for each of them with disciplinary, transverse and interdisciplinary specialties.
The Master’s degree benefits from strong ties to the research in chemistry at PSL University, through the participation of top-level faculty, regular internship opportunities, in the schools and research institutes of the Graduate Program in Chemistry.
We are committed to train students to become high-level young scientists, empowering them to undertake the current challenges of fundamental research and of our societies. This master's degree will open the door to a wide variety of opportunities, from the preparation of a PhD to starting a carrier in the private sector.

Learning goals

This master’s degree in chemistry is entirely taught in English. It is a transdisciplinary track exploring advanced topics in chemistry, through a broad and “à la carte” choice of integrative courses based on the up-to-date research developed at PSL University. It is articulated along four major goals:

A broad training in fundamental chemistry with transdisciplinary courses exploring multiple fields in an unprecedented integrative manner. The track is structured around 6 topics: Molecular design and synthetic tools; Analytical and physical chemistry at all scales; Smart materials; Theoretical chemistry and modelling; Chemistry and life sciences; Mathematics and physics for chemistry.
A training to and by research through research-oriented classes (projects, seminars…), two long research internships and strong interactions with research laboratories. Research in the Graduate Program in Chemistry of PSL deals with applications in the domains of health, environment, renewable energy, cultural heritage and digital chemistry.
An opening to other scientific fields across PSL University.
An awareness in current challenges and opportunities, with the possibility to follow dedicated courses in scientific and technological innovation

Opportunities

This program leads to many opportunities, including but not limited to:

Academic research (PhD, path towards academic positions)
Private sector research, development and production
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Scientific patenting
Consulting

PSL PhD track in Chemistry - Applications open until December 12, 2024

Curriculum overview

The scope of the Master in Chemistry is broad and spans the core components of advanced Chemistry and many interfaces with other sciences. The selection of classes and topics for internships will allow master students to define a specialty for their Master in Chemistry, among: Chemistry and life sciences; Molecular design & synthetic tools; Analytical & physical chemistry; Theoretical chemistry & Computational modelling; Smart materials; etc.

Master Year 1

SEMESTER 1 (30 ECTS)

*Science courses (25 ECTS)

4 "à la carte" courses (5 ECTS each) to be selected among*
-   Molecular design & synthetic tools
-   Analytical & physical chemistry
-   Theoretical chemistry & Computational modelling
-   Smart materials
-   Chemistry and life sciences
* 1 “à la carte” course can be substituted by a course (5 to 6 ECTS) chosen in another curriculum (e.g. course from the Chemistry Master 2, course in other graduate program, etc.)
1 core course: Maths & physics for chemistry (5 ECTS)
1 Additional course in another graduate program for interdisciplinary training (upon approval)

*PSL week (2 ECTS): One-week opening courses on other scientific fields developed across PSL University
*Project (2 ECTS)
*Seminars (1 ECTS)
*French for foreigners (optional)

SEMESTER 2 (30 ECTS)

*Science training

Path A: 5-6 months research internship (30 ECTS) OR
Path B: 5-months part time research internship (minimum 24 ECTS) + extra courses in another curriculum (maximum 6 ECTS), on approval

*French for foreigners (optional)

Master year 2

SEMESTER 1 (30 ECTS)

*Science courses

Path A: 5 courses (6 ECTS each) to be selected among
-   Emergent activation methods, synthetic strategies and technologies in synthesis
-   Organometallic chemistry and catalysis
-   Design and Synthesis of Advanced Polymers
-   Biomass valorization
-   Chemistry for sustainable development and climate action
-   Materials for environment: CO2, depollution, pollutants capture, heat transfer
-   Emerging materials for energy: batteries, fuel cells, H2
-   Materials for optics
-   Actuatable polymers and soft matter: design and applications
-   Biomaterials and materials for the living world
-   Physical chemistry of polymers
-   Statistical mechanics and simulations for biomolecular systems
-   Data Science and AI for Chemistry
-   Theory of Chemical Reactivity
-   Modelling Materials
-   Probing, controlling, elaborating surfaces at the nanometric scale
-   Omics
-   New molecular and particle-based systems for diagnostics and therapeutics: from conception to applications
-   Key issues in modern analytical science and technology
-   Electrochemistry for Sustainability, Diagnosis and Global change
-   Magnetic resonance
-   Multimodal imaging with contrast agents for theranostics
-   Inorganic Chemical Biology
-   Dynamics of Biological processes
-   Chemical Biology
-   Fluorescent probes for advanced cell imaging

Note that each class may align with one, two or possibly three different specialties.

Path B: minimum 3 courses above + maximum 2 courses in another curriculum (to be validated by mentor)

*French for foreigners (optional)
*1 Additional non contractual course (upon approval)

The selection of classes (Path A and B) will be discussed individually with students.

SEMESTER 2 (30 ECTS)

*Science training

5-6 months research internship (30 ECTS)

*French for foreigners (optional)

Prerequisites

Master Year 1

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Chemistry, or in any science at its interface.
A C1 level in English is highly recommended (but not mandatory) since all courses are taught in English.

Master Year 2

Applicants must at least have completed the 1st year of a Master’s degree in chemistry or in any science at its interface.
A C1 level in English is recommended (but not mandatory) since all courses are taught in English.

Application procedure

& interview.

-In preparing your master's degree application (M1 & M2), please include the following:
Transcripts for each semester of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; Certificate of successful completion of Bachelor’s if available (+ M1 for students applying to the M2 year); CV; Cover letter explaining your interest in the program; Contact information for 2 academic references*; Certification of level of proficiency in English (not mandatory - TOEIC, TOEFL, etc).
*For an application in Master Year 2 (M2): 2 references -> 1 academic reference (from a university professor) + 1 from an internship or project supervisor (ideally experimental in a research laboratory or teaching laboratory). Alternatively, two academic references required.

-For PhD track application, please also include research project and statement of purpose. See details.

2025 timelines

Phd track in Chemistry: October 17 to December 12, 2024 (23h59 pm, CET time)
Highly selective and entirely taught in English, PSL PhD tracks are 5-year fully funded programs intended for high-potential students hoping to become top level researchers, in France or abroad. Through its PhD Track Grants, PSL will support outstanding students for the entire duration of their graduate studies, from their Master’s to the completion of their PhD. Given the very high selectivity of the PhD Tracks, it is strongly recommended that you apply for the Master’s degree in parallel if you are interested in both programs. More information
Master's (Year 1 or 2): January 14 to March 13, 2025 (23h59 pm, CET time)

- Tuition fees:

French and EU students: €250 /year (set by ministerial decree)
Non-EU students not benefiting from an exemption : €3,879 /year (set by ministerial decree)
Exemption request on individual application

- Student Life and Campus Fee (CVEC): €103 /year

- Institution of registration: École nationale supérieure de Chimie de Paris - PSL
- Degree issued: French Master’s degree delivered by ��̳
- Teaching location: Paris, 5th district, on the campus of the École normale supérieure - PSL, École nationale supérieure de Chimie de Paris - PSL, ESPCI Paris - PSL, Collège de France.