The Master of Science in Chemistry programme aims to train and produce graduates with highly marketable research skills and experiences in a wide variety of advanced chemistry disciplines, such as cosmetic chemistry; synthetic chemistry; materials & biomaterials chemistry; analytical & bio-analytical science; computational chemistry; environmental chemistry and chemical biology, to meet local, regional and global demands for R&D specialists in the industrial, commercial, and government sectors. Graduates are also eligible for pursuing higher research degrees in local and overseas universities and research institutes.

Applicants must satisfy the University's General Entrance Requirements and the following programme entrance requirements:

• a degree in a relevant science discipline such as Chemistry, Materials Science, Molecular Biology or equivalent;
  OR
• evidence of academic and professional attainments acceptable for this purpose by the University and the Department.

Note:

Preference will be given to applicants who are currently working in areas related to testing and certification services.

Applicants whose entrance qualification is obtained from an institution where the medium of instruction is not English should fulfil the following minimum English proficiency requirement:

• a score of 79 (for tests taken prior to 21 January 2026) or 4 (for tests taken from 21 January 2026 onwards) (Internet-based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)^@#; or
• an overall band score of 6.0 in International English Language Testing System (IELTS)^@#; or
• a score of 450 in the Chinese Mainland’s College English Test Band 6 (CET-6); or
• other equivalent qualifications.

^@ TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years. Applicants are required to provide their English test results obtained within the two years preceding the start of the University's application period. 'TOEFL iBT Home Edition', ‘TOEFL MyBest Score’, ‘IELTS Indicator’, ‘IELTS One Skill Retake’ and ‘IELTS Online’ are not acceptable. All TOEFL results must be sent directly by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) using CityUHK’s institution code 3401, while IELTS results must be sent via the IELTS Results Service e-delivery to 'City University of Hong Kong - Graduate School'.

^# Applicants with an IELTS overall band score of 6.0 or a TOEFL overall score of 4 will be required to pass an interview for English proficiency conducted by the concerned academic unit. Applicants with a comparable overall score of 79 or above shown on the TOEFL report may be exempt from the interview requirement. Interviews for other applicants may not be required.

New Stream from 2027/28 (Subject to Approval)

 - Cosmetic Chemistry Stream

Courses in the programme are categorized into Programme Core (required), Stream Core (required for “Cosmetic Chemistry” stream) and Electives (elective courses).  The Electives are divided into three groups: Group A (for non-stream), Group B (Common Electives), and Stream Electives. 

To obtain the award of Master of Science in Chemistry, students are required to take:

•    All 15 credit units of the Programme Core courses, and

•    15 credit units of Electives, including at least 6 credit units of Electives in Group A.

Students who concentrate on the Cosmetic Chemistry Stream are required to take:

•    All 15 credit units of the Programme Core courses; and

•    6 credit units of the Stream core courses; and

•    6 credit units of Stream electives; and 

•    3 credit units of Common Electives in Group B.

Group A (at least 6 CUs) – For Non-stream only

Group B – Common Electives

(Non-stream: Group A + Group B = 15 CUs; Cosmetic Chemistry Stream: 3 CUs)

^ Cosmetic Chemistry Stream students cannot select the same course as a Core course and an Elective.

CHEM6127 Dissertation (14 credit units)

• CHEM6127 Dissertation is offered to provide opportunities for students to strengthen and apply their knowledge for tackling research challenges in chosen areas such as catalysis, synthetic chemistry, materials & biomaterials chemistry, analytical & bio-analytical science, computational chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical biology, etc.
• CHEM6127 Dissertation will be taken in Semester B and the Summer Term for full-time students. (Semester B and Summer Term in the first year; Semester A and Semester B in the second year for part-time students.)
• Students enrolling in CHEM6127 must meet a minimum CGPA requirement in Semester A and obtain prior approval from the course committee and Programme Leader. If the CGPA requirements in Semester A are not met or if the quota is full, students will be assigned to CHEM6129.

CHEM6129 Advanced Directed Studies (6 credit units)

There are three possible durations:

1. Semester A and B 
2. Semester B and the Summer Term 
3. Semester B only (with approval and a CGPA of 3.4 or above in Semester A)

• Broad-spectrum R&D training in Chemistry and Molecular Sciences;
• Heavy research component, which aims to enable students to produce potentially publishable research results;
• Opportunity to participate in highly competitive research works;
• Participation in postgraduate research symposium.

Department of Chemistry
College of Science
Course Descriptions