Postgraduate Chemistry –
Extend your knowledge and skills in the science of matter with postgraduate study in Chemistry.
Study Chemistry at an advanced level and improve your career prospects. You’ll deepen your knowledge of your areas of interest, choosing from a variety of courses and special topics. In postgraduate Chemistry, you can pursue your fascination with organic and inorganic chemistry, advanced applications of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), atmospheric chemistry, nano-structured materials, or electron microscopy.
World-class facilities
With its combined expertise in chemistry and physics, the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences has research experience in many areas and particular strengths in materials science and nanotechnology. You’ll work with internationally recognised staff who publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals.The Ferrier Research Institute is a friendly team of specialist chemists and postgraduate students based in Kelburn and in Gracefield, Lower Hutt. The Institute has an international reputation for excellence in chemical synthesis, chemical biology, and polysaccharide and analytical chemistry. Students work closely with academic and commercial staff to solve real-world problems with the latest techniques and technologies.
Advance your laboratory skills and expertise using state-of-the-art research equipment and modern laboratory facilities. Make use of the NMR spectrometers, ultrafast lasers, electron microscope suite, cleanroom fabrication facility, and other specialist laboratories and equipment.
Available qualifications
Number 1
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is ranked first in New Zealand for research quality in Chemistry.
Collaborate for success
The School of Chemistry and Physical Sciences has close links with the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research on campus, as well as with Crown Research Institutes nearby. This puts you at the heart of Wellington’s vibrant science scene. You might have your research project co-supervised by scientists from these institutes and benefit from their expertise and facilities.
And strong relationships with a wide range of technology companies—such as New Zealand Pharmaceuticals, Toshiba, and Magritek—mean the results of your research may be picked up by industry.
Get the benefit of the international expertise and connections that come from the School’s numerous research collaborations with leading universities and laboratories in the United States, Europe, and Asia—many involving exchange visits by staff and students.
Research topics
The School has an active culture of research. Current topics include:
- Organic, bio-organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry (including total synthesis)
- Marine natural products chemistry
- Materials chemistry and ceramics
- Molecular self-assembly and liquid crystals
- Environmental analytical chemistry
- Nanotechnology—synthesis, characterisation and novel applications
- Main group chemistry
- Computational studies of the electronic structure of compounds
- Organometallic chemistry
- Ultrafast optical spectroscopy
Find out more about the research expertise of the Chemistry staff.
Careers
Postgraduate Chemistry students move into a range of jobs in a large number of different industries and research organisations. Depending on your qualification, you might work as an analytical chemist, industrial chemist, laboratory technician, quality control scientist, or product development chemist. Or you might go into related fields such as teaching, science writing, or patent law.
Your chemistry skills will be in demand in industries ranging from food and wine production to cosmetics companies to Crown Research Institutes.
Community
Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff, and future colleagues.
Along with state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll also get access to dedicated postgraduate workspaces.
Take opportunities to attend events and social functions and present to seminars. You’ll also be encouraged to attend and participate in national and international conferences.
The Postgraduate Students’ Association can give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
Study in the creative and scientific capital of New Zealand. As well as hosting the country’s largest scientific community, Wellington offers a myriad of cultural and recreational opportunities. Compact and easy to get around, it’s a great place to live.
Scholarships
There are several scholarship available to Chemistry students including the Curtis-Gordon Research Scholarships for PhD, Masters and Honours students. You can look for other scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Tutoring
You can apply to work as a tutor or demonstrator in undergraduate laboratory classes and for work marking 100-level assignments.