Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Industrial Chemistry
The Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry at TUM Asia is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme delivered in Singapore, awarded jointly by the Technical University of Munich and the National University of Singapore.
Field of Study
Industrial Chemistry
Degree Awarded
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Study Mode
Full Time
Programme Duration
4 semesters over 2 years
Next intake
August 2027
Application Period
1 Oct 2026 – 31 Mar 2027
Delivery Location
Singapore
Awarding university
Technical University of Munich
National University of Singapore
The Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry is competitively designed to nurture the next generation of specialist engineers and enablers in the pharmaceutical, fine, and specialty chemicals industries. This joint programme builds a strong foundation in catalysis, inorganic materials, reaction engineering, and polymer chemistry, with a strong focus on AI-driven automation and sustainability.
Students will be able to specialise in three major pillars of industrial chemistry namely catalysis and petrochemistry, building and material science or an interdisciplinary combination of both. They will develop a profound knowledge of organometallic, advanced inorganic and polymer chemistry.
Catalysis and Petrochemistry
Building and Material Science
Interdisciplinary Combination
Times Higher Education (THE) 2025
Learning Outcomes
Awarded and developed by:
Career Prospects
Other career functions include:
- Research and Development
- Polymer Scientist
- Process Development Scientist
- Materials Researcher
- Industrial Chemist
- Product Engineer in Pharmaceutical,
Fine and Specialty companies
Success Stories
Jhanvi Madan
Class of 2024, Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry
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Programme Structure
The MSc in Industrial Chemistry, totalling 120 ECTS, spans 4 semesters over 2 years, comprising a combination of required, technical and non-technical elective modules (75 ECTS), a 3-month internship (15 ECTS), and a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS).
Curriculum
Required Modules
Organometallic Chemistry and Molecular Catalysis
The module covers the following topics:
- Introduction to Organometallic Chemistry
- Metal carbonyls complexes
- Metal alkyl complexes
- Metal carbene complexes
- Metal carbine complexes
- Carbon monoxide and synthesis gas chemistry
- Oxidation Catalysis
- Hydrogenation and related reactions
- Reactions of CC-unsaturated compounds
- Industrial application of alkene, alkyne and aryne complexes
- Laboratory experiments in organometallic chemistry
Reaction Engineering for Industrial Applications
The scope of the course module is to enable students to understand the fundamentals of industrial chemical processes. This includes the principles of reaction (micro- and macro) kinetics, thermodynamics as well as mass and heat balances, performance equations, and residence time distributions in ideal and real reactors. Based on these concepts, processes in petroleum refining and petrochemical processes will be introduced, which include: Basics of crude oil chemistry, thermal and catalytic conversion and upgrading processes, production and management of hydrogen, as well as basic petrochemical processes. Laboratory experiments in unit operations.
Polymer and Macromolecular Chemistry
The course broadly covers the synthesis, characterisation and physical properties of polymers. The course will introduce various methodologies employed for the preparation and characterisation of polymers, followed by the physical properties of a range of polymers. The synthesis methodologies include details of radical and ionic polymers. The characterisation part will discuss various methods used for the determination of molecular weight, detection of amorphous and crystalline regions. The physical properties involve understanding the mixing and phase separation behaviour of polymer solutions. Other topics such as mechanical properties, degradation and recycling of polymers are included to provide an overall perspective of polymers.
Inorganic Materials Chemistry and Heterogeneous Catalysis
The first part of the lecture will introduce various types of inorganic materials, describe structures and syntheses of various material types, descibe structure-property relationships, with special emphasis on metals, superconductors, semiconductors including also band structure theory, description of defects, electrical and ionic conductivity in solids. Characterization techniques for inorganic materials will include X-ray diffraction methods, and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The second part of the lecture provides the fundamental concepts of heterogeneous catalysts. The kinetics and thermodynamics of sorption and (catalytic) reactions on the surface sites will be introduced. The surface chemistry, the reactivity, and materials aspects of metallic, acid/base, and redox catalysts will be described, as well as the preparation and characterization will be discussed using industrially relevant processes as examples. Laboratory experiments in inorganic materials.
Industrial Chemistry Laboratory Course
Technical Elective Modules
Data-Driven Automation and Robotics in Industrial Chemistry (TUM)
AI-Inspired Green Construction Using Advanced Chemistry (TUM)
The module covers the following topics:
- Fundamentals of global warming – causes, effects, global strategies
- Contribution of construction & built environment to CO₂ emissions
- Fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) – concepts, major applications, market players
- Cement technology: how cement is produced, composition, chemistry, environmental impact
- Hydration of cement: chemistry, engineering properties of cement
- Application of AI to optimize cement properties and environmental impact
- Chemical admixtures for concrete: polymer synthesis, characterisation, effect on cement
- Classification of chemical admixtures: polycondensates, polycarboxylates, small molecules etc.
- Application of chemical admixtures in 3D printing of concrete using robots
- Future construction with robots: optimization based on AI
Drug Discovery Chemistry (TUM)
The module covers the following topics:
- Introduction to the drug discovery pipeline.
- Presentation of different families of therapeutic agents (anticancer, antibacterial and antiprotozoal).
- Drug formulation and delivery. Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics concepts and information on the drug approval process in different countries.
- The various topics will be presented also with the help of case studies from literature.
Chemistry in Energy Conversion (TUM)
Chemical processes in conventional and renewable energy conversion will be discussed. A brooad general overview is provided before the lecture will cover in more detail catalytic processes related to energy conversion. It will be discussed how sustainble energy supply systems are supposed to be reached based on the current state of the art. In detail, the lecture covers classical catalysis in (petro)chemical and syngas/biogas conversion, chemistry in solar cells, photoelectrocatalysis, catalysis in electrochemistry (electrolyzers and fuel cells), and gas-solid photocatalysis for solar fuel synthesis.
Reactor Design and Process Intensification for Sustainable Chemical Engineering (TUM)
This graduate-level course delves into the principles and applications of chemical reaction engineering and reactor design with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Students will explore advanced topics combining reaction kinetics (knowledge from the core module) and transport phenomena, applying these concepts to the design and optimization of chemical reactors within the framework of process intensification. The course emphasizes the integration of sustainability principles, focusing on reducing environmental impact, enhancing energy efficiency, and utilizing renewable resources. Key topics include catalytic mechanisms, reactor modeling and simulation, and scale-up processes. Students will learn to design various types of reactors, such as batch, continuous stirred-tank, and plug flow reactors, fixed-bed, moving-bed and fluidized-bed technology as well as microreactor technology considering economic constraints. The course will cover life cycle assessment (LCA) and process intensification strategies to promote greener chemical processes. Through a combination of lectures and case studies students will develop the skills necessary to innovate and lead in the field of sustainable chemical engineering. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to design and optimize reactors that not only meet industrial demands but also adhere to the principles of sustainable development, preparing them for roles in academia, research, and the chemical industry.
Industrial Bioprocesses and Technical Biocatalysis (TUM)
The module provides a broad overview of technically relevant biocatalytic processes. The main focus is on whole-cell biocatalysis from food to industrial high-value products. Both natural and recombinant whole-cell biocatalysis concepts / systems are covered in the course. After completing the module, students will be able to analyze the biochemical and bioprocess engineering principles of industrial biocatalysis in the field of biotechnological processes (enzymatic conversion, immobilization, processing of products) and apply them to related issues.
The course covers sustainability in the chemical industry, beginning with principles aligned with the UN SDGs and addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges. It introduces the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, metrics like atom economy and E-factor, and strategies for sustainable process design, intensification, and efficiency. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon footprinting are emphasized through case studies, alongside renewable feedstocks, bio-based processes, and catalysis approaches. Industrial bioprocesses, including applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, are explored with examples like citric acid production.
The course also examines solvent alternatives, waste minimization, process safety, and energy integration through renewable sources and electrification. Emerging technologies such as photochemistry, electrochemistry, mechanochemistry, and CO₂ utilization are discussed, supported by industrial case studies and guest lectures. Practical components include lab experiments, simulation software (SimaPro, GaBi, Aspen Plus), and a group project where students redesign a traditional industrial process for improved sustainability.
Modern Analytical Techniques (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Energy Storage and Conversion Chemistry (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Emerging Concepts in Drug Discovery (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Asymmetric Catalysis (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Advanced Inorganic Electronic Materials (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Advanced Organic Materials (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Applied Computational Chemistry (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Topics in Supramolecular Chemistry (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Crystal Engineering (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Advanced Organic Synthesis (NUS)
Please refer to the module description here.
Non-Technical Elective Modules
Business Administration
The module covers the following topics:
- Organizational forms of enterprises
- Financing instruments (equity financing, internal and external financing)
- Methods of capital budgeting (cost analysis, net present value analysis, internal rate of return analysis)
- Corporate valuation procedures (discounted cash flow analysis, multiple valuation)
- Methods and requirements of internal and external accounting (national and international accounting standards, origin and allocation of costs)
- Human resource management (forms of organizing, history of organizational research, human resource theories, motivational theories)
Production Planning in Industry
Since manufacturers are confronted with special requirements of their production processes, like cycles, by-products, batches and campaigns, which are difficult to handle nowadays, this module deals with ERP software packages (ERP = Enterprise Resource Planning). Concepts of material requirements planning, supply chain management (SCM) combined with basics in cost accounting will be explained. As a highlight a simulation model, based on modern simulation software, will be used by students to simulate production planning and achieve the ‘best’ production plan.
Innovation and Technology Management
The module covers the following topics:
- Innovation vs. invention
- Creating value through innovation
- Four forces of innovation
- Value to the customer and Hi-Tech Marketing
- Business system innovation and Service innovations
- Technological discontinuities, S-Curves and Scenario techniques
- Managing uncertainty and agility of enterprises
- Innovation, productivity and restructuring
- Venture capital, Start-ups and financing of innovation
- Innovation-driven economic cycles and Innovation impact on growth and jobs
Industrial Marketing
The module covers the following topics:
- Principles of marketing
- Marketing strategy and environment
- Creating customer value, satisfaction, and loyalty
- Information management and market research
- Analysing consumer and business markets
- Competition and differentiation from competitors
- Segmenting, targeting, and positioning
- Creating and managing products and services, brand management
- Pricing
- Marketing communications, marketing channels, and service P’s.
Modern Development in Industry
The module will provide insights in the core elements of Industry 4.0 such as: introduction to Cyber-Physical System, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies, information collection with intelligent sensors, industrial networking to connect the machines and processes together, Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for order management, production control and value adding to the complete supply chain management.
International Intellectual Property Law
This module will give a brief introduction to intellectual property rights, and focus on insights into general principles of patent law and international conventions governing the patent law. Current developments and criticism of the current patent law system will also be addressed. In addition, practical (legal) aspects of the commercialization of patents will be dealt with.
Project Management Principles
This module introduces the principles of Project Management which addresses the key aspects of the project management processes and frameworks for successful projects. The skills and understanding of principles of project management is a key for the project manager to lead, plan, and implement projects to help their organizations succeed by achieving the common objectives within designated scope, cost, and timeline. The module introduces tools, techniques, and frameworks used to engage effective stakeholders’ communication, monitor the project life cycle, and consistently develop the project with its deliverable. In this course, the student will learn how to initiate, manage, monitor, and then close the project. Basic understanding of predictive and adaptive approaches commonly used in various projects and various industries.
*Disclaimer: Modules available for selection are subject to availability. Unforeseen circumstances that affect the availability of the module include an insufficient number of students taking up the module and/or the unavailability of the professor. TUM Asia reserves the right to cancel or postpone the module under such circumstances.
Global Internship
Gain real-world experience through internships, where you can take an active role in securing opportunities at a company of your choice, anywhere in the world.
The internship programme is one of the hallmarks of all our master’s programmes designed to provide structured and supervised work experiences. Students complete a three-month internship with the industry or an academic institution of choice related to his or her field of study at TUM Asia.
Internship can be completed anywhere in the world.
Students are empowered and given the freedom to pursue internship in their desired fields anywhere in the world and explore the possible career pathways developed from their field of study based on their career goals and aspirations.
Our Students’ Internship Experience :
[Fabian D’ Cruz]
[Occupation]
[Class of 2022, Master of Science in Rail, Transport and Logistics ]
Master’s Thesis
A six-month journey that enables you to apply the best of your knowledge and skills acquired through course work and research assistantships
Through this guided learning experience, students work in collaboration with industry partners or other researchers on a project of mutual interest and gain the opportunity to publish manuscripts.
The master’s thesis is fully practical based. Theoretical frameworks or conceptual models can be occasionally used to guide research questions.
Admission Criteria
Applicants to the Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry at TUM Asia must meet the academic and English language requirements set by the Technical University of Munich and the National University of Singapore. Admission is assessed based on applicants’ academic background, relevant preparation in engineering disciplines, and supporting documentation.
Eligibility
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (completed in at least three years) and its equivalent in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry or in a closely related discipline with remarkable results.
Language Requirements
Required Test Scores
For more information:
- TOEFL (www.toefl.org): Recent score with a Minimum 88* for the Internet-Based Test (TOEFL code: 7368)
- IELTS (www.ielts.org): With academic IELTS result of at least 6.5
Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) Certificate Requirements
For applicants with a Chinese, Vietnamese or Indian university degree, an Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate is required.
For applicants whose native language or language of instruction from previous studies is not English, a TOEFL / IELTS score is required. For more information:
- TOEFL (www.toefl.org):
- IELTS (www.ielts.org):
IELTS
6.5
TOEFL
88+
For applicants with a Chinese, Vietnamese or Indian school or university degree, an Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate is required.
For more information, please visit here.Link
Fees & Finances
Programme Fees
Please refer to the programme fees and payment schedule below. Kindly note that programme fees are payable separately to TUM Asia and the National University of Singapore (NUS), in accordance with the payment schedule provided.
| Programme Fees / Payable to | TUM Asia | NUS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Registration Fee |
S$5,450.00 |
S$2,725.00 |
S$8,175.00 |
|
Tuition Fee |
S$29,975.00 |
S$23,435.00 |
S$53,410.00 |
|
Final Amount (inclusive of GST) |
S$35,425.00 |
S$26,160.00 |
S$61,585.00
|
Payment Schedule – TUM Asia
| Instalment | Due Date |
Payable Amount (inclusive of GST) |
|---|---|---|
|
Registration Fee |
Upon acceptance of offer |
S$5,450.00 |
|
1st Instalment |
15 July (Year 1) |
S$9,992.03 |
|
2nd Instalment |
1 December (Year 1) |
S$9,992.03 |
|
3rd Instalment |
1 July (Year 2) |
S$9,990.94 |
|
Total |
|
S$35,425.00 |
Payment Schedule – NUS
| Instalment | Due Date |
Payable Amount (inclusive of GST) |
|---|---|---|
|
Registration Fee |
Upon acceptance of offer |
S$2,725.00 |
|
1st Instalment |
Mid of 5th instructional week |
S$10,355.00 |
|
2nd Instalment |
Mid of 4th instructional week (Sem 2) |
S$13,080.00 |
|
Total |
|
S$26,160.00 |
- All fees quoted are in Singapore Dollars and are inclusive of the prevailing Goods and Services Tax (GST) imposed under the Singapore GST Act. The GST rate has been adjusted to 9% starting from 1 January 2024
- Tuition fees are subject to changes in Government Legislation or duly determined by the University Management. Students will be informed accordingly.
Additional Information
Tuition fees are also inclusive of:
- Matriculation fees at TUM, teaching and examination fees
- Lab materials and expenses
- Expenses for intercultural program, may include tickets for events and industry excursions
- Soft copy files of all teaching materials
- IT usage: Internet access
- Excursion and off-campus expenses for mandatory events
- Usage of all university facilities at TUM and TUM Asia
Registered students will be subjected to the following fees:
- Student Medical Insurance Fee (payable to NUS appointed insurance agent)
- Student Visa Processing and Issuance Fee (payable to Immigration & Checkpoints Authority Singapore (ICA)
Faculty
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