Home » Industrial Chemistry

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Industrial Chemistry

Type of Study
Full Time

Application period
Now till 31 Mar 2025

Duration
4 semesters over 2 years

Next intake
August 2025

Credits
120 ECTS

Awarding university
TUM & NUS (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 balances a strong focus on classic inorganic and polymer chemistry with key aspects of chemical engineering.

Highlights

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

A blend of chemical engineering principles, organic and inorganic chemistry, and applied industrial processes, student are intensively engaged in scientific concepts of molecular and heterogeneous catalysis, petroleum and petrochemical process and the unit operations involved in the process.

Building and Material Science

An emphasis on advanced materials such as high-performance polymers, building chemistry and construction chemicals, students will learn in depth of building chemistry and construction chemicals, chemistry and engineering of materials as well as high-performance polymers.

Interdisciplinary Combination

Students learn the essence of both specialisations that enable them to approach complex challenges from multiple perspectives

19^th in Engineering

QS World University Ranking by Subject

26^th

World University Ranking

Times Higher Education (THE) 2025

~300

International Students Graduated

Learning Outcomes

Awarded and developed by:

Successful completion of this programme will provide graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully master the evolving challenges faced in areas of chemistry, chemical engineering and construction chemistry. Regardless of their specialisation, the graduates are able to use methods to improve chemical processes, reaction conditions, and existing synthesis methods by using alternative and more efficient reaction pathways.

Develop the necessary competencies to apply a wide spectrum of chemical principles and techniques to develop, construct and optimise chemical processes and products sustainably

Demonstrate capacity to engage multiple layers of chemical engineering, organic, inorganic chemistry concepts to optimise chemical processes for the sustainable production of materials

Develop an advanced body of knowledge to successfully master the challenges faced in the areas of chemical reaction engineering, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst synthesis and design.

Demonstrate expert knowledge of the complex interactions between organic and inorganic materials.

Develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to effectively apply theoretical knowledge in real-world applications.

Develop proficiency to evaluate and predict the macroscopic physical and chemical properties of the resulting mixtures.

Gain insights into business management and administration as well as marketing and international intellectual property laws.

Career Prospects

Graduates will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate independently in research laboratories, whether in industry or universities. Furthermore, graduates gain the essential skills to work in multinational companies and understand their complex structures.

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

Programme Structure

The MSc in Industrial Chemistry, totalling 120 ECTS, spans 4 semesters over 2 years, comprising a combination of pre-essential, core and elective modules (70 ECTS or 48 AUs), a 3-month internship (20 ECTS), and a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS).

Curriculum

Pre-Essential Modules

Business and Technical English

The module aims to teach students the technical writing techniques and to familiarise them with the different business communication styles such as:

International usage of the English language in technical communication, especially in academic writing
Writing of theses
Writing of technical and scientific papers
Writing of motivation letters
Giving effective technical presentations

Chemistry Lab Course

During the laboratory course, the students need to perform 6 experiments:

Inorganic chemistry experiments:
Complexometric titration of copper
Iodometric titration of copper
Identification of anions
Synthesis and separation of nitrophenol
Synthesis and purification of an alkyl-methyl imidazolium salt
Synthesis of Ag-NHC complex

Core Modules

Organometallic and Coordination Chemistry

The module covers the following topics:

Introduction to Organometallic Chemistry
Metal carbonyls complexes
Metal alkyl complexes
Metal carbene complexes
Metal carbine complexes
Industrial application of alkene, alkyne and aryne complexes

Chemical Reaction Engineering

The module covers the following topics:

Fundamentals of reaction kinetics
Reaction profiles (reaction coordinates and enthalpy)
Micro kinetics of reversible and irreversible reactions
Reaction networks (parallel, sequential and reversible reactions)
Rate determining step, stationary conditions and quasi equilibrium approximation
Transition state theory
Introduction to reactor design
Ideal and real reactors, complex reactor models
Mass and heat balances
Performance equations
Residence time distributions for ideal and real reactors Principles of sorption and catalysis
Introduction to catalysis
Macro kinetics – coupling transport, diffusion and adsorption with surface reactions
Elementary reaction steps on surfaces (heterogeneous catalysis)
Types of catalysed reactions (Metal, Acid – base, redox catalysis)

Polymer and Macromolecular Chemistry

The module covers the following topics:

Classification of synthetic macromolecules by properties, structure and reaction type (free radical, ionic and coordinative polymerisation as well as polycondensation); ideal and real kinetics of polymer formation
Molecular mass determination and molecular mass distributions
Process technology of polyreactions and processing of plastics
Reactor technology, discontinuous and continuous process control
Influence of process parameters on molecular mass distribution

Inorganic and Material Chemistry

This module provides a foundation for understanding the varying chemistries of the elements in the Periodic Table and the periodic trends in their physical and chemical properties, with an emphasis on inorganic materials. The module includes the descriptive chemistry of many of the most common elements and their inorganic compounds, integrating topics such as symmetry and structure with an emphasis on solid-state structures of metals, salts, and extended covalent systems. It also covers bonding models, reactions, synthesis, and characterisation of inorganic compounds, including the basics of crystallography. The class also covers an introduction to materials science. Topics include crystal structures, bonding, and physical properties (electrical, magnetic, optical, etc.) of materials, the role of defects and non-stoichiometry, and basic principles of materials synthesis. A focus is placed on the relationship between properties and crystal structure. The module provides an overview of material classes, ranging from classical to smart materials, including alloys and steel, semiconductors, energy storage and exchange materials such as ion conductors, thermoelectrics, and luminescent materials. Key synthetic methods are presented, including high-temperature reactions, chemical transport, chemical vapor deposition, hydrothermal synthesis, and related techniques. Additionally, the course includes a brief introduction to nanomaterials.”

Business and Technical English

The module aims to teach students the technical writing techniques and to familiarise them with the different business communication styles such as:

International usage of the English language in technical communication, especially in academic writing
Writing of theses
Writing of technical and scientific papers
Writing of motivation letters
Giving effective technical presentations

Chemistry Lab Course

During the laboratory course, the students need to perform 6 experiments:

Inorganic chemistry experiments:
Complexometric titration of copper
Iodometric titration of copper
Identification of anions
Synthesis and separation of nitrophenol
Synthesis and purification of an alkyl-methyl imidazolium salt
Synthesis of Ag-NHC complex

Specialisation : Catalysis and Petrochemistry

Molecular and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Carbon monoxide and synthesis gas chemistry
Oxidation catalysis
Hydrogenation and related reactions
Reactions of CC-unsaturated compounds
Structure of solids and solid surfaces (support materials for heterogenous catalysts)
Fundamentals of sorption and reactions on solid surfaces (physical chemistry of interfaces, principles of surface catalysis)
Preparation and characterisation of solid catalysts
Types and examples of solid catalysts and heterogeneous catalysis

Petroleum and Petrochemical Processes

The scope of the module is to enable students to understand the principal processes involved in petroleum processing, the interface between petroleum refining and petrochemical plants, and major petrochemical operations. This includes: basics of crude oil chemistry, distillation of crude oil, catalytic conversion and upgrading processes, thermal conversion and upgrading processes, production and management of hydrogen, and basic petrochemical processes.

Unit Operations

The scope of the module is to enable students to understand the principles and applications of unit operations involved in petroleum and petrochemical processes. This is aimed at providing skills in the following fields:

Viscous flow, including pipes and fittings
Total energy balance and application to unit operations
Flow through packed beds and fluidisation
Mechanical unit operations (sedimentation, centrifugation, filtration, particle technology, etc.)
Dimensional analysis
Heat transfer and heat exchangers
Thermal unit operations (distillation, absorption, adsorption, extraction, crystallization, membrane processes)
Industrial chemical reactors

Specialisation : Building and Material Science

Building Chemistry and Construction Chemicals

Chemistry of inorganic and organic binders will be covered together with details on materials such as:

Portland, aluminate cement, CaSO4 binders, silicons, epoxy resins, polyurethanes and latex dispersions.
Functional molecules, polycondensates, polycarboxylates, phosphonates, gluconates, sulfonated copolymers, biopolymers.
Silicate chemistry
Geopolymers, inorganic nanoparticles, polycondensates, polycarboxylates, biopolymers, core-shell polymers
Organic Nano particles

Material Chemistry and Engineering

The module covers the following topics:

Basics of polymer science: chemistry, synthesis, and characterisation of polymer admixtures for cement mortar and concrete
Various synthesis methods of different types of concrete admixtures, such as superplasticisers, accelerators, and VMAs, with particular emphasis on polycarboxylates
Analytical techniques, such as size exclusion chromatography, zeta potential, MALDI-TOF, and others
Analytical techniques and processing methods
Plastics, films/membranes, fibres, coatings, and adhesives
Waterproofing materials, heat-insulating polymer foam, and fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP)
Polymer latexes and re-dispersible powders used in construction applications
Major properties of polymer dispersions and characterisation methods
Polymer physics, interactions between colloidal polymers and cement, and their applications in mortar and concrete

Specialisation : Interdisciplinary Combination

Interdisciplinary Combination

For this specialisation, students are required to complete 3 modules from the following:

1 module from the Catalysis and Petrochemistry specialisation
1 module from Building and Material Science specialisation
1 module, which can be chosen from:
- Either of the two specialisations
- Non-technical elective modules

Non-Technical Elective Modules (Choose 4)

*Disclaimer: Specialisation and Elective 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.

Business Administration

This module provides students with a solid business foundation for the theory and practice of managing different forms of enterprises, focusing on the various financing instruments, capital budgeting methods, corporate valuation procedures, methods and requirements of internal and external accounting, and human resource management and theories. Through this module, students will be able to create a business plan and harness the suite of financing instruments to determine the profitability of investments and the value of firms.

Production Planning in Industry

Manufacturers face unique challenges in their production processes. Cycles, by-products, batches, and campaigns are difficult to manage with current ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software packages. Concepts such as material requirements planning, supply chain management (SCM), and basic 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 develop the ‘best’ production plan. The module covers the following topics:

Part A: Overview
Part B: Industries – Chemical, Plastics and PVC
Part C: The World of PVC
Part D: Production Planning – Introduction
Part E: Production Planning Process
Part F: Procurement Process
Part G: SAP & Enterprise Resource Planning
Part H: Simulation Theory and Simulation Models

Innovation and Technology Management

This module provides students with foundational knowledge in developing technologies and innovation by combining business theory with practical guidance. Through engaging in discussions on the dynamics of technological development through innovation and related management issues and practices, students will be able to proficiently navigate the various dynamics in technology- or innovation-based business environments. Students will also be able to demonstrate the principles of the primary four forces of innovation and identify the critical role that finance plays in innovation to lead to job creation and economic growth.

Industrial Marketing

This module provides a holistic understanding of the principles of marketing, where students gain comprehensive knowledge of marketing strategies and the marketing environment, customer value, satisfaction, and loyalty, as well as information management and marketing research. Students will also learn how to proficiently analyse consumer and business markets, compete and differentiate from competitors, segment, target, and establish a strong market position. In particular, students will explore the main pillars of marketing channels, including pricing, products and services, and learn how to manage a brand to create a competitive marketing strategy for any product or service.

Modern Development in Industry

The module will provide insights into 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 commercialisation of patents will be dealt with.

Paradigm Shift to Industry 4.0

The module covers the following topics:

Introduction to Industry 4.0
Core elements of Industry 4.0
Fundamental workshop on AR/VR and digital twins
Fundamental workshop on additive manufacturing
Fundamental workshop on collaborative robotics
Site visit and workshop on indoor vertical farming with disruptive technologies
Case study on Aquaculture 4.0
Site visit to the Competence Centre for Digitalisation, Technology and Innovation (CDTI) and the Advanced Manufacturing Transformation Centre (AMTC)

Cyber Physical Systems

The module covers the following topics:

Introduction to Cyber Physical Systems
Elements of Cyber Physical Systems and their importance for a smart production system
Communication networks and the physical systems within a single entity
Overview of technologies enabling connectivity, open communication protocols, and cooperation between systems in a highly digitalised manufacturing environment
Essentials of a digital representation of a networked Cyber Physical System
Cyber Physical Systems for advanced digital manufacturing
Case studies and discussions

Industrial Additive Manufacturing Quality Certification

The module covers the following topics:

Introduction to additive manufacturing and fundamentals of Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes
Current status of the industry and initial steps to AM production
Health and safety in AM
Quality and production management in AM
Risk assessment and management in AM
Industry standards in AM

Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Digital Twin

The module covers the following topics:

Fundamentals of AR/VR technology
Benefits of AR/VR applications in production environments to increase work efficiency
Hands-on exercises to access information about production operations
Considerations for AR/VR development
Virtual design and commissioning of a factory layout
Design and verification of a manufacturing process in a 3D environment
Human modelling and ergonomics

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 organisations succeed by achieving the common objectives within designated scope, cost, and timeline. The module introduces tools, techniques, and frameworks to engage effective stakeholders’ communication, monitor the project life cycle, and consistently develop the project with its deliverables. In this module, the student will learn how to initiate, manage, monitor, and then close the project. This module will also include a basic understanding of predictive and adaptive approaches commonly used in various projects and various industries.

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

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 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): 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

With academic IELTS result of at least 6.5

TOEFL

88+

Recent score with a Minimum 88* for the Internet-Based Test (TOEFL code: 7368)

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

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees are payable upon acceptance of offer across 3 instalments throughout the academic year.

Payment can be made through:

	Registration Fee	1^stInstalment	2^nd Instalment	3^rd Instalment	Total*
Payment Schedule	Upon acceptance of offer	15 July	1 December	1 July (of the next year)
Gross Amount* (before GST)	S$5,000.00	Payable across 3 instalments			S$45,000.00
Final Amount* (after GST)	S$5,450.00	Payable across 3 instalments			S$49,050.00

Total programme fee: S$49,050* (inclusive 9% GST)

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)