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Specialise in Chemistry for your Bachelor of Science at Massey
This is an exciting and challenging time for chemistry. Solutions to global challenges such as sustainability, energy supply and health and medicine will all require new materials and molecules. These will be developed by chemists.
The study of chemistry is fun, relevant and stimulating. Your lecturers are passionate, engaging and internationally recognised researchers.
Learn the fundamentals
The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Massey University will provide you with a foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry and how they underpin life and the world itself. Everything is chemistry! You’ll learn key theories and concepts, how they work and why they are important and relevant. You’ll get to apply these principles in the laboratory to synthesise new compounds and use analytical techniques to determine their structure and composition. This all takes place in a hands-on student laboratory where you’ll get to use start-of-the-art scientific instrumentation.
Real-world problem solving
Chemistry students have the opportunity to work alongside our world-recognised researchers on issues of international significance, applying their fundamental knowledge to solving real-world problems. For example, our students have developed new porous materials that can capture carbon dioxide to combat global warming; they have worked with veterinarians to develop new materials for controlled anaesthetic release, they have applied machine-learning methods for fast and accurate spectroscopic analysis of forage feeds and pasture types, and they synthesized new pharmaceuticals.
Graduates with Massey chemistry qualifications are able to combine their knowledge of the principles of chemistry with critical thinking and problem solving skills. In this way, they are equipped to make valuable contributions to important areas such as climate change, water quality and the sustainable use of resources.
Get connected
You’ll gain connections and experience with key companies such as Fonterra, Hill Laboratories and AsureQuality. Summer internships for chemistry students are available with research groups on campus, Crown Research Institutes, and local companies.
State-of-the-art equipment
You’ll receive training and learn techniques for instruments. These include:
- molecular analysis
- x-ray crystallography
- nuclear magnetic resonance
- FTIR
- Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy
- mass spectrometry
- ultra high performance liquid chromatography
- gas absorption and membrane testing.
A Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is a good fit if you:
- enjoy the challenge of problem solving and have an analytical mind
- are curious about the fundamental nature of matter and the world around you
- enjoy experimental science and synthesis.
Planning information
If you study full-time, in your first year you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
The first year structure is designed to provide you with a broad knowledge and skill set which will equip you to go on to more advanced courses in the second and third years.
You must pass at least 90 credits from the BSc Schedule A, including any compulsory courses, in your first 120 credits of study towards the Bachelor of Science.
Chemistry has similar first year core courses to several other majors available in the Bachelor of Science, allowing you to change your major before your second year. Changing your major may incur an increase in completion time.
100-level courses
Take these in any order:
- 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science
- 161111 Applied Statistics or 161122 Statistics
- 160101 Calculus or 160102 Algebra or 160105 Methods of Mathematics
- 123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems
- 123105 Chemistry and the Physical World.
Plus choose three 100 level elective courses. One of these electives must be from the BSc Schedule A courses. The remaining two electives can be from a subject area other than Science.
200-level courses in the major
- 123201 Chemical Energetics
- 123208 Chemical Analysis
- 123207 Molecular Chemistry
- 123271 Molecules to Materials.
300-level courses in the major
- 123308 Advanced Organic Chemistry
- 123307 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- 141395 Food Chemistry
- 123305 Contemporary Topics in Chemistry.
Minors
Completing a minor is optional. Minors increase the breadth of your degree. They give you extra knowledge, attributes and capabilities.
A minor must be in a different subject from your major.
A Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) with a minor
You may choose a minor from any university undergraduate degree that has recognised minors. If the minor is from another undergraduate degree, the regulations of that programme will apply.
Some BSc minors that are particularly compatible with chemistry include those shown below. Timetabling will prioritise these combinations to minimise clashes.
A Chemistry minor (for students who are studying a different degree)
If you are not studying a Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) and wish to complete a minor in Chemistry see the BSc regulations for the requirements of this minor.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Bachelor of Science
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Science core courses
Chemistry courses
200-level courses
Course code: 123201 Chemical Energetics credits 15
Molecular processes are inherently random and yet we can meaningfully predict the yield or the rate of a chemical reaction. In this course we discover that this apparent paradox is explained by the idea that although single molecules behave randomly, large numbers of molecules and atoms do behave in a predictable manner. We develop the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics from this idea and apply these principles to physical, chemical, biochemical and industrial processes. The lab course focuses on broadly applicable skills in measurement, analysing and presenting physical chemistry data, understanding sources of uncertainty in physical measurements and written communication skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123207 Molecular Chemistry credits 15
The world is built up from molecules. Viewing systems - from the human body to the newest satellite - as composites of molecules is a powerful approach to understanding the world. In this course we will deconstruct seemingly complex systems into their simpler molecular components. We will understand their structures and develop ways they can be synthesized from the ground up. This is a lab course focussed on making molecules which will build synthetic skills.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123208 Chemical Analysis credits 15
Determining the structure of matter and how much of it is present is the focus of analytical chemistry. In this course we introduce the chemical and physical principles that underpin modern analytical chemistry methods and illustrate how analytical chemistry plays a key role in fields such as forensic and environmental science. You will obtain hands-on experience with modern analytical instrumentation in the laboratory and use skills in handling chemicals and data analysis to solve problems in analytical chemistry. We develop skills in error analysis and scientific writing.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123271 Molecules to Materials credits 15
The chemistry of materials under-pins all chemical processing industries. This course facilitates a fundamental understanding of aqueous solutions, organic, inorganic and polymer chemistry relevant to material science, including soft materials such as gels and colloids. The laboratory training develops skills in a range of synthesis, separation and analysis techniques relevant to materials chemistry.
View full course details300-level courses
Course code: 123305 Contemporary Topics in Chemistry credits 15
We will discuss and analyse the grand challenges and breakthroughs of modern chemistry. This discussion will lead to an understanding of how and why chemistry is central to the most pressing global challenges. Topical questions will vary from year to year. You will learn how to critically evaluate sources of scientific information and present scientific and chemical concepts using different media and to a variety of audiences.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123307 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry credits 15
This course focuses on the structure, properties and reactivity of inorganic compounds with a particular focus on transition metal complexes. The laboratory training develops expertise in a broad range of experimental techniques that relate to inorganic chemistry.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123308 Advanced Organic Chemistry credits 15
This course focuses on recent trends and developments in the design and reactivity of organic compounds. It will introduce how a knowledge of organic reactions and mechanisms can be used to synthesise biologically relevant molecules, and will include organic and metal-based catalysis as well as heterocyclic chemistry. The laboratory training develops expertise in a range of organic chemistry experimental techniques.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123310 Advanced Concepts in Organic Chemistry credits 15
Computational aspects related to organic chemistry. Structure, reactivity, synthesis, retrosynthesis, structure determination by analytical methods. Mechanism of organic reactions and chemistry of heterocyclic and main group elements. An emphasis on the application of organic reactions to engineer molecules of interest in the chemical, biochemical and pharmaceutical fields. Lectures are complemented by an intensive laboratory experience.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123331 Advanced Physical and Computational Chemistry credits 15
This course applies quantum theory to molecular and atomic structure and spectroscopy. The use of symmetry in chemistry is explicitly treated. Statistical and dynamical theories are used to describe molecular behaviour and reactivity. Computational chemistry methodology is systematically applied to chemical systems. A course of practical work and a spectroscopy project complements the lectures.
View full course detailsCourse code: 123332 Advanced Topics in Chemistry credits 30
A project in an area of chemistry aimed at preparation for postgraduate research in chemistry. A selection of modules (4 maximum) covering areas of Inorganic, Physical, Environmental, Analytical and Organic chemistry.
View full course detailsCourse code: 141395 Food Chemistry credits 15
A practical approach to the physical, chemical, biochemical and functional properties of major and minor food constituents (water, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals, pigments, flavours, toxins) and food groups (dairy, meat, eggs and plants). Chemical and biochemical reactions causing deterioration in foods and some methods of control. A laboratory course.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this programme outside of university admission regulations. However there is some expected background knowledge.
Expected high school preparation
Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this major.
- At least 16 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics from the following list of standards: 91256, 91257, 91258, 91259, 91260, 91261, 91262, 91269.
- At least 14 credits in NCEA Level 3 Chemistry.
If it’s some time since you studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.
English language requirements
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Can't meet the entry requirements?
The following pathways will prepare you for studying this major. If you have not studied NCEA Level 2 Mathematics (or equivalent) take one of the following courses first:
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences.
These courses (or equivalents) are available in the summer semester and will count towards credits in your degree.
If you need to do a course before you start your programme, there may be options for you in Summer School.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Fees Free website.
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
As a chemistry graduate from Massey, you will be in demand - both in New Zealand and overseas. Your knowledge and skills can be applied to a wide range of settings including industry, business, research institutes, universities, polytechnics, and schools.
A huge array of companies in New Zealand employ people with chemistry degrees. These employment opportunities range from technical hands-on science to governmental and public policy development, in financial modelling and banking. Increasingly, entrepreneurial opportunities exist with New Zealand‘s scientific start-up companies.
Jobs taken up by recent graduates include:
- Food and brewing industries
- Environmental consulting
- Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries
- Chemistry of materials & paints
- Finance sector
- High school teaching
- Consultancy sector
- Analysis and forensics
- Start-up companies
Earn more
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates showed that those who complete a qualification in a science, agriculture, technology, computer science, engineering or mathematics field of study have high relative earnings after they complete their study compared to the national median. Earnings can be substantially more than other graduates.
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Plan your courses
View your course options and plan your study using our course planner.
Related study options
Chemistry – Master of Science
Join a group of like-minded scientists, passionate about scientific discovery and the positive impact chemistry can have on the world.
Useful planning information

Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz