Chemistry is experimenting, researching and analysing. Do you want to make sure diseases are no longer life-threatening or solve murder cases based on DNA analysis? Do you want to create a better world? Then choose for the Chemistry degree programme.

From wastewater to medicines and plastics

You research the composition of substances and products and can analyse them down to the last molecule. From wastewater to medicines and plastics. For example, when suspicion arises that the groundwater has been contaminated, you can investigate whether this is actually the case.

Contributing to a better world

In addition to your investigative attitude, you are curious and like to come up with new plans. Would you like to work as a chemical researcher in industry, education or a research institute? The HZ Chemistry study programme will train you to become an analytical and accurate researcher who is able to contribute to a better world.

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Find out more about Chemistry at the Open Day on Saturday 23 November!

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This is Chemistry

The curriculum has a thematic design, in which research and experiments are central. In the first 2 years you follow a basic programme in which both the chemical and biological aspects are covered within each theme. In year 3, you choose for either the Applied Chemistry study track or the Life Sciences study track.

In the first year you learn to carry out experiments in the laboratory, interpret the results, plan follow-up research and communicate your results. This year the focus is on themes such as: Food & Chemistry, Biobased products & Technology and Health.

In the second study year, you work on topics such as: Forensic Science, Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology and Research & Sustainability. You develop the foundation to become a professional expert.

This year is all about your study track: Applied Chemistry or Life Sciences. You embark on the chosen specialisation and choose a minor or internship. For example, you can do an international internship, take courses at another university (pre-master) or conduct your own research or project in one of our research groups.

In the fourth study year, you work on various research projects at 1 or 2 companies in the Netherlands or abroad. In your graduation research you must prove you have reached the Bachelor of Science level.

In the Netherlands, the standard of higher education is maintained through an accreditation system that ensures legal regulation and quality assurance. All programmes at HZ University of Applied Sciences are examined and approved by the accreditor, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (NVAO). This means that they meet the quality requirements for accredited higher education set by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, ensuring that you are always choosing a programme of high standard.

Study tracks

In the Chemistry programme you have plenty of room to choose a study route that suits you. We offer 2 different study routes:

Life Sciences

Understanding human diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, autoimmunity and infectious…

Applied Chemistry

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drawn up by the UN, are guidelines for a sustainable…

What our students say

Do you want to know how students experience the Chemistry programme? Read it in their own story.

HZ-student Helé is posing in the Joint Research Center Zeeland
About the programme
Helé, Chemistry student

After graduating, I plan to work in areas related to green chemistry.

Read the full story from Helé
Daria, Chemistry student, sitting on the stairs in front of a beach restaurant
About the programme Study at HZ
Daria, Chemistry Student

HZ was the offered the most diversity in their programme

Read the full story from Daria
Student Nally in Istanbul
About the programme
Nally, Chemistry Student

The most valuable part of my studies are the practical lessons.

Read the full story from Nally

Chemistry in 3 years

With your pre-university diploma you can qualify for the 3-year track of the Chemistry programme if you meet the admission requirements. Your diploma must be equal to the Dutch VWO diploma (e.g. the International Baccalaureate diploma). The diploma must, at a minimum, contain the subjects chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics.

You start in the second year of the programme. You may have to catch up on subjects from the first year that you have missed. In the third year (your second year) you do an internship and follow a minor of your choice in the Netherlands or abroad. In your final study year, you further deepen your knowledge and skills in your chosen field through projects and lectures, and you carry out a graduation research in the professional field.

After the three year track you can choose a Master. Depending on the Master of your choice, you may have to follow a transition year prior to starting the Master's Programme. Depending on the Master, you obtain both your bachelor and Master diploma in five or six years. The professional field will welcome you when you have both diplomas.

Do you want to know more about the 3-year track and whether you are eligible? Enquire at the programma via e-mail.

When you subscribe for the HZ Chemistry programme you will be invited for a study choice interview. In the interview you can indicate that you want to be eligible for the 3-year track. Subsequently, a motivation interview will be planned with a study coach from the programme.

Essential info

Applying

Have you made your choice? Read all about our application procedure.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the Chemistry programme, you need:

  • A qualification equivalent to a Dutch secondary education diploma, which gives you access to higher education.
  • Chemistry and mathematics. Biology would be an advantage.
  • A good command of written and spoken English. Your level of English should be equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0.

Read more about the admission and language requirements.

Location

From February 2023 you will follow the programme at the HZ location Groene Woud in Middelburg. You will work in the laboratories and do research in the adjoining JRCZ.

Alternative entrance exam

If you don’t have the appropriate secondary school diploma, and if you are at least 21 years old, you may be exempted from this requirement. The HZ provides the possibility of taking an alternative entrance exam.

Course description

Read more detailed course information in our Academic and Examination Regulation.

Fees and finances

Next to the tuition fees and cost of living there are extra costs for your study programme (study material and books). In the first year these costs are approximately €350,- in year 2, 3 and 4 the costs are €90,- per year. Also you will regularly have an activity or excursion. These costs are about €85,- per year.

Read more about the fees and finances here.

Pre-arrival information and studying in The Netherlands

Visa, health insurance, accommodation and a Dutch bank account. You need to arrange quite some things when you decide to study abroad. Read all about it here. And what it's like to study in the Netherlands? And what is Middelburg like? Read all about Zeeland, the Netherlands and HZ.

3-year track

This study programme offers a 3-year track for excellent students. After completion of the study programme, you hold a Bachelor of Science of 180 ECTs. Admission to this programme depends on your preliminary education. To be eligible, you would need a secondary education diploma that is equivalent to the Dutch VWO diploma, an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma or Abitur, 3 A-levels. The study coordinator will decide on your admission in this 3-year track after having reviewed your records.

Contact

Do you have any questions or do you need more information about the study programme? Please contact us: study@hz.nl.

After graduation

Congratulations, you're now graduated! From now on you may use the title ‘Bachelor of Science’.

Did you participate in the Honours Programme? You will get an extra certificate with your diploma

Job prospects are excellent: the chemical sector desperately needs for well-trained men and women. You can work in many professions, such as:

  • Chemical-physical analyst
  • Research analyst
  • Researcher (R&D)
  • Environmental consultant
  • Laboratory manager
  • Technical education assistant
  • Lecturer in Biology or Chemistry
  • Sales representative for chemical equipment

Do you want to continue studying after the Chemistry bachelor degree? Then there are several options. For example, you can start a master’s track at various universities through a bridging programme, such as:

  • Master Analytical Sciences
  • Master of Science in Chemistry
  • Master Molecular Sciences
  • Master in Molecular Life Sciences
  • Master of Medical Biology

Study in The Netherlands

Are you thinking of studying in the Netherlands? An excellent choice! We tell you why in our brochure.

Projects during the programme

During projects and assignments you often work for real clients. In this way, your study programme fits in well with your future work. Curious about what kind of projects you will be doing? Check it out below!

Joint Research Center Zeeland: a unique research institute

The Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ) is a brand new research institute located next to the HZ…

Brew your own seaweed beer!

In the first year of your Chemistry study, you will start working directly with beer based on…

Fermented tea production

Chemistry students, together with the research group ''Marine Bio based Specialties'', have helped…

Food packaging

The majority of plastic packaging is single-use, is therefore thrown away and not recycled. This is…

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