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Studies & Degrees in Applied Chemistry

Applied chemistry uses the principles of chemistry to solve practical problems: making and testing materials, medicines, food, fuels and consumer products, and monitoring water, air and soil. It rests on the same foundations as a general chemistry degree (analytical, physical, inorganic and organic chemistry) but puts more weight on laboratory practice, instrumental analysis, industrial processes and work placements.

Students spend a large share of their time in the laboratory. They learn to plan experiments, handle instruments, interpret results and work safely. Many programmes add subjects from neighbouring fields such as biotechnology, environmental science, materials or chemical engineering. At HZ University of Applied Sciences, for example, second-year topics include forensic science, environmental chemistry and toxicology, and research and sustainability.

Qualifications and levels

Applied chemistry is offered under that name at several levels, and as a track or specialisation inside a chemistry degree.

  • Two-year diploma: the Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology diploma at Camosun College in Canada takes two years and includes a co-op or internship option. It prepares students for laboratory work or for transfer into the third year of a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biochemistry or microbiology.
  • Bachelor's degree at a university of applied sciences: the Chemistry bachelor's degree at HZ University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands takes four years, is taught in English and has two study tracks, Applied Chemistry and Life Sciences. In the fourth year students carry out research projects at one or two companies.
  • Bachelor's degree (grado) in Spain: the subject is normally studied through the official degree in Chemistry. At the Universidad de La Laguna the Grado en Química has 240 ECTS credits and lasts four years.
  • Integrated master's degree: the MSci in Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland runs over five years of study and combines chemistry with chemical engineering. It is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry as meeting the educational requirement for Chartered Chemist.
  • Master's degree and doctorate: graduates can continue with a master's degree in a specialised area and a PhD, which is the usual route into research.

Where to study it

SpainExchange lists 17 active schools for applied chemistry. Spain has four, and Canada, the United States, China and the United Kingdom two each. The Netherlands, Finland, India, Eswatini and Bermuda have one each.

In Spain the listed universities are the Universidad de Almería, the Universidad de La Laguna, the Universitat Jaume I and the Universidad de León. In Canada the subject appears at Camosun College in Victoria and at the University of Calgary. In the United Kingdom the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow has a Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, and in the Netherlands HZ University of Applied Sciences teaches its programme in Middelburg. In Finland the University of Jyväskylä is listed.

The language of instruction follows the country, with exceptions such as the English-taught bachelor's degree at HZ. Camosun College states that its diploma is open to international students. When comparing programmes, look at the number of laboratory hours, whether a placement in industry is part of the degree, and whether the degree is accredited by a professional body.

Careers

Applied chemists work in quality control and analytical laboratories, in research and development, in production plants and in environmental monitoring. HZ University of Applied Sciences lists roles such as chemical-physical analyst, research analyst, researcher (R&D), environmental consultant and laboratory manager. Camosun College mentions laboratories linked to biomedical and health-related biotechnology, forestry, fisheries, mining, agriculture, oceanography and the environment. The University of Strathclyde describes its graduates as able to turn small-scale laboratory practice into industrial-scale chemical operations.

In the United States, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counted 93,500 jobs for chemists and materials scientists in 2025 and projects growth of 7 percent from 2025 to 2035. It notes that a master's degree or PhD may be needed for some jobs, such as research positions. For chemical technicians, who carry out laboratory tests, the BLS counted 60,000 jobs in 2025 and gives an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between chemistry and applied chemistry?

Both cover the same core areas. Applied chemistry gives more room to laboratory techniques, industrial processes and placements, and less to theory for its own sake.

How long does it take to study applied chemistry?

It depends on the qualification. The diploma at Camosun College takes two years, the bachelor's degree at HZ University of Applied Sciences four years, and the Grado en Química at the Universidad de La Laguna four years (240 ECTS credits).

Can I study applied chemistry in English in continental Europe?

Yes. The Chemistry bachelor's degree at HZ University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands is taught in English and has an Applied Chemistry track.

Do I need a master's degree to work as a chemist?

Not always. According to the BLS, chemists typically need at least a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree or PhD may be needed for some jobs, such as research positions.