Economic Chemistry, Master of Science

Part-time program @ Fresenius University of Applied Sciences 

👉 The part-time Master’s programme in Industrial Chemistry (M.Sc.) at Hochschule Fresenius is designed for individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related fields, as well as professionally qualified persons with relevant experience. The five-semester course combines chemical-technical expertise with business management skills, including topics such as innovation management, strategic complexity management, and sustainable management. Teaching is primarily conducted virtually, supplemented by block weeks on campus, allowing good compatibility between work, study, and family life. Graduates are awarded the state-recognised Master of Science degree and are qualified for leadership positions in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry.

At a Glance

🏫 University Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Idstein (Germany)
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
🎓 Field of Study Natural Sciences
📜 Degree Master of Science (M.Sc.)
⏳ Duration 5 Semesters
🎯 ECTS 120 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Quality and project management, business administration for scientists, sales, personnel and organizational development, ecological economics, crisis communication, business simulation, controlling, academic research, intercultural management, innovation and change management, business development, process optimisation, current research topics, practical professional transfer (BPT), final thesis & defence
📍 Location Online-Campus
📅 Enrollment Winter semester
💶 Fees
from 630 € monthly
from 19150 € total
🔗 More Info https://www.hs-fresenius.de

Who is the part-time Master's programme in Industrial Chemistry suitable for?

The Master's degree programme in Industrial Chemistry (M.Sc.) is aimed at professionals and graduates who want to pursue a career at the interface of chemistry and business. The programme is particularly suitable for specialists from the chemical-pharmaceutical industry seeking to acquire advanced management skills, as well as for Bachelor graduates in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Chemistry or related natural sciences who have an interest in entrepreneurial and economic issues. Professionals with relevant vocational training and several years of work experience in the scientific field can also gain access through the continuing education option.

What admission requirements must you meet?

Admission is possible via several routes, depending on your prior education:

  • Direct consecutive Master’s: Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Chemistry or a related natural science subject.
  • Continuing education Master’s for graduates: Bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS in a suitable subject and at least one year of relevant professional experience.
  • Access for professionally qualified applicants (without a Bachelor's degree):
    • Higher education entrance qualification pursuant to § 60 Hessisches Hochschulgesetz,
    • completed vocational training (e.g. CTA, chemical laboratory technician, chemical technician),
    • at least two years of relevant work experience after completing training,
    • passed university-specific aptitude test.
  • Exceptions:
    At least one year of relevant professional experience can be credited towards the module “Professional Practical Transfer”, which may potentially shorten your study duration.

You should have a strong interest in the combination of scientific content with business and management-related issues. Analytical thinking skills, enthusiasm for practical application of knowledge—especially in real case studies—initiative, and willingness to work interdisciplinarily are expected.

Initial professional experience in the chemical or pharmaceutical industry as well as the ability to structure complex processes and work scientifically are advantageous. For part-time study, a high degree of self-organisation and time management is required.

Study Content in Detail

In the Master's programme in Industrial Chemistry, you will learn to combine economic knowledge with chemical-technical expertise. The programme is practice-oriented and imparts knowledge and skills to master complex challenges in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry.

  • Business Administration for Scientists: Introduction to basic business management concepts with a focus on the chemical and pharmaceutical industry.
  • Quality and Project Management: Analysis and control of quality processes as well as planning and execution of projects in the industry.
  • Sales and Business Development: Development of sales strategies, customer management and business model development for chemical products and services.
  • Personnel and Organisational Development: Design and optimisation of corporate structures and personnel processes.
  • Ecological Economics & Sustainable Management: Sustainability, resource efficiency and economic principles in the context of the chemical industry.
  • Crisis Communication and Intercultural Management: Development of communication strategies for special situations and in the international context.
  • Controlling and Process Optimisation: Calculation, budgeting and continuous improvement of processes in the chemical value chain.
  • Academic Work, Innovation and Change Management: Methodical work, promotion of innovation and successful implementation of change processes.
  • Business Simulation & Practical Transfer: Application of acquired knowledge in realistic scenarios and direct transfer into professional practice.
  • Final Thesis & Viva: Deepening of a current topic from the field of industrial chemistry and defence before an examination board.

You will develop the ability to analytically assess strategic decisions, understand stakeholders, and develop economic solutions for the chemical industry.

Course Structure: How does the part-time programme work?

The programme is designed for five semesters (120 ECTS) and is conducted part-time via the Online Campus of Hochschule Fresenius. At the beginning and end of each semester, there is a block week (Wednesday to Saturday) during which on-site sessions and exams take place.

In the twelve weeks in between, you attend virtual live seminars one to two evenings per week. Independent practical work, online collaboration and self-study complete the didactic concept.

Many exams can be taken online. In the final semester, you will submit your final thesis and take the viva, in which you demonstrate your advanced competences in an application-oriented manner.

Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities for Graduates

With a Master’s degree in Industrial Chemistry, you open up diverse fields of activity in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry. The imparting of management and specialist skills is particularly aimed at future managers, interface managers and innovation officers.

  • Product and Quality Manager: Responsible for optimisation and monitoring of processes, quality assurance and compliance with international standards.
  • Product Developer in Research & Development: Development of new products, technologies and procedures with regard to marketability and economic viability.
  • Technical Sales: Technical consultancy for customers, project management and development of sales concepts.
  • Management in Corporate Planning and Controlling: Cost management, business model innovation and strategic analyses.
  • Personnel Development and Process Optimisation: Redesign and development of organisational units and their workflows.

As a graduate, you can work both in globally operating companies in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors as well as in consulting firms, research institutes and the public sector. The combination of chemical know-how and economic competence makes you a sought-after specialist and leader.

Study Location: How does the online study at Hochschule Fresenius work?

The programme takes place entirely on the Online Campus of Hochschule Fresenius. You are location-independent but still benefit from fixed lecture times during virtual live study and personal exchange with lecturers and fellow students.

Exams can be taken online or at one of the six nationwide examination centres. The block weeks at the beginning and end of each semester offer opportunities for on-site contact, practical exercises and networking.

Additional offerings from the StudyPLUS portal such as language courses, career development and international networking options support your everyday study life.

Costs and Financing: What does the Master's programme in Industrial Chemistry cost?

The tuition fees amount to 630 euros per month, a total of 18,900 euros for the standard study period of five semesters. In addition, there is a one-time registration fee of 250 euros. The price includes virtual live teaching sessions, study materials as well as access to StudyPLUS offerings (language courses, career workshops, networking).

You can use various financing instruments, for example BAföG, scholarships or student loans. Hochschule Fresenius supports you with personal study counselling for all questions regarding financing and individual planning of your studies.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Economic Chemistry? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Fresenius University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.

Your question?
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.

Experiences & Reviews

Hi, I'm your student advisor Ms. Weber. What would you like to know?