Applied chemistry, Bachelor of Science

Requirements and Target Group

The part-time Bachelor's degree programme in Applied Chemistry is aimed at professionals with completed training in the chemical field who are seeking an academic qualification. Typical target groups include chemical-technical assistants, laboratory technicians, chemical operators, as well as employees in laboratories or production who wish to develop further and take on specialist or managerial responsibilities in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or life sciences sectors in the medium term. The course is also suitable for individuals looking for scientifically sound and practice-oriented further training to continue their career path, for example in quality management, environmental chemistry, technical analytics, or business management functions.

What admission requirements apply for the Applied Chemistry programme?

The following formal admission requirements must be met:

• General higher education entrance qualification, university of applied sciences entrance qualification, or a comparable international degree that entitles admission to a German university (university entrance qualification)
• Completed relevant chemical training, e.g. as a chemical-technical assistant, chemical laboratory technician, or chemical operator
• At least one year of relevant professional experience after completion of training
• Alternatively, admission without a school-leaving certificate is possible with proven professional qualification and passed master craftsperson examination

You should have an interest in scientific questions, particularly chemical processes and their application in practice and industry. Analytical thinking skills are required, as well as the willingness to engage with mathematical and scientific fundamentals. For the part-time study, self-motivation, organisational skills, and perseverance are important to balance work, study, and private commitments. Practical laboratory experience and the ability to work both precisely and in a team-oriented manner are advantageous. Openness to business management topics and interdisciplinary contexts facilitates success in the programme.

Detailed Course Contents

In the part-time Bachelor’s degree in Applied Chemistry at Hochschule Fresenius, you acquire scientific and practical skills that qualify you for various activities in the chemical industry. The degree programme combines expertise from chemistry, physics and mathematics with basic business management knowledge and places an emphasis on sustainability as well as life sciences.

• Mathematical-physical fundamentals in two modules
• Fundamentals of materials chemistry, providing the basis for advanced chemical applications
• Analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis, including data analysis and visualisation
• Reactions and syntheses in the laboratory context
• Models of physics and physical chemistry
• Carbonyl, complex and polymer chemistry
• Sustainable management and corporate sustainability
• Life sciences and interdisciplinary insights into adjacent natural sciences
• Fundamentals of scientific communication and academic working methods

You have the opportunity to set an individual focus: either in Chemical Analytics or in Business Administration. Both specialisations prepare you for different career paths in technical, scientific or economic environments.

The bachelor’s thesis at the end of the programme is linked to a real project in a company. This way, you can directly apply theoretical content practically and gain initial work-related experience.

Course Structure

The degree programme is specially designed for working professionals and takes place part-time at the Idstein campus. The standard period of study is six semesters, but depending on your individual situation, an extension to eight or ten semesters is also possible. This allows you to combine your studies flexibly with your employment.

• The teaching units are organised into exam-relevant modules, which are clearly structured in the semester plan.
• Attendance times take place outside normal working hours to better accommodate professional commitments.
• Practical laboratory exercises are carried out in the Hochschule’s modern, well-equipped laboratories.
• Virtual learning units, self-study with digital materials and access to online learning platforms complement the on-site teaching.
• The programme concludes with the bachelor’s thesis and an oral defence, ideally in connection with a cooperating company.

You benefit from a close link between theoretical teaching and application-oriented practice, supported by long-standing partner companies of Hochschule Fresenius.

Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities

With a Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry, numerous opportunities open up for you in scientific and economic environments.

• Quality Management: Development and monitoring of quality assurance processes, communication with suppliers and authorities, internal and external audits – for example, in the chemical, cosmetics or pharmaceutical industries
• Environmental Chemistry: Analysis of substances and their environmental impacts, work for companies, authorities or NGOs in environmental protection and sustainability (following specialisation in Analytical Chemistry)
• Business Development: Involvement in strategic corporate development, interface work between science and business, especially after choosing the Business Administration specialisation
• Further options: Technical sales, project management, regulatory affairs, laboratory organisation or roles in the life sciences sector

The degree also facilitates access to advanced master’s programmes in scientific or business-related fields. Employment prospects are varied: graduates of the programme find work with chemical and pharmaceutical companies, international laboratories, authorities and consulting firms.

Place of Study: Practice-oriented Education in Idstein

The degree programme is offered at the Idstein location. Here you will find the traditional main campus of Hochschule Fresenius with modern laboratories and practice-oriented classrooms in building A in the town centre. The compact campus life combines the advantages of a small university town with proximity to major economic regions such as the Rhine-Main area. Thanks to close cooperation with partner companies, students benefit from excellent networks, internship opportunities and direct access to the industry. On-site teaching is complemented by digital learning formats, allowing you to study flexibly yet with optimal support.

Costs and Financing

The monthly tuition fee is 345 euros, amounting to a total cost of 12,420 euros for the standard period of study of six semesters. In addition, there is a one-time registration fee of 250 euros. The price includes all study and examination services, use of the laboratories as well as a comprehensive additional offer such as language courses, workshops on personal development or career development, and networking events.

• BAföG: Under certain conditions, you can apply for state educational funding.
• Scholarships: There are degree-specific and university-wide scholarship programmes.
• Student loans: Promotional banks such as the KfW offer special loans for students.
• Tax benefits: Tuition fees for part-time degree programmes can often be claimed as work-related expenses or special expenses for tax purposes.
• Employer support: Many employers financially support part-time studies or grant flexible working hours.

The student advisory service at Hochschule Fresenius provides individual support with financing queries and helps you find a suitable model that fits your personal situation.