Chemistry
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.
Steps to study abroad
About the programme
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. 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.
Why study Chemistry at HZ?
Small classes, lots of attention
Learn in a supportive environment where small class sizes mean more interaction, personal guidance, and closer contact with lecturers and fellow students.
Gain practical experience
In our Chemistry programme, you’ll spend plenty of time in the lab. From the first year, you’ll work on real experiments, take part in research projects, and see how chemistry is used in the real world. It’s all about learning by doing, so you’re ready for a job in science, right after graduation.
Access to cutting-edge facilities
Study in the brand-new Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), where you use ultramodern labs and work alongside researchers and students from various disciplines, putting you right at the heart of innovation in water science.
Customize your studies with a minor, internship and study track
At HZ, you have plenty of opportunities to tailor your Chemistry degree to your interests. You can choose a minor that aligns with your specialisation or explore a different area within the field, either in the Netherlands or abroad. You will also complete an internship, either in the Netherlands or abroad, with an organisation in your field. You are free to choose where you want to do this.
"The programme is very balanced. We first learn the theory and then immediately apply it in the lab. This hands-on experience is invaluable and allows us to gain practical skills and understand the concepts deeply."
Chemistry in short
Study at HZ
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.
Study at HZ
You work on topics such as: Forensic Science, Environmental Chemistry & Toxicology and Research & Sustainability. You lay a solid foundation to become a professional expert.
Minor and study track
This year is all about your study track: Applied Chemistry or Life Sciences. You embark on the chosen study track and choose a minor/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.
Graduation internship in NL or abroad
You work on various research projects at one or two companies in the Netherlands or abroad. In your graduation research you must prove you have reached the Bachelor of Science level.
"I chose to study at HZ as it was the only university that had the appealed to me after searching thoroughly for a Life Science course. I also had the opportunity to speak to a chemistry student who explained the breakdown of the academic years for me, the lab hours, and the theoretical subjects and what they entailed. The fact that theory and practice aligned was a sign that HZ would be a wonderful place for me. I was really looking forward to spending my summer days on the beach too, especially after the tough exam season."
Nally, student Chemistry at HZ
Study tracks
In the third year you specialise in either Applied Chemistry or Life Sciences: Life Sciences Knowledge about human diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, autoimmunity and infectious diseases at the level of cells and their molecules helps researchers to develop new drugs, vaccines and other treatment strategies. It enables them to thoroughly cover technical principles such as recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and cell culture. You gain practical experience in the laboratory with techniques such as: immunological tests, biochemical analyses and genetic screening.
Applied Chemistry The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drawn up by the UN, are guidelines for a sustainable world. These goals can only be achieved if we fully improve the process from raw materials to products and vice versa. You learn to conduct practice-oriented research. You will use advanced analytical techniques to answer your research question. Experts from large multinationals and market leaders in their respective fields, share their experience with you by providing guest lectures.
Chemistry in 3 years
With your pre-university diploma, (Dutch) VWO or an international equivalent, you can qualify for the 3-year track of the Chemistry programme. The diploma must, at least, contain the subjects chemistry, biology, physics and mathematics. After applying to the Chemistry study programme, you can indicate your interest for the 3-year track. After that, your diploma is checked by our student office to see if you’re eligible. Subsequently, a motivation interview is planned with a study coach from the programme. If you want to check if your diploma meets this entry requirement, you contact HZ student administration: csa@hz.nl.
Entry requirements
There are three 3 different requirements for your admission: 1. General requirements: Diploma Equal to Dutch HAVO, determined by Nuffic (Organisation for International Education in the Netherlands.) To see if you would be admissible, check the list of foreign diplomas on our website: www.hz.nl/requirements. 2. Specific study programme requirements Depending on your chosen programme, you may need to meet additional requirements. Check www.hz.nl/requirements for additional requirements. 3. Language requirements As an international student you might need to submit an official English language certificate, proving you have a sufficient command of written and spoken English. Your level of English needs to have an equivalent of the IELTS score of 6.0. For exemptions to this language requirement, see www.hz.nl/requirements.
Study in a cutting-edge research environment
Right next to the campus of HZ Middelburg, you find the Joint Research Center Zeeland (JRCZ), a state-of-the-art research institute where several educational institutions collaborate on real-world challenges. As a student, you have access to ultramodern laboratories equipped with the latest technology and techniques, giving you the chance to work and learn at the forefront of innovation.
Projects during the programme
Turning the tide on plastic
In the circular Chemistry students tackle real-world sustainability challenges by developing biodegradable packaging solutions like a seaweed-based coating that keeps fruit fresher for longer while reducing plastic waste.
Read more about this project
Fermented tea production
Bubbling with innovation: Chemistry students brew up sustainable kombucha together with the research group ''Marine Bio based Specialties''.
Read more about this project
Brew your own seaweed beer
Kick off your Chemistry studies at HZ by brewing a seaweed-infused craft beer with local master brewer Jens van Stee, an inventive project that blends food chemistry, sustainability, and hands-on lab fun from day one.
Read more about this project
Other study programmes
Civil Engineering
Help shape the future by building the world’s largest lock or designing dikes to withstand flooding, ensuring safe living for people and animals along coasts and rivers.
Engineering
As an engineer, you design, develop and create smart solutions for the major challenges of today and tomorrow. Whether it’s sustainable energy, care robots or solar-powered boats: engineers make a real difference.
Global Project and Change Management
Get the skills to lead sustainable projects tackling complex global challenges. From hands-on experience to developing leadership in diverse, cross-cultural teams, you’ll gain the expertise needed to create meaningful change and shape a sustainable future.
Industrial Engineering & Management
Learn how to use technology, data, management and economy in such a way that you will be able to improve production processes or to make organisations profitable or more sustainable.
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT is at the heart of today’s connected world. From apps and smart devices to AI and data security, ICT drives innovation across every sector. .
International Business
During this programme, you develop into a business expert with an eye for global challenges and opportunities. You will gain international experience, build a valuable network and spend 2 to 3 semesters abroad for your internship or minor.
Logistics Engineering
Logistics Engineering is the backbone of global trade and everyday deliveries. It’s about making processes smarter, faster, and more efficient, ensuring the right products reach the right place at the right time.
