HZ University of Applied Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Middelburg, Netherlands
BSc
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 2,694 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU-students | Non-EU students: €9.893
Key Summary
About: HZ University of Applied Sciences in South-West Netherlands offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. You study chemistry through experiments and analysis of substances from wastewater to medicines. You'll gain lab skills, analytical techniques and investigative mindset. The programme has two tracks: Life Sciences, covering disease mechanisms, recombinant DNA and genetic screening; and Applied Chemistry, focusing on sustainable process design, advanced analytics, biodegradable plastics and regional marine projects.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in business, health care, environmental inspection and education. Typical roles include junior researcher, research technician, product development analyst and quality controller in industry, laboratories and research institutes.
Chemistry is experimenting, researching and analysing. Do you want to make sure diseases are no longer life-threatening or do you solve murder cases based on DNA analysis? Do you want to create a better world? Then choose 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.
Study tracks
This programme offers 2 different study tracks:
Life Sciences
Understanding human diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, autoimmunity and infectious diseases at the level of cells and their molecules seems more important than ever. This knowledge enables researchers to develop new drugs, vaccines and other treatment strategies. And ensures that they can thoroughly cover technical principles such as recombinant DNA technology, bioinformatics and cell culture. You will gain practical experience in the laboratory with important techniques such as immunological tests, biochemical analyses and genetic screening. You will also become acquainted with the ethical and technical challenges that this type of research faces.
Applied Chemistry
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), drawn up by the UN, are guidelines for a sustainable world in which we make better use of scarce resources. These goals can only be achieved if we fully improve the process from raw material to product and vice versa. In this study route, you will learn to conduct practice-oriented research. You will use advanced analytical techniques to answer your research questions. Consider, for example, making biodegradable plastics that can be easily recycled. Experts from large multinationals and market leaders in their respective fields, share their experience with you by providing guest lectures. You work with other students on regional projects related to the marine environment that benefit the province of Zeeland.
Join our events
Whether you're exploring this study programme, looking to connect with students and staff, or want to experience life at HZ firsthand, our events are the perfect opportunity. From Open Days to webinars, there's something for everyone. Check out our upcoming events and register now!
As a chemist, you will have excellent career prospects. There are vacancies in a variety of areas, such as business, health care, environmental inspection, and education. Our graduates have secured positions as:
- Junior researcher or research technician
- Product development analyst
- Quality controller
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 either the Applied Chemistry study track or the Life Sciences study track.
Year 1
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.
Year 2
In the second study year, you work on topics such as Forensic Science, Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology and Research and Sustainability. You lay a sound foundation to become a professional expert.
Year 3
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.
Year 4
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.
Analytical Sciences Talent Programme
First-year Chemistry students who want to gain more knowledge on Analytical Chemistry and get to know the most prestigious companies can join the Analytical Sciences Talent Programme. When you have been accepted to ASTP you will follow a 3-year programme alongside your normal studies at HZ University of Applied Sciences. During each of the 3 years, you will interact intensively with the leading companies and research institutes that form COAST (Centre of Expertise Analytical Sciences). You will have the opportunity to work in the most advanced laboratories and to participate in innovative research. You will also attend lectures presented by leading experts from academia and industry from all over the Netherlands. In addition to the extra education, the ASTP student will obtain a COAST grant (approx. 3000€/yr).
Accredited study programme
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.
Scholarships and financial aid options are offered to support our students:
- NL Scholarship – A €5,000 scholarship for non-EEA students enrolling in a full-time bachelor's program. Applications close on 1 May.
- Financial Aid for EU Students – Some EU students may be eligible for Dutch student finance, which includes loans, grants, and a student travel card. Eligibility depends on working hours and residency status in the Netherlands.
Additionally, part-time job opportunities are available to help manage living expenses. These funding options ensure students have financial support to focus on their studies and personal development.
Our open days are the perfect opportunity to discover HZ, otherwise you can also join our webinars from the comfort of your home. Talk to lecturers, meet our students and learn all about studying at HZ
Why choose HZ?
Your future starts in The Netherlands: at HZ University of Applied Sciences, we warmly welcome international students! While new national regulations affect student admissions elsewhere, these do not apply to Zeeland. This means you can still enroll at HZ without restrictions.
Check the message from Barbara Oomen - Executive Board Chairwoman on the advantages of choosing HZ
Guaranteed housing
Apply for one of our programmes before May 1st, and we ensure you’ll have a place to stay. No stress, no last-minute searching: just focus on your studies!
High-quality education and small-scaled classes
HZ is ranked among the top universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands. At HZ, we offer a safe and supportive environment where a personalized approach is key, thanks to our small-scale classes
Supportive community
A warm and welcoming international student environment, with a variety of services that aim at enhancing the quality of your study at HZ!
Great job opportunities
Our students graduate not only with a bachelor’s degree, but also with the skills and expertise that help them seamlessly enter the workforce.
Hear it from our students!
''As soon as I applied at HZ, I was put in contact with the partner housing company with whom I shared my preferences and in no time I had a place to stay! It wasn't complicated at all''
Samuel, International Business student from Slovakia
Click here to hear more about what our students say about finding housing in Vlissingen and Middelburg, studying at HZ, the HZ community and the career opportunities that await you!