Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling
Leuven, Belgium
DURATION
2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 May 2025*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 3,500 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* for non-EEA; July 1st for EEA | for the most recent – and only official – information on application deadlines, please check the KU Leuven webpage
** for the most recent – and only official – information on tuition fees, please check the KU Leuven webpage
Key Summary
Introduction
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About the Programme
Modern chemistry would be unthinkable without the achievements of theoretical and computational chemistry. These disciplines became an essential tool for the molecular sciences towards the end of the 20th century, and they will undoubtedly mark the new era that lies ahead. From this perspective, training and educating new generations of computational and theoretical chemists with a broad, practice-based knowledge is of paramount importance. Experts from several European universities have come together to do just that.
The Erasmus Mundus Master of Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling is a joint initiative of and organised by:
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (coordinating institution), Spain
- Universiteit Groningen, the Netherlands
- KU Leuven, Belgium
- Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy
- Université Paul Sabatier - Toulouse III, France
- Universitat de Valencia, Spain
Organised Over Two Years
The first stage introduces you to concepts and methods. The core of the programme is an intensive international summer course intended to bring all participants to a common level of excellence. It takes place during the summer between stage 1 and stage 2 and runs over four weeks in total. Coursework is taught by a select group of invited international experts.
The second stage of the programme is devoted to tutorials covering the material dealt with in the intensive course and to a thesis project carried out in part at another university within the consortium.
The intensive course is organised at the partner institutions on a rotating basis.
Specialise in Research Relating to
- Modelling of catalysis, both homogeneous and heterogeneous
- Modelling of biomolecular systems, using both classical and quantum mechanical methods
- Photochemistry and photophysics
- Materials and nanomaterials
- New theoretical algorithms and methodologies
Curriculum
Compulsory Courses
- Quantum Chemistry
- Chemical Applications of Group Theory
- Chemistry in Motion
- Chemical Statistical Mechanics
- Density Functional Theory
- Electronic Structure of Molecular Materials
Levelling Courses
- Quantum Physics
- Computational Chemistry
Elective Courses
- Nanostructured Bio-Macromolecules
- Physical Chemistry of Biological Systems
- Physical Chemistry of Polymers
- Electrochemical Methods in Inorganic Chemistry
- Chemistry at Nanometre Scale
- Biomolecular Interactions
- Computational Methods in Solid State Physics
Research Internship
- Research Internship
Master's Thesis
- Master's Thesis
Language Courses
- Language Course
Ideal Students
Is this the right programme for me?
- Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Material Science are eligible for admission. Holders of other scientific bachelor’s degrees may be accepted provided the student takes complementary leveling courses under the supervision of their local tutor
- For students from third countries or students with bachelor’s degrees different from those mentioned above, the prerequisite knowledge level should be certified. All application files (including those of students from third countries and those with other bachelor's degrees) are evaluated by the programme's International Committee
- For a complete list of prerequisite knowledge areas and a more thorough understanding of the International Committee’s evaluation process please visit the faculty website where you will also find more detailed information about the linguistic and mathematical demands of the programme.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science.
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their own research. In our FabLab, students can use a number of high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programmes as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student centre is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Faculty
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Accreditations
Gallery
Career Opportunities
In addition to commanding a sound theoretical knowledge in chemistry and computational modelling, you will be equipped to apply your mastery of code in a work environment or to develop new codes to address emerging specifications in the fields of research or production.
You will have attained the necessary skills to pursue a scientific career as a doctoral student in chemistry, physics or material science. You will also be qualified to work as an expert in molecular design in the pharmaceutical industry, at petrochemical companies and in the new materials industry. You will also have a suitable profile to work as a computational expert.