Master Degree in Chemical Analyses and Characterisation Techniques

The programme combines a strong scientific background with practical training in advanced instrumental techniques and quality control, equipping graduates with the skills to select, apply, and develop chemical characterization and analytical methods. These competencies enable them to address scientific and technological challenges in multidisciplinary environments.

The MTCAQ stands out for its close collaboration with companies and research institutions, offering students the opportunity to carry out their master's dissertation in an industrial setting or at research centres. This approach enhances the development of practical skills, provides exposure to real-world challenges, and promotes a high level of employability and successful integration into the labour market.

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements

Ranking criteria

The ranking of candidates will be based on the ranking resulting from the application of the following algorithm:

Final classification [0-20] = 0.10 A + 0.70 B + 0.20 C

where components A, B and C are defined below.

It is also considered the following table 1, which defines the P weight given to the candidate's previous type of training:

	P
Bachelor in Chemistry or similar	1
Bachelor in Biochemistry or similar	1
Bachelor in Pharmacy or similar	0,8
Bachelor in Chemical Engineering or similar	0,8
Bachelor in Materials Engineering or Science, or similar	0.7
Bachelor in Environmental Sciences or similar	0.6
Bachelor in Applied Biology ou Biological Engineering, or similar	0.4
Bachelors in other related areas	0.2

Component A:

Component A is calculated by the formula:

A=20*P

where P is defined in table 1, according to the previous training of the candidate.

Component B:

Component B is given by the formula:

B=Med*0.8*P + OA*0.2

where P is defined in table 1, and Med and OA correspond to:

• Med: Final classification of degree, from 0 to 20;

• OA: Other relevant aspects in the scientific area of the cycle of studies such as presentations at scientific events, authorship of published works, participation in research projects, conducting internships, etc., whose ratings are assigned, from 0 to 20, by the Master's Course Steering Committee.

Component C:

Component C, valued from 0 to 20, is calculated as the sum of the ratings attributed by the Master's Course Steering Committee to the various dimensions of the candidate's technical and professional curriculum, in the area of the cycle of studies, as relevant professional activity, coordination and participation in projects, professional training, participation in workshops, etc.

Applications 2026/2027 »»

2026/2027

General

Academic degree:

Master's degree

ECTS:

120

Duration:

4 curricular semesters

Regime:

Daytime

Place:

Gualtar Campus, Braga (UM)

Main Scientific area:

Chemistry

Contacts

Course Director

Maria Sameiro Torres Gonçalves

msameiro@quimica.uminho.pt

604372

Mobility Academic Coordinator

Maria Isabel Pontes Correia Neves

ineves@quimica.uminho.pt

604057

School of Sciences

Campus de Gualtar
4710 - 057 Braga

+351 253604390

+351 253604398

cpedagogico@ecum.uminho.pt; sec@ecum.uminho.pt

http://www.ecum.uminho.pt

Description

The Master's in Chemical Analysis and Characterisation Techniques (MTCAQ) prepares highly qualified professionals to take on positions of responsibility and leadership at both national and international levels in research and development departments, as well as in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, environmental, textile, automotive, energy, and healthcare industries. Graduates are also well equipped to work in testing laboratories, quality control laboratories, and certification bodies. In addition, the programme provides an excellent foundation for pursuing doctoral studies.
The programme combines a strong scientific background with practical training in advanced instrumental techniques and quality control, equipping graduates with the skills to select, apply, and develop chemical characterization and analytical methods. These competencies enable them to address scientific and technological challenges in multidisciplinary environments.
The MTCAQ stands out for its close collaboration with companies and research institutions, offering students the opportunity to carry out their master's dissertation in an industrial setting or at research centres. This approach enhances the development of practical skills, provides exposure to real-world challenges, and promotes a high level of employability and successful integration into the labour market.

Key learning outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will be able to:
1. Explain the theoretical foundations and evaluate the applicability of the main advanced methods of chemical analysis and characterization.
2. Select and apply advanced laboratory techniques in analytical and structural chemistry according to the nature of the samples and the analytical objectives.
3. Solve analytical problems involving real samples by planning, conducting, and evaluating experimental strategies across different fields of application.
4. Develop, validate, and implement analytical methods, applying data processing and analysis tools to ensure the quality, accuracy, and reliability of results.
5. Communicate scientific information, methodologies, results, and solutions clearly, accurately, and effectively to both specialist and non-specialist audiences through a variety of communication formats.

Access to higher education

This course provides the technical-scientific capacity to access 3rd cycle courses (PhD).

Careers

The Master's in Chemical Analysis and Characterisation Techniques prepares highly qualified professionals to pursue careers across a wide range of sectors where chemical characterization and analytical techniques are essential. Graduates have career opportunities in:
- Quality control, testing, and analytical laboratories within pharmaceutical, food, chemical, cosmetics, environmental, textile, and other industrial sectors;
- Research and development (R&D) laboratories, contributing to the development and optimization of new products, materials, processes, and analytical methodologies;
- Laboratory coordination and management, overseeing the implementation and supervision of quality management systems, analytical method validation, and quality assurance;
- Public and private organizations involved in quality control, environmental monitoring, food safety, healthcare, certification, and regulatory compliance.
Graduates also possess the knowledge and skills required to pursue doctoral studies.

Access

28

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

The access to this Cycle of Study can be done at the Students Portal of the University of Minho
https://alunos.uminho.pt/EN/candidates/MastersDegrees/Pages/default.aspx

This information does not replace consultation of the Academic Regulations of the University of Minho and other official documents.

Formal requirements

Candidates may apply if they hold a bachelor's degree or a higher academic degree awarded following a first cycle of studies in the fields of Chemistry, Biochemistry or equivalent qualifications considered appropriate for attending the study cycle.
The remaining conditions set out in Article 52 of the Academic Regulations of the University of Minho of September 23, 2025 are also apply.
The nature of the degree and the final grade are taken into account in the selection process. Aspects relating to the candidate's CV, such as training and relevant professional experience in the area of the course, scientific publications, research activities, participation in conferences, among others, are also taken into account.

Application deadlines

Information on Application Deadlines can be found at:
https://www.ecum.uminho.pt/en/Ensino/Pages/Applications-for-Master-Programmes-.aspx

Registration deadlines

Information on Registration Deadlines can be found at:
https://www.ecum.uminho.pt/en/Ensino/Pages/Applications-for-Master-Programmes-.aspx

Aditional Information

Study Plan

When applicable, the elective curricular units available as well as the registration conditions and the number of vacancies will be indicated annually.

Regime	Curricular Unit	Scientific Area	ECTS
Year 1			60
S1	Espectroscopias Atómicas e Métodos Eletroquímicos	QUI	6
S1	Materials and Surface Analysis	QUI	6
S1	Métodos Cromatográficos	QUI	6
S1	Sampling and Sample Preparation	QUI	6
S1	Structural Analysis	QUI	6
S2	Chemical Sensors	QUI	6
S2	Chemometric Methods	QUI	6
S2	Complements of Structural Analysis	QUI	6
S2	Projeto em Técnicas de Caracterização e Análise Química	QUI	6
S2	Quality Control and Validation of Analytical Methods	QUI	6
Year 2			60
A	Dissertation	QUI	60

Assessment/Accreditation

A3ES Accreditation status:

Accredited

Resolution publication date:

06-04-2026

A3ES deliberation:

https://si.a3es.pt/sia3es/page?stage=ConsultaPublicaProcesso&processID=27948

Registry number at Ministry:

R/A-Ef 2553/2011/AL02

Registry Date:

10-04-2026

Accreditation validity:

31-07-2032

Master Degree in Chemical Analyses and Characterisation Techniques

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements

Ranking criteria

General

Contacts

Description

Key learning outcomes

Access to higher education

Careers

Access

28

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

Formal requirements

Application deadlines

Registration deadlines

Aditional Information

Study Plan

Assessment/Accreditation

Useful links

School of Sciences

Campus de Gualtar, Edifício 6

Information

Social Media

Master Degree in Chemical Analyses and Characterisation Techniques

Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements​

Ranking criteria

General

Contacts

Description

Key learning outcomes

Access to higher education

Careers

Access

28

Vacancies

15

Minimum

Access forms

Formal requirements

Application deadlines

Registration deadlines

Aditional Information

Study Plan

Assessment/Accreditation

Access requirements