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Master Degree in Chemical Analyses and Characterisation Techniques
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Chemical analyses and characterisation techniques have an important role in the advance of science and technology in areas as diverse as food quality control, environment, research and in several industries, not only in the field of chemistry, but also in biochemistry and materials science.

This master degree provides a solid theoretical background in analytical and in advanced characterisation techniques with a strong laboratorial component and training in the area of quality control.

The acquired expertise gained in the 1st year is complemented by the Individual Project which can be developed either in companies or in research laboratories.

The graduates are able to solve analysis and characterisation problems from a wide range of areas (forensic, industrial and food chemistry) and develop skills in the scope of validation and implementation of analytical methods. A PhD degree can be pursued.​

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Fees (non-refundable)

Number of vacancies

Access requirements​

Ranking criteria



​​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

    School of Sciences
    Campus de Gualtar
    4710 - 057 Braga
    Tel: +351 253604390 Fax: +351 253604398
    E-Mail: cpedagogico@ecum.uminho.pt; sec@ecum.uminho.pt
    URL: http://www.ecum.uminho.pt

Description

The Master's Degree in Techniques of Characterization and Chemical Analysis provides specialized training in the areas of characterization methods and chemical analysis. The course is organized according to the credit system (ECTS) and lasts for four semesters with a total of 120 ECTS.
The first and second semesters each include five courses worth 6 ECTS. In the second year, the student develops a dissertation worth 60 ECTS.
The number of working hours corresponding to each course is divided, depending on the course, among the various components of the teaching/learning process: activities that involve contact with the teacher (lectures, group and individual assignments, seminars, and tutorials) and independent work (individual study, group work, and project work) and, finally, evaluation activities.
The programmatic contents of the various courses in the first year address current and emerging techniques, in addition to classical topics, so that students understand their importance and application in research and technological development. The courses Seminar in Techniques of Characterization and Chemical Analysis I and Seminar in Techniques of Characterization and Chemical Analysis II focus on the practices/methodologies inherent in scientific research, namely:
i) literature review;
ii) collection of empirical data;
iii) treatment and analysis of results;
iv) presentation and discussion of the results obtained.
The Dissertation is carried out in R&D laboratories and companies, within the network of collaborations that the master's direction seeks to energize and update, in various locations in the country and abroad, under mobility programs.
Students have the opportunity to participate in lectures, workshops, study visits, and Meetings in Techniques of Characterization and Chemical Analysis, where specialists in the field of analytical techniques participate.

Key learning outcomes

1. Provide updated theoretical knowledge of various advanced methods of chemical analysis and characterization.
2. Provide extensive practical training in the main areas of Analytical and Structural Chemistry.
3. Contribute to understanding the functioning of current analytical instrumentation and its application in various aspects of chemical analysis and structural characterization.
4. Develop skills in solving various analysis problems in real samples in recognized areas of importance.
5. Develop skills in the structural determination of molecules with varying degrees of complexity through the application of appropriate structural analysis techniques.
6. Acquire skills in data analysis, validation, and implementation of analytical methods.
7. Solve problems in complex and unfamiliar situations by deepening and integrating their knowledge.
8. Develop the ability to communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Access to higher education

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

Careers

Masters in Techniques of Characterization and Chemical Analysis are qualified to work in the following sectors of the labor market:
- specialist technician in quality control and analytical laboratories in entities and companies in the environmental, food, pharmaceutical, textile, agrochemical, forensic, and industrial chemistry sectors, among others;
- perform coordination/management functions in the area of laboratory systems management and quality control involving an intense analytical component;
- integrated researcher in research projects and product or process development projects requiring knowledge and skills in advanced analytical techniques.
They also possess the skills and qualifications to pursue postgraduate studies, namely for obtaining a doctoral degree.

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

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