The Department of Chemistry at the Université de Montréal is a top destination for students looking to pursue graduate studies. One of the largest chemistry departments in Canada, it enjoys an excellent international reputation thanks to the quality of its research activities and state-of-the-art facilities. Research by our MSc and PhD students is of key importance in this respect, and an essential aspect of their scientific training.

The Department's professors oversee roughly 36 research groups. Several professors hold prestigious chairs and fellowships, recognizing the excellence of their work, including the Canada Research Chairs in Stereoselective Synthesis of Bioactive Molecules, in Organometallic Catalysis, in Proteomics and Bioanalytical Spectrometry, in Bioengineering and Bionanotechnology, in Ultrathin Structured Films, in Polymer Biomaterials and in Supramolecular Materials.

Many faculty members have received tributes for the quality of their teaching, such as the Killam Research Fellowship, the Rutherford Medal or the Gold Medal from NSERC. Some professors are also Members of the Royal Society of Canada or Officers of the Order of Canada.

See the list of our professors' research interests.

Graduate programsAccelerated passage from MSc to PhD

Master’s students with an outstanding academic record (GPA of at least 3.6/4.3) whose doctoral research will be a continuation of their current work may apply for fast-track admission to the PhD program without having to submit a Master’s thesis.

Application is made toward the end of the student's 3rd term or in their 6th term of the master's program. Ask the Department administration for details.

Graduate programsDirect admission to the PhD

Students with an excellent undergraduate record (≥4.0/4.3 GPA), who have completed at least one research internship and have secured the support of a research supervisor, may be admitted directly to the PhD program. This path allows students to begin working on their future thesis topic from the start of the program.

Applications must be submitted as part of the graduate admission process. Please contact the Department administration for more information.

The future for chemists is especially promising in key sectors such as:

• Environment
• Energy
• Pharmaceutical chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Nanoscience and nanotechnology
• Materials
• Computational modeling

Chemists also work in a wide range of industries, including:

• Agri-food
• Cosmetics
• Petrochemicals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Metallurgy
• Environmental services
• Plastics and rubber
• Pulp and paper

According to the latest survey by the Quebec Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, 96% of graduates with an MSc in chemistry are working full-time, with nearly 80% of them in a profession directly linked to their degree.

The job outlook for chemists will be attractive in the coming years, in part because of the positive impact of growing public awareness of environmental safety, legislative changes, technological innovations and scientific discoveries.

The Department of Chemistry at UdeM also maintains close ties with many research laboratories in the Greater Montreal area — a major advantage for the employment opportunities of our graduates.