Bachelor of Science in business chemistry

• Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

• Standard period of study: 7 semesters (= 3.5 years)

• ECTS credits: 210 (of which 120 ECTS in the field of chemistry, 72 ECTS in the field of economics and 18 ECTS freely selectable in the field of the bachelor thesis and the qualification module)

• Size of the programme: approx. 70 students per year

• Course language: German (a good understanding of the English language is helpful for certain specialized literature, but is no prerequisite)

• Language skills: If you are not a German citizen or do not have a German university entrance qualification, you must prove your knowledge of German. You will find more detailed information on the admissible proofs in the application documents.

• Start of studies: Winter semester

• Supervising faculty: Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and Faculty of Business Administration and Economics

• Semester fee: 314,41€ (as of summer semester 2022) 

From the first semester onwards, students are trained in parallel in the basics of the natural sciences of chemistry and business administration. In addition to well-founded theoretical contexts, students also have the opportunity from the first semester onwards to gain practical experience in the laboratory and to apply theoretical concepts.

During the first four semesters, the business administration and chemistry modules are fixed in order to provide the students with a broad knowledge in both subjects. Starting in the 5th semester, students have the opportunity to take elective modules in both subjects and thus deepen their knowledge in specific areas of interest. A total of 20 ECTS are earmarked for the elective modules (12 ECTS for business administration and 8 ECTS for chemistry).

In the 7th semester, the course of study is completed with the bachelor thesis, for which a qualification module must first be completed. The area for the qualification module and the bachelor thesis can be chosen by the students themselves. By choosing the final thesis, the students have the possibility to focus on a more chemical or more business related topic. 

Students of the study course in business chemistry should...

• have a keen interest in natural sciences,

• like to deal with complex issues in a scientific and economic environment,

• bring fun to the lab work,

• have an interest in business management processes,

• bring joy in scientific work,

• think critically and like to discuss,

• be prepared to learn and apply many course contents in a short time.

• Module catalogue: The module catalogue 2019 and module catalogue 2022  provides an overview of the courses and learning contents.

• Course overview: Compact overview of the course plan

• Sample study plan: These courses are attended in the first semester.

• Internships: As part of their chemical education, students complete several chemical internships in the laboratory. The bachelor's programme does not include compulsory internships in companies, but it is highly recommended to use the lecture-free period for this. This allows students to gain initial work experience and to get a clearer idea of the area in which they would like to work in the future.

• Studying abroad: Bachelor and master students of business chemistry have the possibility to realize a stay abroad via the Erasmus programme of HHU Düsseldorf. Further information can be found here.

After successful completion of the Bachelor of Science. in business chemistry, students can apply for one of the following master's degree programs, among others:

• M.Sc. business chemistry

• M.Sc. chemistry

• M.Sc. business administration (requires the additional assignment of the module BS02: Statistical methods II)

• The admission requirement for the bachelor's programme is the Abitur/a general university entrance qualification. The course of studies in business chemistry is subject to the local NC procedure.

• Selection procedure: In the local NC procedure of HHU the study places are assigned as follows:
  • 20% according to grade
  • 20% after waiting period
  • 60% according to university ratio

An overview of the selection limits of the past years can be found here.

HHU uses the Dialog-Oriented Service Procedure (DoSV) for the application for the B.Sc. business chemistry programme. The application process takes place in two steps: Prospective students must first register on the portal of hochschulstart.de. There you will receive your BID (applicant identification number) and your BAN (applicant authentication number). In the second step, you apply to the portal of HHU, stating your BID and BAN. You can find more information on how to apply here.

Application deadline winter semester 2022/2023: July 15

For a good start to your studies, we strongly recommend taking part in the introductory events (ESAG) of the business chemistry department. You can find details here. 

During the ESAG, you not only have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students, but you will also receive helpful tips on studying from students of higher semesters (e.g. activation of the HHU ID, registration for events and exams, use of the HHU-Card).

Dare to approach other students, especially in the first few days. Especially at the start of the semester, everyone is new, which makes it easier to make contact. This way, you can already get to know interesting people during the ESAG, with whom you will spend a lot of time together during the lectures or while studying.

In addition, HHU offers refresher courses before you start your studies. Participation is voluntary. Experience has shown that the refresher courses in physics and mathematics are particularly helpful. 

The online bridge course in mathematics, which can be taken at any time, is also helpful for refreshing your knowledge of mathematics.

We also offer so-called orientation tutorials during the first semester. Here, experienced students (O-tutors) pass on their knowledge parallel to the lectures so that the first semester already runs optimally. The dates of the orientation tutorials are announced after the start of the lecture period.  

Furthermore, the checkliste for the start of  studies and the HHU-Ersti-Guide-App can make the start into your studies easier.

Further information on starting your studies can be found on the HHU homepage.

Graduates of the study course business chemistry combine both business and chemical expertise and are therefore well suited to work in companies in interface positions. In addition to the key qualifications and skills possessed by "pure" business economists and "pure" chemists, they develop the competence of transfer thinking, coordination and the ability to look beyond their own field of expertise.

Graduates of the study course business chemistry are thus in great demand both in the business management field and in the chemical environment. Potential fields of work in the chemical industry and related sectors include operational organization, controlling, purchasing, sales, research & development or (management) consulting.

In addition, the study course also qualifies students for a scientific career in business economics or chemistry as well as for jobs in the public sector, such as environmental protection or consumer protection.