MSc EACH – Excellence in Analytical Chemistry

MScEACH – Excellence in Analytical Chemistry is an international, two-year joint Master’s degree programme designed to educate specialists in analytical chemistry who are qualified to work in industry and chemical analysis laboratories worldwide. The programme provides students with knowledge and practical skills covering both the fundamental and applied aspects of modern analytical chemistry.

The programme is coordinated by the University of Tartu (UT), Estonia, and is jointly delivered by four European universities: the University of Tartu in Estonia, Uppsala University in Sweden, University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 in France, and Åbo Akademi University in Finland. Students have the opportunity to study at two European universities during the programme.

Programme Structure

The MScEACH programme has a nominal duration of 2 years and 120 ECTS and is taught entirely in English.

During the first year, all students study at the University of Tartu. This stage focuses on the fundamental concepts and skills of analytical chemistry, metrology in chemistry, and the quality and socio-economic aspects of analytical chemistry. The first-year studies are conducted within the framework of the University of Tartu’s Applied Measurement Science programme.

During the second year, students focus on specific applications of analytical chemistry and continue their studies at one of three partner universities:

• University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL), France
• Uppsala University (UU), Sweden
• Åbo Akademi University (AAU), Finland

Students therefore receive international academic experience while developing their analytical chemistry knowledge in different study environments.

Academic and Practical Focus

The programme covers both fundamental and applied areas of modern analytical chemistry. Its educational approach also includes elements related to metrology, quality, and the socio-economic aspects of analytical chemistry.

Employability is an important component of the programme. Students can benefit from courses delivered by practitioners as well as internships in laboratories or industry. The programme also provides opportunities to choose from high-profile international companies approved by the EACH Academic Board for mandatory internship placements.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold an undergraduate diploma or higher, specifically a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Their previous studies must include:

• At least 60 ECTS in chemistry or chemical engineering
• At least 20 ECTS in mathematics and/or physics
• A minimum eligibility requirement of 66% of the maximum available grade as the average of all courses included in the transcript

Country-specific document requirements may also apply. Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

Applicants must also comply with the programme’s English-language requirements. The source specifies that only the English tests and exempt categories listed on the programme’s admission requirements page are acceptable.

Motivation Letter

A motivation letter is a mandatory part of the application. It must contain a maximum of 2,000 characters, including spaces, and should address several areas.

Applicants are asked to briefly describe their previous study and work experience, including their responsibilities when working in a team, as well as their personality and expected future career. They must also critically assess their limitations in analytical knowledge and skills in relation to their future career.

The motivation letter should explain how the EACH programme can help the applicant achieve their professional goals after completing the Master’s degree. Applicants must also justify their first and second preferences for the study track among Tartu-Uppsala, Tartu-Lyon, and Tartu-Åbo, providing relevant arguments for their choices.

The final version of the motivation letter must be uploaded before submitting the application because it cannot be edited after submission. The programme may also contact applicants with additional questions concerning their motivation letter.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships

For fee-based students, the tuition fee for the EACH programme is EUR 9,000 per year, corresponding to EUR 18,000 for the full two-year programme.

For the 2026 intake, the programme offered several types of study opportunities, including Erasmus Mundus scholarships, tuition-waiver places, and fee-based student places.

EU, EEA, and Switzerland applicants who fulfil the admission requirements but do not qualify for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship are offered a tuition-waiver study place.

Career Opportunities

The programme is designed with strong attention to employability and career development. Career preparation is incorporated through different elements of the programme, including practitioner-delivered courses and internships in laboratories and industry.

Graduates can pursue opportunities in a range of areas, including:

• Research and development departments of major companies
• Chemical industry laboratories
• Pharmaceutical industry laboratories
• Health and environmental protection agencies
• Food processing and manufacturing quality assurance laboratories
• Certification, standardisation, and accreditation authorities
• National Centres and Institutes of Metrology
• Academic careers and PhD studies

According to the programme information, 120 out of 132 graduates, representing 91%, from the eight EACH intakes that had graduated at the time of the stated data had secured either a job or a PhD position within a few months after graduation.

Programme Highlights

MScEACH offers students an international study experience across European universities, combining academic education in analytical chemistry with practical and industry-oriented learning. Students study at two outstanding European universities, complete mandatory internship placements with approved international companies, and have access to scholarship opportunities.

The programme is particularly focused on preparing graduates for professional roles involving analytical chemistry, chemical analysis, research and development, industrial laboratories, environmental and health protection, quality assurance, metrology, and further academic study.