Degree Programme in Chemistry: Outline of the profession

The Degree Programme in Chemistry at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences Winterthur (ZHW) opens the door to a wide range of professional opportunities and further education options. As a graduate in chemistry or biological chemistry, you will be able to choose from career opportunities in development, production, chemical analysis, application, consulting, marketing or research. Other areas of work include quality assurance, environmental protection and safety, or administration.

The ZHW degree, provided your results are good, also allows you to enrol in further studies at a university in Switzerland (e.g. the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich) or abroad (e.g. in the USA or Canada), leading to a Master’s degree or a doctorate.

Due to their sound training in the application of theory in practical situations, ZHW chemistry graduates are highly valued in small and medium-sized enterprises, in larger companies and in positions of responsibility in cantonal or federal administration.

Professional success for chemists depends in part on a broad-based foundation in the natural sciences, but also on communication skills, initiative, creativity, teamwork and ongoing further education.

Areas of work for chemistry graduates include:

Public and private environmental and analytical laboratories
Cantonal laboratories and hospitals
Plastics
Paints, varnishes and adhesives
Cosmetics, oils, aromatics and flavourings
Food
Textiles and paper
Agricultural and industrial chemicals
Pharmaceuticals
Universities
Public administration
Analytical and measuring equipment
Chemical apparatus
(Chemical) informatics
Education