Program Overview

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Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling

The Erasmus Mundus Master of Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling (TCCM) is a joint initiative of seven European universities, including KU Leuven and coordinated by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, that trains students to master a wide range of theoretical and computational tools on the forefront of research in molecular science.

About the Programme

Modern chemistry would be unthinkable without the achievements of theoretical and computational chemistry. These disciplines became an essential tool for the molecular sciences towards the end of the 20th century, and they will undoubtedly mark the new era that lies ahead. From this perspective, training and educating new generations of computational and theoretical chemists with a broad, practice-based knowledge is of paramount importance. Experts from several European universities have come together to do just that.

The Erasmus Mundus Master of Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Modelling is a joint initiative of and organised by:

• Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (coordinating institution), Spain
• Universiteit Groningen, the Netherlands
• KU Leuven, Belgium
• Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy
• Université Paul Sabatier - Toulouse III, France
• Universitat de Valencia, Spain

Programme Structure

The programme is organised over two years.

• The first stage introduces students to concepts and methods. The core of the programme is an intensive international summer course intended to bring all participants to a common level of excellence. It takes place during the summer between stage 1 and stage 2 and runs over four weeks in total. Coursework is taught by a select group of invited international experts.
• The second stage of the programme is devoted to tutorials covering the material dealt with in the intensive course and to a thesis project carried out in part at another university within the consortium.

The intensive course is organised at the partner institutions on a rotating basis.

Research Areas

Students can specialise in research relating to:

• Modelling of catalysis, both homogeneous and heterogeneous
• Modelling of biomolecular systems, using both classical and quantum mechanical methods
• Photochemistry and photophysics
• Materials and nanomaterials
• New theoretical algorithms and methodologies

Admission and Application

Admission Requirements

All students who did not obtain their previous degree at an institution of the Flemish Community must submit an application via the Admissions office. The admission requirements include:

• Diploma requirements
• Language requirements
• Possible additional requirements

Student Profile

The programme is suitable for candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Material Science. Holders of other scientific bachelor’s degrees may be accepted provided the student takes complementary levelling courses under the supervision of their local tutor.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees are contingent upon the academic programme and the nationality of the student.

After Graduation

Career Perspectives

Graduates will be equipped to apply their mastery of code in a work environment or to develop new codes to address emerging specifications in the fields of research or production. They will have attained the necessary skills to pursue a scientific career as a doctoral student in chemistry, physics, or material science. They will also be qualified to work as an expert in molecular design in the pharmaceutical industry, at petrochemical companies, and in the new materials industry.

Career Support

The Student Career Center provides support in finding the first work experience, coaches students in the search for an interesting job, and helps with job interviews.

Entrepreneurship

KU Leuven has a community that encourages students with innovative and entrepreneurial ideas.

Alumni Network

As a KU Leuven graduate, students are part of a worldwide network of over 330,000 alumni. The exclusive alumni platform KU Leuven Connect allows graduates to stay in touch with former classmates.