Laboratory practicals from the first semester onwards
Laboratory practicals are an integral part of the degree programme: here, you’ll learn how to handle chemicals and use various pieces of laboratory equipment – and you’ll be able to put the theoretical knowledge you’ve gained from the lectures into practice straight away.
Image: Christoph Worsch
Your guide: Frequently asked questions and answers about the Bachelor’s degree and teacher training in Chemistry
Here you’ll find clear and straightforward answers to frequently asked questions about entry requirements, course content, everyday student life and career prospects.
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
Why study Chemistry in Jena?
1. Laboratory practicals right from the start & close supervision
In the tradition of Chemistry at Jena, practical work in the laboratory plays a special role. Laboratory practicals are an integral part of the curriculum from the very first semester. Modern practical rooms are available for this purpose, with a dedicated workstation for every student. What’s more, there are no waiting lists to secure a place on a practical course.
Another advantage is that the study groups are small, which means you’ll study with us in a friendly, close-knit atmosphere with close supervision from the teaching staff.
2. Teacher training: Practical thanks to the "Jena model"
Your teacher training programme also takes a practical approach: you’ll study according to the "Jena model of teacher training". A key element of this is the school placement semester in the third year of study|academic year: You’ll spend a semester at a school in Thuringia, gaining practical teaching experience at an early stage. It’s also possible to complete the school placement semester at a school abroad.
3. A wide range of support services make it easier to get started with your studies
The transition from school to university is often like taking the plunge. But don’t worry: we’re here to support you and make your start at university easier:
During the orientation week, you’ll learn everything you need to know about organising your studies. You can get to know other students on group walks, pub nights and barbecue evenings.
In the preparatory courses in Chemistry and Mathematics , you can brush up on your school knowledge and gradually get used to university life.
Students from higher years will act as mentors to support you during your first few weeks at university.
You can take part in workshops on topics relevant to your studies, such as time management and learning strategies.
Even if you do run into difficulties during your studies, there are various places you can turn to for help – whether it’s an academic problem or you need support during a personal crisis.
4. Want to spend a semester studying abroad? No problem!
A semester abroad is a life-changing experience that helps you grow both personally and academically. You can study abroad during both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees without losing any valuable time on your course. All doors are open to teacher training students too: you can spend your school placement semester not only in Thuringia, but also at a foreign school.
Friedrich Schiller University has numerous partner universities throughout Europe and beyond. In the field of Chemistry, for example, there are Erasmus+ places in Finland, France, Poland and Spain.
Furthermore, the University of Jena is a member of the EC2U Alliance, the European Campus of City Universities: this provides students with additional opportunities to gain international experience. For example, you can take part in summer schools, think tanks and many other projects and events.
5. A close-knit network linking academia, the city and the business community
The University’s chemistry departments collaborate closely with various non-university research institutes and companies in and around Jena, such as the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology and the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology.
This gives you the opportunity, whilst you’re studying, to get involved in current research projects at an early stage and to build professional contacts. For example, you can work as a student assistant or write your final thesis at one of the partner institutions.
In addition, the university’s Career Point supports you as you start your career: for example, through job application coaching and job fairs. And students interested in a research career can take part in a special Honours programme.
6. No authorisation required
Your journey into chemistry starts very simply with us: both the Bachelor’s degree programme in Chemistry and Chemistry as a subject for teacher training are open to all at the University of Jena. This means you can start without admission restrictions (Numerus Clausus), simply enrol – and get started straight away!
If you’d like to deepen your knowledge later on, our master's degree programmes are open to you. The requirement for these is a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or a related discipline. In some cases, additional admission criteria apply.
Please note: Additional requirements may apply to international applicants.
7. Top positions in national and international rankings
At the University of Jena, you’ll find ideal conditions for studying – as demonstrated by the results in various national and international rankings.
Here are two examples:
StudyCheck ranking: In the ranking published by the StudyCheck.de portal, the University of Jena is consistently among the most popular institutions of higher education in Germany. In 2025, it was ranked in the top 5 in the category "Universities with more than 15,000 students".
CHE Ranking: In the 2024 ranking, the University of Jena was among the top performers in the discipline of Chemistry across all categories assessed, including laboratory practicals and the teaching of discipline-specific skills.
8. "Jena: A Student’s Paradise": Studying in a vibrant and green university town
Jena is a typical university town – lively, cosmopolitan and with an international atmosphere that you can sense straight away.
What makes it special is that nature is right on your doorstep. Whether it’s relaxing in the parks or going for walks with spectacular views over the city – Jena’s abundance of green spaces is a real source of energy. And to balance out your studies, the university sports programme offers a huge range of activities: from aikido to rugby to Zumba, there’s something for everyone.
Particularly handy: your student ID doubles as your culture and semester ticket. This not only includes the Deutschlandticket for local public transport, but also gives you free entry to numerous museums and cultural facilities across the city.
Soyee is studying for a Bachelor’s degree programme in Chemistry
Preview image: Universität Jena · Video: University of Jena
The faces behind the lectures, seminars and more: Get to know some of your teaching staff in your first year
Prof. Dr Birgit Weber
Birgit Weber is a professor of inorganic chemistry. Among other things, she teaches the lecture "Inorganic/General Chemistry I" in the first semester for Bachelor’s and teacher training students.
The University of Jena offers several master's degree programmes in the chemistry subject area, each with a different thematic focus.
M.Sc. Chemistry M.Sc. Chemical Biology M.Sc. Chemistry—Energy—Environment M.Sc. Chemistry of Materials M.Sc. Medical Photonics M.Sc. Materials Sciences M.Sc. Business Administration for Engineers and Natural Scientists
The Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences is one of the strongest in terms of research at the University of Jena. Thanks to the numerous externally funded projects, new PhD positions become available on a regular basis – and the faculty is involved in several structured doctoral programmes.
Solve tricky puzzles whilst learning more about studying Chemistry and the chemistry institutes in Jena: you can do just that with our digital scavenger hunt using the free Actionbound app. You can play the tour from the comfort of your own home. Team challenges are also available.
At the University of Jena’s Open Day, you can meet students and teaching staff. There are information stands, talks, campus tours and much more. The event always takes place in the spring.
From "Inorganic Experimental Chemistry" to "Environmental Chemistry": During the lecture period, you can attend selected lectures and get a taste of everyday student life.
These talks, which are accessible to everyone, are the perfect way to get to know our scientists up close and gain an insight into current research topics! You can also watch some of the talks online.
Image: Claudia Hilbert/Universität Jena
What our students say: BSc in Chemistry on StudyCheck.de
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