Programme description

New programme in 2026/27 academic year

Forensic Chemistry is a modern, interdisciplinary master’s degree programme for those who wish to combine advanced chemical knowledge with its practical application in the analysis of evidence, toxicology, and forensic science. The programme prepares students for work in fields where scientific reliability, practical laboratory skills, analytical abilities, and critical thinking are essential. The curriculum includes, among others, the analysis of psychoactive substances, drugs, and poisons; examination of fibres, glass, paints and varnishes, plastics, handwriting and printing; gunshot and post-blast residues; as well as biological and environmental materials. Students learn modern techniques of analytical and forensic chemistry and acquire skills in securing and preparing evidence for analysis, interpreting results, and preparing expert documentation under the guidance of researchers in forensic chemistry, court experts from the Prof. Dr Jan Sehn Institute of Forensic Research in Kraków, officers of the Provincial Police Headquarters in Kraków, members of the State Fire Service, and experts in legal sciences. Through a combination of workshops, practical chemistry classes, and elements of criminalistics, forensic medicine, forensic entomology, forensic genetics, law, and other forensic sciences, students are comprehensively prepared for work in forensic laboratories, customs laboratories, judicial institutions, research and diagnostic units, and wherever reliable expert analysis and advanced modern analytical techniques are required.

Information regarding Faculty

Since 2013, the Faculty of Chemistry has been continuously ranked among Poland's best scientific and research units. Research conducted by scientists from the JU Faculty of Chemistry is appreciated and rewarded for quality and innovation. Every year, talented Faculty students join the group of winners of the prestigious Diamond Grant program.

The Faculty of Chemistry premises are based on the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the Revival of the Jagiellonian University. The Faculty has the most extensive base of various chemical equipment in Małopolska, which is used very intensively during studies, has specialized laboratories with the highest standards, where scientific research in chemical technology, catalysis, electrochemistry, and environmental analysis is carried out. The Faculty offers modern study programmes and provides students with access to research equipment at the highest world level. The building of the Faculty has been designed with care for the natural environment. In the department's well-stocked library, it is possible to use a comfortable reading room with easy access to shelves and the Internet. There is also a Career and Promotion Office available for the students at the Faculty.

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

• Scientific category A+ in the discipline of Chemical Sciences awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science
• The European Chemistry Thematic Network international accreditation for the Faculty.

Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations work at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. Outstanding students can apply for a scholarship and tutoring under the SciMat project.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes such as Erasmus+, CEEPUS, Utrecht Network, exchange programmes within Bilateral Agreements or European university Una Europa, or participate in a domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

• SciMat—scholarship programme
• Student Government of the Faculty of Chemistry

From our lecturers

Prof. dr hab. Małgorzata Barańska
The university opens horizons, allows you to meet many valuable people, teaches high culture. It offers the possibility of education, including self-education, but under the guidance of specialists. How to make good use of your study time? Take advantage of a comprehensive offer, not only the one within a given field of study. Combine work with pleasure as this may be the most important time in our lives.

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

Graduates

Graduates of the Forensic Chemistry programme possess in-depth knowledge and practical skills in chemical analysis, forensic science, toxicology, and the handling and processing of evidence. They are prepared to identify and determine chemical substances, interpret research results, and prepare documentation used in forensic expert reports.

Graduates of the programme may pursue careers in:

• toxicology laboratories,
• analytical laboratories, including pharmaceutical laboratories,
• research and development units,
• institutions related to public safety,
• other centres conducting specialised chemical and materials analyses.

Further education possibilities

• Doctoral School, f.e. Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
• Post diploma programmes
• Second-cycle programmes

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Faculty of Chemistry located in the Campus of the 600th Anniversary of the JU Revival, so-called the Third Campus, in Kraków’s district – Ruczaj. For more information, please contact:

dziekana@chemia.uj.edu.pl

ul. Gronostajowa 2
30-387 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 686 27 56, 12 686 27 55, 12 686 27 54

chemia.uj.edu.pl
chemia.uj.edu.pl/studia/dziekanat

Other programmes that may interest you

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• Chemistry (Faculty of Chemistry) – programme in Polish
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