Research Project

The Research Project is split into Part 1 and Part 2, of which you can choose a shorter or longer version, respectively 2A and 2B:

• Master Research Chemistry Part 1, Introduction to the research project including Go-No Go meeting (15 EC)
• Master Research Chemistry Part 2A, Research and thesis project (22.5 EC) or Master Research Chemistry Part 2B, Research and thesis project (37.5 EC)

Completing Part 1 is a mandatory prerequisite to continuing with Part 2. Both parts are supervised by the same staff members. It is not possible to change from part 2A to part 2B or vice versa after starting the Research Project except with the approval of the programme's coordinator and director.

You can start you research project already during the first period. You will discuss the start date of your research project with your supervisor/examiner and daily supervisor, this depends on your course schedule and your supervisors’ schedules. Your start date can be any date that is convenient for all three of you and doesn’t necessarily have to be at the start of a new period.

The length of the Research Project corresponds to 0.7 x the number of credits, which results in the number of full-time weeks.

Holidays, courses or other activities that lead to time off or part-time work on your Research Project will result in a longer Research Project, respectively. Keep this in mind when planning your studies and the Research Project deadline. Please see below what to do when your Research Project is delayed and you have to apply for a Research Project deadline extension.

An (internship) contract is required if your project takes place outside UU, for example at a company.

Arrange the (internship) contract before submitting your application form in Osiris.

The contract has to be checked and signed by the Research Project Coordinators, Rebecca Puyk and Noor Weelink, on behalf of the UU via science.internshipcontracts@uu.nl. Once your contract has been checked and signed by the UU, you can upload it with your application form in Osiris (for more information on that, go to the page 'Preparation').

The contract options are as follows:

• The Universities of the Netherlands (UNL) contract is preferred for an external project inside the Netherlands.
• The EAIE contract is preferred for an external project outside of the Netherlands.
• The host organisation may have their own contract, provided that it meets the requirements of Utrecht University.

There can only be one contract, so please discuss this with the host organisation carefully. We advise students to first discuss their contract with their supervisor before signing.

Penalty clause (a fine)

The Faculty and Utrecht University strongly discourage signing an contract provided by an external organisation with a penalty clause (a fine).

Please be aware: We will not co-sign any contract which contains a penalty clause (fine).

Going abroad? You need to take these extra steps:

• If your project is outside of the Netherlands, you also have to do a Stay Abroad request in Osiris after receiving approval by the Board of Examiners. Information about this can be found on the webpage Internship abroad.
• Please read the whole page carefully. If you have questions, please contact the International Office. Be aware that arranging a project abroad takes time.
• You might find this checklist useful during the organisation of your traineeship abroad.
• It is important to check the travel advice for your destination given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please type in your destination on the website (in Dutch). If your country has orange or red areas your Stay Abroad request cannot be validated.

From 1 September 2025:

This is what you need to do if you foresee a delay of your Research Project or extension/addition to the project is necessary.

The protocol*

Please carefully read the entire delay protocol (pdf)*. Make sure to also discuss this document with your examiner(s).