Chemical analysis plays a vital role in all aspects of life. There is an increasing demand for qualified analytical chemists worldwide. The MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry program introduces analytical chemistry skills required in various industrial disciplines, including chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-analytical, forensic, food, and environmental monitoring applications.
The practice of analytical chemistry has become an integral and essential component in many diverse fields, including the food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical industry, healthcare and medical technology, environmental monitoring, electrochemical technology, agriculture, and others. Many of the underlying principles of analytical chemistry are routinely applied in various areas, such as quality control, research and development work, manufacturing processes, industry, universities, and other research laboratories.
The objective of the MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry program is to impart the analytical chemistry skills involved in various industrial disciplines to both young graduates and working professionals.
The program comprises a broad range of modules covering major analytical techniques, complemented by studies in transferable and professional skills, with the option to study aspects of medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry if desired.
Study areas include research methods, separation techniques, mass spectrometry and associated techniques, spectroscopy and structural analysis, sensors, pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism, drug targets, drug design and drug synthesis, and innovations in analytical science.
Objectives/Graduate Profile
Upon successful completion of the MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry program, graduates will be able to:
- Critically analyze the nature of a given problem in chemical analysis and recommend various analytical methodologies and techniques in both classical and instrumental approaches to solve the problem.
- Obtain accurate and precise measurements of the system.
- Operate, maintain, and understand the working principle of analytical instruments.
- Calculate the result of the analysis, along with the associated errors, and interpret the results to arrive at appropriate scientific conclusions.
- Investigate the latest developments in analytical chemistry.
Professional and Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry program will have opportunities in various sectors, including:
- Analytical Laboratories: opportunities for senior positions in laboratories involving chemical analysis
- Research & Development: opportunities in academic and industrial research in both public and private sectors, particularly in the research fields related to chemical analysis.
- Higher Education: qualification for postgraduate education in both foreign and local universities and institutes to pursue an MPhil or PhD program.
Minimum Admission Criteria
To be considered eligible for admission to the MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry program, applicants should hold one of the following qualifications:
- SLQF 6 qualification (Honors degree) or above in chemistry from a university or an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission.
- SLQF 6 qualification (Honors degree) or above in a chemistry-related subject, including 30 credits in chemistry, from a university or an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission.
- SLQF level 5 qualification (Bachelor’s degree), including 30 credits in chemistry from a university or an institution recognized by the University Grants Commission.
- Any other equivalent qualification accepted by the Senate of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Proficiency in the English language is mandatory as the course is conducted in English.
Course Duration: Two Years
Medium of Instruction: English
Course Description
| Course Code | Course Title | Credits | Status |
| Part I – Taught Components | |||
| IAC100103 | Analytical Principles and Instrumentation I | 03 | C |
| IAC100203 | Analytical Principles and Instrumentation II | 03 | C |
| IAC100303 | Analytical Principles and Instrumentation III | 03 | C |
| IAC100403 | Analytical Techniques in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications I | 03 | C |
| IAC100502 | Analytical Techniques in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications II | 02 | C |
| IAC100602 | Forensic Analytical Chemistry and Applications | 02 | C |
| IAC100702 | Analytical Techniques in Agriculture and Food Science | 02 | C |
| IAC100803 | Material Characterization and Analysis I | 03 | C |
| IAC100902 | Material Characterization and Analysis II | 02 | C |
| IAC101002 | Environmental Analysis I | 02 | C |
| IAC101102 | Environmental Analysis II | 02 | C |
| IAC101202 | Quality Management and Chemical Laboratory Accreditation | 02 | C |
| Part I – Non-Taught Component | |||
| IAC101304 | Laboratory Practical | 04 | A |
| Total Credits in Part I | 33 | ||
| Part II | |||
| IAC101402 | Seminars | 02 | C |
| IAC101520 | Research project based on an industrial problem | 20 | A |
| IAC101607 | Case Study | 07 | C |
| IAC101701 | Academic Skills- Scientific Writing and Academic Presentation | 01 | C |
| Total Credits in Part II | 30 | ||
| Total for the MSc Degree | 63 | ||
C – Core Course, A – Compulsory
Evaluation Criteria
Students should maintain a minimum grade of B for Laboratory Practical and a minimum grade of C+ for each of the taught components offered in Part I of the program. The minimum overall GPA requirement to qualify for Part II of the MSc program is 3.00. To be eligible to sit for the examination, it is necessary to maintain an attendance rate of 80% or higher for both theory and practical sessions.
The student’s performance in each course unit is assessed and graded through theory examinations and practical/continuous assessments. All theory courses are evaluated based on End-Module examinations. Assessment of Laboratory Practical is conducted through continuous assessment. The final research project report will be evaluated by two faculty members or experts in the relevant area separately, and the viva will be graded by the same members in the presence of the coordinator and the supervisor(s).
- Continuous Assessment (% weightage):
Refer to the assessment criteria for individual course units. The maximum marks allocated to continuous assessment are 40%, except for Laboratory Practical. Laboratory Practical are assessed only through continuous assessments.
- Final Examination (% weightage):
Refer to the assessment criteria for individual course units. The minimum mark allocated to the Final Examination is 60%.
- IAC101402 Seminar: 30% for the Pre-project and 70% for the Final Project seminars
- IAC101607 Case Study: 50% by Project Supervisor and 50% by Examiners
- IAC101520 Research Project based on an industrial problem: 30% by Research Project Supervisor + 30% from Thesis + 40% from Viva Voce Examination
- IAC101701 Academic Skills – Scientific Writing and Academic Presentation: 100% from Scientific Writing, Presentation and Scientific Software Application Workshops
Exit Points
| Exit Level | Requirements |
| PGDip in Industrial Analytical Chemistry (SLQF 8) | Successful completion of 33 credits offered in Part I |
PGDip in Industrial Analytical Chemistry is the only exit point of the MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry program. The students registered for the MSc program can request to be awarded the PGDip after fulfilling the requirements before the program’s end date. All qualified students will be awarded the PGDip after the duration of the MSc program.
Repeating Course Units
Students who are unable to sit for or who fail the course unit can repeat the examination. Except for medical reasons, the maximum mark that can be obtained is 55% (B grade). Only two attempts will be allowed to repeat an examination.
Awarding the Degree
PGDip in Industrial Analytical Chemistry (SLQF 8)
| Minimum GPA Requirement | Completion Criteria |
| 2.70 | Students should possess a minimum overall GPA of 2.70 for 25 credits offered in Part I, including Laboratory Practical. Furthermore, students must maintain a minimum grade of B for the Laboratory Practical and a minimum grade of C for other course units considered within 25 credits (Total Number of Credits Offered in Part I: 33). |
Students who fulfill the requirements for a PGDip will be awarded at the end of the program as an exit point to the MSc program. If a student wishes to obtain a PGDip before the end date of the MSc program, they shall submit a written request to the course coordinator after fulfilling the requirements for the PGDip.
MSc in Industrial Analytical Chemistry (SLQF 10)
| Minimum GPA Requirement | Completion Criteria |
| 3.00 | Students should possess a minimum grade of C+ for all course units except the Laboratory Practical, Case Study, and Research Project. The minimum requirement for Laboratory Practical, Case Study, and Research Project is B grade. The overall GPA requirement of 3.00 must be met to be awarded the MSc. (Total Number of Credits Offered in Part I and Part II: 63. |
A merit pass will be awarded to students who exceed an average of 70%.
Note: In addition to the guidelines given in the student handbook, students must also adhere to the student guidelines issued by the Department of Chemistry.
Payment Plan
The student is required to pay 60% of the course fee at the time of registration and the remaining balance within 6 months from the commencement of the program.
Course fee Rs 350,000.00
Application start date 14th September 2026
Application close date 2nd October 2026
Interviews 2nd or 3rd week of October.
Program commencement 2nd of November 2026
Minimum number of students needed to commence the program 25
Please refer the Faculty of Graduate Studies https://www.graduate.sjp.ac.lk/ for Application process.
Course Coordinator
Dr. Asitha Cooray
0777465392
msc.industrial_anal_chem@sjp.ac.lk