MSc Advanced Materials and Processes (MAP)

This English-taught, two-year Master’s programme brings together Materials Science and Engineering with Chemical and Biological Engineering to train engineers who can design both novel materials and the sustainable processes needed to make them. The curriculum emphasises the close link between material properties and production methods — from catalysts and process design to advanced functional materials — and is delivered in small-group formats that allow individually tailored study plans and close mentorship.

Students build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of chemical/biological engineering and materials science while choosing one of four specialisation tracks to deepen technical expertise: Advanced Processes; Biomaterials and Bioprocessing; Computational Materials Science and Process Simulation; and Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology. Teaching is complemented by early research exposure through mini projects and literature reviews, plus events such as summer schools and workshops. The programme offers educational grants, extra‑credit modules for academic or industry career preparation, and strong support from the MAP team.

The programme is highly selective and accredited, with a low student-to-faculty ratio and a culture that encourages progression to doctoral research as well as employment in industry. Graduates are sought after across sectors including automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, food technology, health and safety, and pharmaceuticals. The academic setting is strengthened by close ties to local research centres and institutes, providing a rich environment for applied and fundamental projects.

Key facts and programme features

• Duration: two-year Master’s programme (taught in English)
• Interdisciplinary focus: combines Chemical & Biological Engineering with Materials Science & Engineering
• Four specialisation tracks: Advanced Processes; Biomaterials & Bioprocessing; Computational Materials Science & Process Simulation; Nanomaterials & Nanotechnology
• Teaching format: small groups, individually tailored curricula, early research projects and literature reviews
• Career pathways: strong preparation for PhD studies and industry roles (automotive, aerospace, oil & gas, food tech, health & safety, pharmaceuticals)
• Special features: highly selective and accredited; low student-to-faculty ratio; summer schools, workshops, educational grants; extra-credit modules for advanced qualifications
• Research environment: embedded in the Faculty of Engineering with collaborations involving Fraunhofer IISB, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Helmholtz Institute for Renewable Energy Production (HI-ERN), Institute of Advanced Materials and Processes (ZMP), Neue Materialien Fürth (NMF), Erlangen Catalysis Resource Center (ECRC), and Energy Campus Nürnberg

Overview The MSc runs over four semesters and blends foundational engineering and materials science with more advanced, topic-specific courses. Core "Fundamentals" lectures build the essential knowledge in Materials Science & Engineering and Chemical/Biological Engineering, while "Basics" lectures introduce each of the programme’s four focal topics. Students specialise in two of those four focal topics, and the curriculum is rounded out by soft-skill and scientific-skill training plus a mini project that gives hands-on research experience at participating institutes. The degree culminates in an independent Master’s thesis.

Teaching approach and added value This English-language programme is explicitly interdisciplinary, linking Materials Science with Chemistry and Bioengineering in alignment with the university’s research focus on new materials and processes. Teaching combines traditional lectures with innovative concepts, mentoring, individually tailored study plans, and early active participation in research. There is also a competitive selection process and structured support (e.g., mentoring and soft-skill courses) to help international students integrate and progress.

Key learning outcomes By the end of the programme you will have:

• Solid core competencies in materials science and chemical/biological engineering fundamentals
• Advanced knowledge in two specialised focal areas
• Practical research experience through a mini project and direct involvement with research groups
• Project management, communication and scientific skills needed to design and carry out an independent Master’s thesis
• An academic record that can include an optional 30 ECTS qualification focused on either research or industry

Programme requirements (curricular highlights)

• Duration: four-semester Master’s programme
• Core modules: "Fundamentals" lectures covering Materials Science & Engineering and Chemical/Biological Engineering
• Focal-topic modules: "Basics" lectures for four focal topics; students specialise in two of the four
• Practical component: mini project giving first-hand research experience at participating institutes
• Final requirement: independent Master’s thesis (research project)
• Optional additional qualification: courses totaling 30 ECTS (research- or industry-focused), documented on the final transcript
• Language of instruction: English
• Selection: competitive admission; mentoring and tailored curricula offered to support student progress

For detailed semester-by-semester course lists and descriptions, consult the programme’s official webpage.

A high proportion of MAP graduates continue to doctoral studies, reflecting the programme’s strong research focus and early integration into active projects. Graduates are also sought after by industry for roles in R&D, process and materials development, and technical consultancy.

Typical employment sectors include automotive and aerospace, oil & gas, food technology, health & safety, and pharmaceuticals. The combination of experimental, computational and process engineering skills equips alumni for positions that require designing novel materials, optimising sustainable production processes, or leading interdisciplinary development teams.