This English‑taught Master's programme focuses on advanced study at the intersection of chemistry, physics and materials science, building on students’ undergraduate training to deepen their understanding of material properties and applications. The curriculum is designed for an international audience and prepares graduates to engage in specialized study or research in areas related to materials chemistry.
The course is interdisciplinary by design, suited to students who want to move into research, development or other technical roles that require a strong foundation in both chemical principles and materials science. Teaching in English makes the programme accessible to international applicants and supports collaboration with peers and faculty from diverse academic backgrounds.
Requirements (concise)
The programme is organised in three consecutive stages — adjustment, specialisation and practical training — designed to build both theoretical understanding and hands-on research skills in materials chemistry. The initial adjustment phase brings students up to speed with core concepts they may have missed in their undergraduate studies and can include short courses to bridge disciplinary gaps. Students may also choose to acquire basic German or project management skills during the first semester to support their academic progress and teamwork in research projects.
In the specialisation stage you take core foundational courses in materials chemistry and then focus on more specialised subject areas according to your interests. This stage allows you to deepen knowledge in particular subfields of materials chemistry through elective modules and advanced coursework, preparing you to tackle current research questions and laboratory methods.
The practical training stage emphasises laboratory experience and applied research. You will carry out supervised lab work and complete a scientific internship either with research groups based in Jena or with partner institutions abroad. The programme culminates in an independent master’s thesis on a contemporary materials-research topic, consolidating your ability to design experiments, analyse results and communicate scientific findings.
Key modules
Learning outcomes
Entry requirements (concise)
The programme’s basic entry requirement is a completed first university degree (Bachelor’s or “Diplom”) in chemistry, chemical engineering or physics with an overall grade of “good” (“gut”) or better — this corresponds to at least 2.5 on the German grading scale. Applicants holding closely related degrees (for example in materials science) can also be considered, provided their prior studies are judged equivalent.
A related degree will normally be regarded as equivalent when the applicant completed a substantial portion of their studies in physics and chemistry: specifically, at least 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits in these subjects within the previous degree programme, not counting the final thesis, plus an overall final grade of “good” or better. International applicants should be prepared to demonstrate how their grades and credit structure map to the German system when requested.
It is advisable to submit clear transcripts and course descriptions showing credit breakdowns and grades so the admissions team can assess equivalence accurately. If your national grading scale differs from the German system, include any official grade conversion or explanatory notes you have.
Winter Semester (International)
31 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
31 August 2026
Graduates are prepared for careers in research and development in academia, public research institutes and industry sectors that rely on advanced materials expertise (e.g. chemicals, polymers, nanotechnology, energy storage, electronics). The programme’s strong laboratory and internship components equip students for roles in R&D, materials characterization, product development and process optimization.
In addition to research positions, graduates can pursue careers in quality control, technical consulting, project management in materials-related industries, or continue with doctoral studies. The international orientation and English instruction also support employment in global companies and cross-border research collaborations.