This joint, research-oriented Master's programme is run collaboratively by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and the Technical University of Darmstadt as part of the Rhine-Main Universities Alliance. Teaching and learning are delivered entirely in English, and the curriculum combines advanced theoretical study with a growing focus on hands-on, practical training and research projects across both institutions.
The programme is interdisciplinary, sitting at the intersection of physics and chemistry. It builds a deep conceptual and technical understanding of how soft matter and soft materials are designed and produced — from polymers and supramolecular tectons to colloidal building blocks — and how their structure, dynamics and interactions determine material properties. Instruction covers functional material concepts using both conventional synthetic components and biologically relevant constituents.
Practical skills and application-oriented knowledge are an integral part of the training: students gain exposure to technical processing methods and the industrial utilisation of soft materials, preparing them for careers in academic research, development labs or industry settings where materials design and processing are important. The cooperative setup between Mainz and Darmstadt also creates opportunities to work across different research groups and technical facilities within the Rhine-Main network.
Requirements (typical preparation and skills expected)
The curriculum begins with two semesters devoted to core physical and chemical principles: the first semester is taught at the Mainz campus and the second at the Darmstadt campus. These initial terms establish the theoretical foundation needed for advanced work in soft matter and materials, ensuring students gain a solid grounding in both the physics and chemistry that underpin polymer and soft-matter systems.
Practical training is gradually increased across the programme, so hands-on laboratory and experimental skills become a larger part of the course over time. Already in the second semester (when starting in the winter term), students take a module in which they select two out of four main subject options — examples include polymers at interfaces, sustainable polymer chemistry, and technical polymer science — allowing early specialization within the field.
In the third semester the focus shifts more strongly to research: students pick two research modules from a broad catalogue offered jointly by the chemistry and physics departments of TU Darmstadt and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), as well as by the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz. A flexible elective module is also available each semester, letting students follow current topics and tailor their studies to specific interests in soft matter and materials science.
Key learning outcomes include mastery of foundational physical and chemical concepts for soft matter, development of practical laboratory and experimental techniques, capability to design and conduct research projects, and the ability to specialize in polymer-related topics while working across institutional and disciplinary boundaries — preparing graduates for research roles in academia or industry.
Requirements and structure (concise)
Applicants must hold a relevant Bachelor's degree and demonstrate specific coursework and laboratory experience. Degrees from universities in Germany or abroad are acceptable provided the program is comparable to the standards at JGU. The examination board evaluates whether qualifications meet the entry criteria and can consider additional relevant achievements completed outside the Bachelor’s program.
You should be prepared to document your credits and practical work (for example with transcripts and course descriptions) so the examination board can assess equivalence and relevance.
Winter Semester (International)
1 September 2026
Summer Semester (International)
1 March 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
1 September 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
1 March 2026
Graduates are prepared for research and development roles in academia, public research institutes, and industry sectors focused on polymers, coatings, biomaterials, and soft matter technologies. Typical positions include R&D scientist, materials engineer, formulation scientist, and roles in process development, quality control, and product development within chemical, pharmaceutical, biotech, and materials companies.
The programme’s strong research orientation and connections to university and Max Planck research groups also provide a solid foundation for pursuing doctoral studies (PhD) or specialist research careers. Knowledge of technical processing and industrial utilisation increases employability in applied industrial roles and technology transfer positions.
Friedrich Schiller University Jena — Jena
University of Göttingen — Göttingen
Technical University of Munich — München
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz — Mainz