Master of Science in Materials Science

Modern materials underpin advances in sectors such as energy, health, mobility and information technology. This English‑taught Master’s programme builds on a Bachelor’s education to deepen both experimental and theoretical understanding of contemporary materials science. It is especially suited to students with undergraduate degrees in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science, though applicants with other relevant backgrounds are also considered.

The programme’s particular strength is an application‑oriented specialisation in modern functional materials, with the option to focus early on one of Paderborn’s prominent research areas. Situated at the boundary between the departments of chemistry and physics, the curriculum is enriched by courses from mechanical, chemical and electrical engineering. Coursework and research deliberately concentrate on the scientific foundations of synthesis, structure, processing and the functionality of new and renewable materials, giving you broad interdisciplinary training at the interface of science and technology.

Key facts and entry considerations

• Language of instruction: English
• Targeted applicants: students with a Bachelor’s in physics, chemistry, chemical engineering or materials science (other relevant backgrounds may also be considered)
• Emphasis: experimental and theoretical aspects of modern materials science
• Specialisation: modern functional materials with a strong application focus and the opportunity for early research specialisation
• Academic placement: located between chemistry and physics departments and complemented by mechanical, chemical and electrical engineering content
• Core scientific topics: synthesis, structure, processing and functionality of new and renewable materials

This programme is a four-semester (120 ECTS) interdisciplinary Master's that combines classroom teaching, multidisciplinary seminars and hands-on laboratory work tied to current research. Core lectures are reinforced by exercises and practical lab courses so that theoretical knowledge is immediately tested and expanded through experiments reflecting cutting‑edge materials research.

During the first two semesters (60 ECTS) students complete compulsory modules—lectures, accompanying exercises and practical courses—that establish the fundamental concepts of materials science. Alongside these core units, elective courses let you deepen expertise in one or more of four advanced areas: Materials Analysis, Materials Processing, Functional Materials, and Computational Materials Science.

The third semester (30 ECTS) continues elective coursework and adds a dedicated lab course plus a research-oriented, project-based placement within a working group. A seminar on current topics in materials science prepares you for group research and scientific discussion; you may also select a few general studies courses from the university-wide catalogue. The final (fourth) semester (30 ECTS) is devoted to an individual, supervised research project conducted within one of the programme’s departments. You produce a written Master’s thesis based on this research and conclude with an oral defense (colloquium).

Key components and ECTS breakdown

• Total: 120 ECTS across 4 semesters
• Semesters 1–2: 60 ECTS — compulsory lectures, exercises and practical courses (foundations)
• Semester 3: 30 ECTS — electives, lab course, project-based research in a working group, topical seminar, optional general studies
• Semester 4: 30 ECTS — supervised Master’s thesis and final colloquium

Key modules

• Core lectures and complementary exercises covering fundamental materials science concepts
• Practical lab courses featuring experiments aligned with current research
• Elective modules in: Materials Analysis; Materials Processing; Functional Materials; Computational Materials Science
• Multidisciplinary seminars on current topics in materials science
• Research-oriented, project-based course within a working group
• Master’s thesis with supervised research and a concluding colloquium

Expected learning outcomes

• Solid theoretical grounding in core materials science principles and methods
• Practical laboratory skills and experience with experiments used in contemporary research
• Ability to specialise in and apply advanced techniques in one or more focus areas (analysis, processing, functional or computational materials)
• Experience planning and executing a research project within a team and independently
• Competence in scientific communication: presenting seminar work, writing a thesis and defending results orally
• Preparedness for research careers or further doctoral study in materials science and related fields

Graduates are prepared for R&D and development roles in sectors that rely on advanced materials, such as energy, healthcare, mobility and information technology. Typical positions include materials scientist/engineer, product or process developer, materials characterization specialist, and roles in quality assurance and materials testing at industrial companies and research organisations.

The programme's mix of experimental, theoretical and computational training also provides a solid foundation for doctoral studies and careers in academia or at research institutes. The interdisciplinary and application-focused training equips graduates to work in industrial research labs, start-ups, and cross-disciplinary teams involved in materials design, processing and functional integration.