Materials Science and Simulation

This English-taught master's programme delivers an integrated, interdisciplinary education in materials science, physics and numerical methods. You will build a broad foundation across these areas while also gaining in-depth theoretical understanding of current challenges in materials research. Core and elective courses let you broaden your perspective or specialise further through fundamental and advanced options.

A strong emphasis is placed on applying advanced numerical and experimental techniques across all length and time scales relevant to materials. The course offers opportunities to join research projects where you gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art simulation tools and laboratory methods, developing practical problem‑solving skills that are directly applicable to both academic and industrial settings.

The curriculum is developed and regularly updated in close coordination with ICAMS partners, ensuring that course content remains aligned with contemporary research directions and industry needs. Graduates emerge well prepared for careers in research, development and innovation in either industry or academia.

Key learning outcomes and programme expectations

• Solid grounding in materials science, core physics concepts and numerical methods
• Practical experience using advanced experimental and computational techniques across multiple length and time scales
• Ability to apply state-of-the-art simulation and lab methods to real research problems through project work
• Deeper disciplinary insight via fundamental and advanced elective courses to address current materials‑science challenges
• Readiness for careers in industry or academia, supported by a curriculum continually revised with ICAMS partners

Curriculum overview

This two-year (four-semester) interdisciplinary Master’s program builds a science-based understanding of how engineering materials behave, combining theoretical courses, practical lab work, and project-based research. The first semester establishes core foundations — programming, materials physics and materials engineering — and introduces hands-on materials modelling in a dedicated lab where students learn simulation techniques across different length scales. These initial modules set the groundwork for later specialization.

In the second semester, numerical methods are added to strengthen the computational and mathematical tools needed for simulation work. From this point forward, students tailor their studies by selecting from fundamental and advanced elective modules that match their interests. The third semester continues these specialised lectures and includes a short research project to develop independent investigative skills. Throughout the program, non-technical modules teach professional key competences such as scientific documentation and communication.

The final semester is devoted to an individually mentored Master’s thesis: students carry out a scientific project, analyse and interpret results, and present their findings in a formal thesis. Together, coursework, lab experience, the research project and the thesis aim to produce graduates capable of modelling materials across scales, applying numerical and programming methods, and communicating scientific results effectively.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Duration and format: two years / four semesters; mix of compulsory, optional and non-technical modules, plus a research project and Master’s thesis
• Core first-semester modules: programming, materials physics, materials engineering — provide foundational theoretical knowledge
• Materials Modelling Lab: practical training in simulation techniques on various length scales; prepares students for specialised modelling work
• Numerical Methods (second semester): strengthens computational and mathematical approaches used in simulations
• Electives and specialisation: choice of fundamental and advanced modules to focus on preferred materials science topics
• Short research project (third semester): develop experimental/computational research skills and experience working on a focused scientific problem
• Professional key competences: courses on scientific documentation, communication and other soft skills to support research and collaboration
• Master’s thesis (final semester): mentored scientific project culminating in a written thesis that reports and interprets research results
• Expected outcomes: ability to analyse and predict material behaviour, apply modelling and numerical methods, conduct independent research, and communicate scientific findings clearly

Graduates are prepared for careers in both academia and industry. Typical professional paths include roles in computational materials science, materials modelling and simulation, R&D in advanced materials and process engineering, and experimental characterisation labs. The programme’s combination of numerical, experimental and programming skills is also attractive for positions in software development for scientific applications and in interdisciplinary engineering teams.

For students aiming to continue in research, the MSc provides a solid foundation for PhD programmes in materials science, physics, mechanical engineering and related fields.