Materials Science

This program trains students to understand and develop functional materials that underpin modern technologies — from energy conversion and storage to magnetic and electronic applications. The curriculum emphasizes how structure, synthesis, analysis, modelling and characterization determine material properties. Core material types covered include ceramics, inorganic and organic semiconductors, thin films, energy materials, metals and a range of nanomaterials. The course is delivered in English and takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining physics, chemistry and engineering perspectives.

The taught component includes mandatory modules on surface and interface science, theoretical materials science (covering quantum mechanics, non-equilibrium thermodynamics and continuum mechanics), materials analytics and sustainable materials science. Hands-on laboratory experience is central: two lab courses are required, plus an Advanced Research Lab — an independent research project carried out within one of the department’s research groups that prepares you for the Master’s thesis. Students are encouraged to choose a professor as a mentor and to join a research group for the Advanced Research Lab and the thesis (these can be different groups).

A large elective portfolio (about 50 courses at the institute, with many additional options elsewhere at the university) lets you tailor your studies toward specific themes such as materials for energy applications, ceramics, thin magnetic films for spintronics, high-performance alloys, advanced materials characterization or computational modelling of functional materials. For international applicants, this program is a solid pathway into research (including PhD study) or into technology-driven industry roles; early contact with potential supervisors and exploring the institute’s course catalogue will help you define your specialization and research opportunities.

Program requirements (academic structure and study components)

• Language of instruction: English
• Interdisciplinary curriculum combining physics, chemistry and engineering perspectives
• Compulsory coursework in surface & interface science, theoretical materials science (quantum mechanics, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, continuum mechanics), materials analytics and sustainable materials science
• Two laboratory courses required
• Advanced Research Lab: independent research project in a department research group (prepares for the Master’s thesis)
• Master’s thesis completed within a research group (can be different from the Advanced Research Lab group)
• Strong encouragement to select a professor as mentor to plan specialization and research direction
• Large elective choice (~50 courses at the institute, plus many more across the university)

This four-semester, interdisciplinary Master’s program combines hands-on laboratory work, theoretical training, and a substantial independent research component. Early semesters balance practical research labs with core theoretical and materials-focused modules—covering quantum or micromechanics, functional materials, surfaces and interfaces, advanced characterisation, and sustainable materials. The third semester is devoted to an extended research internship (Advanced Research Lab), and the degree is completed with a 30 CP Master’s thesis in the fourth semester. Elective coursework allows you to tailor your profile toward specific materials topics or broader transferable skills before beginning the thesis.

Key learning outcomes include the ability to design and carry out experimental materials research, apply theoretical and computational methods (e.g., quantum or micromechanics and density functional theory), use advanced characterisation techniques, and evaluate materials with sustainability and application contexts in mind. Graduates will be prepared for research roles in academia or industry and will have developed interdisciplinary communication, project management, and critical-thinking skills relevant to advanced materials development.

The program structure strongly emphasises laboratory competence and independent research experience while giving space for specialisation and interdisciplinary breadth through electives and general studies.

Requirements and key modules (with credit points)

• First semester (compulsory)
  • Research Lab I — 4 CP
  • Quantum Mechanics OR Micromechanics — 6 CP
  • Functional Materials — 6 CP
  • Surfaces and Interfaces — 5 CP
• Second semester (compulsory)
  • Research Lab II — 4 CP
  • Theoretical Methods in Materials Science — 6 CP
  • Advanced Characterisation Methods in Materials Science — 6 CP
  • Sustainable Materials — 6 CP
• Third semester
  • Advanced Research Lab (research internship) — 15 CP
• Fourth semester
  • Master’s thesis — 30 CP
• Electives (materials science): between 22 and 26 CP must be completed before starting the Master’s thesis. Example topics include:
  • Magnetism and Magnetic Materials
  • Solid State and Structural Chemistry of Materials
  • Advanced Microscopy
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Engineering Microstructures
  • Semiconductor Interfaces
  • Chemical Sensors
  • Mechanical Properties of Metals and Ceramics
  • Surface Science
  • Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes
  • Materials Chemistry in Electrocatalysis
  • Electrochemistry in Energy Applications
  • High Pressure Materials Synthesis
  • Phase Transitions in Materials
  • Density Functional Theory
  • (and many more)
• General studies (non-materials electives): between 6 and 10 CP must be completed before starting the Master’s thesis. Example topics include:
  • Project Management
  • Cognitive Science
  • Philosophy
  • Economics
  • (and many more)

Note: Elective and general-studies credits are intended to be fulfilled prior to commencing the Master’s thesis so you have the required academic profile and breadth for your final research project.

Graduates are prepared for careers in industrial R&D, materials development and processing, quality and failure analysis, and applied characterisation in sectors such as energy, electronics, automotive and advanced manufacturing. The programme's balance of experimental, theoretical and computational training also makes it suitable for roles in research institutes and technology start-ups.

Those aiming for academia can progress to doctoral studies; the close ties to departmental research groups and the mandatory Advanced Research Lab provide a strong foundation for continuing in research-oriented careers.