This consecutive MSc programme builds on a relevant Bachelor's degree to deepen both theoretical understanding and hands-on skills related to phenomena at the nanoscale. The curriculum is research-oriented and draws on physics, chemistry and biology to explore applied and fundamental topics such as materials chemistry, nanoelectronics, photonics and advanced molecular biology. Instruction is delivered in English and combines lectures with laboratory practice to connect concepts directly to experimental work.
Students design and run experiments, analyse and report results in written and oral formats, and gain practical experience in scientific methods. The programme emphasises transferable abilities valued by employers—scientific communication, project and time management—alongside subject-specific expertise. A wide range of elective courses allows individual specialisation, and selected modules can be taken at partner universities or institutions abroad.
The full programme lasts two years and ends with an independent Master’s thesis on a nanoscience research topic. Graduates earn the Master of Science degree and are prepared for interdisciplinary careers in industry, public service or further research training.
This two-year master's program (startable in winter or summer semester — October or April) awards 120 ECTS upon completion, including the Master's thesis. Depending on your prior degree, you may need to take up to 30 additional credits, so the actual time to finish can vary. The curriculum is organised into compulsory modules, discipline-specific focus modules, and a range of electives that let you shape your profile.
Core coursework provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation across nanoscale physics, chemistry and biology. Compulsory modules include "Methods of Nanostructure Analysis", "Nanophysics", "Nanochemistry", "Nanobiology", a preparatory project before the thesis, and the Master's thesis module itself. Through these you will gain practical and theoretical skills in nanoscale synthesis, characterization and analysis, understand quantum and molecular phenomena at the nanoscale, and learn how biological systems interact with nanomaterials. The program emphasises research competence: the preparatory project and the thesis train you to design experiments, analyse data, and communicate scientific results independently.
You must choose at least one advanced module as a focus from the program’s three core disciplines (nanophysics, nanochemistry, nanobiology), allowing deeper expertise in a selected area. A broad set of elective modules lets you tailor studies to interests such as organic nanostructures, quantum optics at the nanoscale, or bio-related topics (examples: "Aromatic Building Blocks for Organic Nanostructures", "Nanoscale Quantum Optics", "Basics in Chronobiology and Olfaction"). For full module descriptions and up-to-date details consult the Modulhandbuch (module handbook) available as a PDF on the program website.
You must hold a qualifying bachelor’s-level degree and be able to show solid foundational knowledge across key natural-science areas. The programme expects applicants to have completed at least 180 ECTS (or an internationally equivalent undergraduate qualification) in nanoscience or a closely related field. In addition to theoretical knowledge, demonstrable practical laboratory experience in at least one of the core disciplines is required.
Admissions are evaluated by an examination committee. The committee may invite applicants to a hearing (an interview or assessment) to clarify whether the entry requirements are met. If the committee identifies gaps in your background, it can require you to complete further study obligations of up to 30 ECTS to reach the programme’s entry level.
Requirements (bullet points)
Helpful application tips for international students
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Graduates are prepared for interdisciplinary roles in industry, research institutes and public-sector laboratories, where understanding and application of nanoscale phenomena are required. The combination of subject-specific expertise and transferable skills such as scientific communication and project planning supports careers in areas like nanoelectronics, materials development, photonics and biosensor technology.
The programme also provides a suitable foundation for further academic research or doctoral studies, given its strong research orientation and the opportunity to carry out experimental projects within active research centres on campus.
Trier University of Applied Sciences — Birkenfeld
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
University of Siegen — Siegen