Master Materials Science & Engineering
The international Master’s Program (M.Sc.) in Materials Science & Engineering is an interdisciplinary program to deepen the scientific expertise of your previous education, e.g. the understanding of various material properties and interactions between materials particularly with regard to application oriented research in science and technology.
This interdisciplinary program provides a high-level academic and research-oriented education on the synthesis and characterisation of structural and functional materials. Particular attention is paid to the sustainability of materials and digital materials and technologies in order to meet the current need in materials research for comprehensive sustainability and digital materials research. Within these topics there is a broad variety of lectures to choose from. By the combination of theoretical and practical laboratory training in the methods courses, students are intensively prepared for the application of materials science methods in professional practice.
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Curriculum
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Key aspects
Structural and Functional Materials
Based on the high level of expertise in the field of condensed matter, the focus is on the synthesis, characterization and processing of all classes of structural and functional materials, including hybrid materials, high-performance ceramics, composites, energy materials, biomaterials, thermoelectrics, semiconductors, carbon materials and OLEDs.
Digital Materials and Technologies
The new focus area "Digital Materials and Technologies" takes into account the increasing digitalization of materials research (computer modelling, use of computer-aided processes and mapping of value chains in digital twins).
Materials Sustainability
In order to meet the current need for comprehensive sustainability in materials research, the third thematic focus "Materials Sustainability" deals with topics such as the recycling of materials, resource and waste mineralogy as well as sustainable chemical reactions and cycles.
Important Information
Frequently Asked Questions:
(Because of further problems and questions regarding application or our study program please contact us: master.mawi@physik.uni-augsburg.de)
Q1: When is the next deadline for applications?
All applications for the summer term 2025 have to be submitted until 1st November 2024.
Q2: Which background do your students have?
We expect a strong background in materials science that is comparable to a B.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Augsburg. Our students hold B.Sc. degrees for example in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Nanotechnology, Physics, or Chemistry. Please note, however, that study programs may vary largely between universities. Admission thus depends very much on the individual background, skills, and academic achievements. The following list gives an overview of the curriculum of your fellow students who graduated from the University of Augsburg:
- Materials Science
Introductory knowledge on all classes of materials: e.g. crystal structure, thermodynamics, properties and defects, solid state analytics - Engineering
Statics, mechanics of materials, strength of materials, manufacturing of all classes of materials, e.g. polymers, ceramics, metals, semiconductors - Physics
Experimental physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electodynamics, optics, atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics), theoretical physics (basic quantum mechanics, thermodynamics) - Chemistry
General and inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, solid state chemistry, chemical lab practice - Mathematics
Linear algebra, fundamental calculus, differential equations, complex analysis, vector analysis
Your background will be compared with this list.
Q3: How will you evaluate my application?
We will evaluate the background of your B.Sc. The minimal strict requirements is listed above under „Applications Requirements, Application Procedure, etc.“. For this purpose, you have to list and describe the corresponding courses from your B.Sc. program during your application under https://vibs.uni-augsburg.de. Furthermore, we offer and recommend an advisory online discussion. Invitations will be sent out after evaluation of your submitted documents.
In addition, your university documents and English certificates will be validated.
Q4: How to evaluate my B.Sc. courses in terms of ECTS credits for the evaluation form?
One ECTS credit point corresponds to approximately 30 hours of total workload. If your B.Sc. program uses a different credit system, please try to estimate the ECTS equivalent by using and documenting the number of contact hours of your course in one semester.
Q5: Which level in English is required and which certificates do you accept?
Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of having obtained level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Currently, accepted equivalences to B2 in terms of internationally recognized test methods (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) are as follows:
- TOEFL TOEFL (paper-based) score of at least 550 or
- TOEFL TOEFL (computer-based) score of at least 213 or
- TOEFL TOEFL (internet-based) score of at least 80 or
- IELTS-Overall Band Score of at least 6.5 (out of 9)
These limits are strict!
Q6: Do I need to provide a language certificate if the medium of instruction during my Bachelor studies was English?
No, in this case it is sufficient to submit the proof that the medium of instruction was English.
Q7: Can I obtain a preliminary estimate from the department about my chances of admission?
Due to the large number of applications, we are not able to offer this service. Please check Q1–Q5 to estimate your chances yourself.
Q8: Are scholarships available?
Information on financing and scholarships can be found
here.
Q9: Do I have to speak German, for studying the Master program 'Materials Science & Engineering'?
All course are given in English, but for getting along in Germany (insurances, accomodation, etc.) and finding a job, knowledge of basic German will be necessary.
Q10: What is the handbook of modules about?
This handbook contains all modules (lectures, seminars, method courses, etc.) offered within the Master program and provides information on the contents of the courses, the competences you should achieve, and the type of exams you will have to pass.
Q11: Do I need to provide a recommendation letter?
No.
Important documents for download
Information for students
Before Application
We strongly suggest that you familiarize yourself first with the Institutes’ various research activities in physics, materials science and engineering.
Study the information given on the pages concerning the International M.Sc. 'Materials Science & Engineering' carefully before submitting your application!
See also:
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
- University of Augsburg International Office
- Student Union of Augsburg
- Fachschaft Physik und MaWi (student council for physics and materials science)
Admission Requirements
- For admission to the Master’s program in Materials Science & Engineering, a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the fields of materials science, physics, chemistry, or materials science and engineering is required. A degree in a related discipline might be deemed equivalent by the examination board, subject to evaluation of the documents submitted by the applicant. In the majority of cases a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering does not provide sufficient knowledge in the scientific foundations for Materials Science.
- All applicants have to submit proof of having obtained at least 12 ECTS credits in Materials Science, 12 ECTS credits in Physics and 18 ECTS credits from Engineering, Chemistry or Mathematics. To evaluate if you fulfill this requirement, you have to list (including a summary of contents) each lecture course in the evaluation form, which you have to submit as part of your application documents. Note: Applicants who graduated from the University of Augsburg do not have to submit this form.
- If, at the time of application, your Bachelor’s diploma is not yet available, a current transcript of records must be submitted and the diploma and associated documents submitted within one year of commencing the Master’s program.
- Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of a sufficient knowledge of English corresponding to level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Currently, equivalences to B2 in terms of one of internationally recognized test methods (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) are as follows:
Note: You do not have to submit this proof if you are a native speaker of English or you have graduated from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. In the latter case, please provide supporting documentation. Students with a German 'Abitur' need no further proof of their knowledge of English.
Application
Onlineportal: https://vibs.uni-augsburg.de
All applications for the summer term 2025 have to be submitted until 1st November 2024!!
All applications are required to contain the following documents:
- Fully completed and signed application form.
- Evaluation form for the required Credit Point Equivalents as mentioned above. Typically one ECTS point correponds to 30 hours of study time, i.e. contact hours plus homework. Note: Applicants who graduated from Augsburg University do not have to submit this form.
- TOEFL proof of at least 550 (for the paper-based test) or 213 (for the computer-based test) or 80 (for the internet-based test) or
- IELTS-test score of 6.5 (of 9)
- Note: You will not have to provide a English test score if you are a native English speaker, or graduated from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. In the latter case please provide supporting documentation. Students with a German 'Abitur' need no further proof of their knowledge of English.
- GRE-Test (not compulsory) recommended.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified copies and certified translations in English or German of:
- 'Final Secondary School certificate' (High School etc.) and (if applicable) 'higher education entrance qualification'
- Most recent official transcript of your Bachelor studies
- Bachelor certificate or equivalent
- Please restrain from attaching any additional material!
Entry Requirements
Foreign students have to apply for a student visa at their nearest German Embassy in their home country.
We recommend to do it as soon as you decide to study in Germany.
The 'German Alien's Act' does not allow to change the entry status whilst in Germany; never enter with a tourist visa!
Please present the following at the Embassy:
- Our letter of admission ('Zulassung')
- Our documentation of the course
- A proof of your financial means (EUR 670/month at least). Be prepared to show a bank statement covering the full expenses for the first year!
See also:
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
University of Augsburg International Office
Health Insurance
All students at institutions of higher education in Germany have to provide proof of obligatory health insurance at the time of registration. Health insurance can be obtained (usually without any problem) after arrival in Augsburg.
Applicants from India
There are special regulations for students from India handled by the Akademische Prüfstelle New Delhi at the German Embassy in New Delhi. Essentially, this institution will check your academic transcripts. Please include the certificate you receive from the 'Akademische Prüfstelle' with your application.
Applicants from China
There are special regulations for students from China handled by the Akademische Prüfstelle at the German Embassy in Beijing. Essentially, this institution will check your academic transcripts, and you will be given an interview of about 20 minutes duration, during which your academic background will be tested. The language of the interview is English or German. Please include the certificate you receive from the 'Akademische Prüfstelle' with your application.
- No tuition fees are charged for the Programme, but EUR 127.50 per semester will be charged as a registration fee and for student services (including unlimited local bus & tram use). (This applies to all courses offered at the University of Augsburg.)
- Students are responsible for their own housing and living expenses which run, as a minimum, at about EUR 861 per month.
- Note: All non-EU students have to provide evidence that their studies in Germany are financially secured!
- During your studies, you are allowed to work for up to 120 days or up to 240 half-days in each calendar year. See Student Union of Augsburg for jobs for students. Support grants from German sources are extremely limited and available only to highly qualified applicants and under exceptional circumstances.
- You may also want to check for scholarships / stipends etc. with other agencies / institutions (e.g. Federal Training Assistance Act 'BAföG') see also Student Union of Augsburg.
- Another way of supporting our students is through part-time teaching or research assistantships. There are only a few (!) of these jobs available, but you will have to look for them yourself once you are here. We do not assign teaching and research assistantships beforehand!
Registration
- You have to register officially with the City of Augsburg; see also ' My five steps to a residence permit'. Advice on this matter is also given by the International Office of the University of Augsburg.
- You need also to register officially at the University of Augsburg. There is a fee of presently EUR 127.50 per semester (including unlimited local bus & tram use).
Housing
- Students admitted to the program are eligible to apply for a room in a student dormitory, but usually there is a long waiting list. In order to avoid the waiting list, you may purchase a 6-month ' Service Package' after you have obtained the 'Zulassung'.
- Most dormitories are run by the Student Union of Augsburg; they are conveniently located (walking distance or easy tram connection to the university). All rooms are one-person rooms, fully furnished, with a bathroom and cooking facilities. Note: There are no dorms exclusively for men and women.
- After your arrival in Augsburg, help in finding a private accomodation can also be provided by the International Office of the University of Augsburg.
The language of instruction is English. Each student has to proof good knowlegde in the English language through a appropriate TOEFL or IELTS score. Native English speakers or students which graduated from a Universtiy, where English is the primary language of instruction, are excluded from this prerequisite. But in the latter case, supporting documentation has to be provided.
Though fluent speaking of German is not required, each student will need some basic knowledge of German, in order to get smoothly along in daily live. We suggest to acquire some basic German before coming here.
Alternatively, there is the possibility to attend German courses in Augsburg; these will, however, not be offered by the University, but rather by private institutions (and hence will cost a fee). The German courses provided by the University of Augsburg aim towards students which already have a certain knowledge of German and are interested in further improving their skills. Information about the courses can be obtained at the language center of the University of Augsburg ( Sprachenzentrum).
What the Institute of Physics has to offer
Interdisciplinary Program
The program is organized by the Institute of Physics and the Institute of Materials Management. This interaction offers a broad spectrum from basic research to application-oriented research. The research focus of the Institute of Physics is in the field of condensed matter. In addition to the Center for Electronic Correlation and Magnetism, other focal points are nanotechnology, materials research and chemical physics. The research focus of the Institute for Materials Resource Management is the development of new cycle-oriented structural materials up to application maturity - with a view to sustainability and resource efficiency.
Individual choice of specialization
Students have the opportunity to concentrate their interests in the field of structural and functional materials, digital materials and technologies, and materials sustainability within the broad spectrum between pure basic research and research directly geared towards application - depending on what career path the individual has in mind. The hands-on method courses enable an insights in experimental and analytical research.
State-of-the-art equipment
The IfP is housed in two research buildings and a lecture hall building. The MRM moved into a new building with integrated seminar rooms and lecture hall in 2020. In the areas of synthesis, characterization and development of new materials, the IfP is well equipped with numerous large-scale devices for spectroscopy, material synthesis and analysis. Research at the MRM includes work in the field of materials chemistry and the development of polymer and ceramic composites as well as hybrid material composites and also covers issues relating to production technology.
Optimal supervision in small groups
Thanks to a high proportion of third-party funding - i.e. research funding acquired in addition to basic state funding - which is also used to finance staff positions, the supervision ratio (students per academic) is extremely favorable. This means that contact between lecturers and students works, and the supervision of students by professors and staff is excellent. Exercises and practicals take place in small groups, and these conditions make it easier to actually keep to the standard period of study.
After graduation
PhD
After the Master's degree program, the doctorate offers the opportunity to apply the skills learned in a doctoral program in a working group on current research topics. The Institute of Physics offers a wide range of different research topics (→ Lehrstühle, Arbeitsgruppen).
Job prospects
- Material research and development
- Product development
- Quality assurance
- Failure analysis
- Technical sales in industrial companies
- Automotive industry
- Aerospace industry
- Chemical industry
- Medical industry
- Environmental protection
- Science and research
Akkreditierung
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Beratung
- Telefon: +49 (0) 821 598-3432
- Telefon: 0821/598-5999