Master’s degree = deepen knowledge + broaden knowledge + learn scientific working methods
At the beginning of their studies, students decide on three core subjects that can be selected from the eight specialist areas of Materials Science. This determines the subject-specific profile of the field of study and also ensures the breadth of the Materials Science education.
An extensive selection of supplementary electives allows for specialization and deepening of his or her professional competencies based on both the individual interests and future career plans of each student.
In order to round off the scientific profile, special emphasis is placed on the acquisition of soft skills and a confident approach to scientific project work in addition to the teaching of specialist knowledge.
The standard period of study for the Master’s program is four semesters. The number of ECTS credits required for successful completion is 120 ECTS credits.
All examinations are taken during the course of study.
For further details, please refer to the program’s examination regulations.
You choose three core subjects out of the eight below.
Core subject 1 has a scope of 25 ECTS. It is divided into a basic module of 10 ECTS and a supplementary module of 5 ECTS. Both basic and supplementary modules are compulsory modules within the selected core subject and must be taken. In addition, there are two elective modules of 5 ECTS each, which can be freely selected from a subject pool.
Core subject 2 and core subject 3 each have a scope of 15 ECTS and are also divided into a basic and a supplementary module. These are compulsory modules within the selected core subjects. In addition, a core subject elective module of 5 ECTS must be chosen in one of the three core subjects (M5).
Available core subject options:
- General Materials Properties
- Materials Science and Engineering for Metals
- Glass and Ceramics
- Polymer Materials
- Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology
- Biomaterials
- Materials Simulation
- Micro- and Nanostructure Research
In addition to the core subjects, you take two elective modules (M10 and M11) each worth 5 ECTS credits. Modules M10 and M11 can be taken from the course catalogue of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as well as from the course catalogue of the other departments of the Faculty of Engineering.
The purpose of the electives is to enable students to deepen and broaden their expertise in the field of Materials Science and Materials Engineering on current issues in the respective specialties and to sharpen their profile with regard to their intended future career field.
Core subject basic and supplementary modules cannot be used as electives!
The module “Scientific Project” and the Master’s thesis should be taken in one of the core subjects. The topic for the presentation in the Presentation Techniques seminar in the module “Soft Skills” can be taken in any of the offered subjects.
In contrast to the Bachelor’s program, a stay abroad can be integrated into the Master’s program relatively easily and, if necessary, without significant loss of time. The 3rd semester is particularly suitable for this. In consultation with the study advisors or the supervising professors, equivalent study achievements abroad can be accepted.
The Lifelong Learning Program is an action program of the EU Commission to promote general cooperation in the field of education, student and employee mobility in Europe. ERASMUS – as part of the Lifelong Learning Program – offers students the opportunity to gain experience in other European countries, to get to know the language and culture, and to take advantage of the study opportunities offered there.
Students from a wide variety of institutes can spend study periods abroad (i.e. take courses and participate in examinations), as well as practical stays for laboratory or industrial internships or for the completion of their theses or dissertations, in each case for a period of three to twelve months. During this time, they are receive a small monthly stipend and are exempt from any tuition fees at the host university. The only requirements for participation are enrollment at FAU, first-time participation in the program, and sufficient language skills in the target country.
You will find detailled information here.