Course Outline
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 nine 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.
Course overview
Core subjects (M1-M9)
From the catalog of core subjects three are selected. 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).
The following subjects can be selected as core subjects:
- General Materials Properties
- Materials Science and Engineering for Metals
- Glass and Ceramics
- Surface Science and Corrosion
- Polymer Materials
- Materials for Electronics and Energy Technology
- Biomaterials
- Materials Simulation
- Micro- and Nanostructure Research
Electives Module (M10 und M11)
In addition to the core subjects, two elective modules (M10 and M11) must be taken, which include lectures and seminars, each worth 5 ECTS credits. The modules M10 and M11 can be taken from the offer of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as well as from the offer 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.
Scientific Project and Soft Skills (M12-M14)
In addition to the core and elective subjects, the modules “Scientific Project” (15 ECTS), “Soft Skills” (5 ECTS) and “Master’s Thesis with Presentation” (30 ECTS) must also be taken.
Both the module “Scientific Project” (M12) and the Master’s thesis should be taken in a core subject in which at least 25 ECTS credits have been earned.
The module “Soft Skills” (M13) is taken in one of the three core subjects.
Studying abroad during the Master program
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.
Therefore, it is imperative that students contact their academic advisor and / or the coordinators of each exchange program well in advance of the start of their study abroad program to discuss their study plan.