Computational Molecular and Materials Science (MSc) FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg

The Master’s programme in Computational Molecular and Materials Science focuses on modern computational approaches to study and design molecules and materials. Central to the programme are modelling, simulation, and data-driven methods that enable the analysis and prediction of properties at the atomic and molecular scale.

The curriculum combines fundamental concepts from chemistry and physics with advanced techniques in computational chemistry and materials simulation. Students learn to apply quantum mechanical methods, multiscale simulation approaches, and numerical techniques, complemented by tools from data science and machine learning. These methods are used to understand complex systems and to predict their behaviour under different conditions.

A key feature of the programme is its strong application focus. Computational methods are applied to current challenges in areas such as energy conversion and storage, sustainable materials, drug design, and nanotechnology. By integrating theory, simulation, and application, the programme enables students to design and optimise molecules and materials efficiently.

The programme is inherently interdisciplinary, linking chemistry, physics, materials science, and computer science. It prepares graduates for careers in academic research as well as in research-driven industries.

The curriculum of the Master’s programme in Computational Molecular and Materials Science combines a shared academic foundation with opportunities for individual specialisation.

At the beginning, foundational alignment modules (10 ECTS) help to balance different academic backgrounds and establish a common foundation. Building on this, the core modules (30 ECTS) provide essential knowledge in modelling, simulation, scientific computing, and data-driven methods.

These are complemented by practical courses (10 ECTS), where students apply the acquired methods in hands-on settings at an early stage. Within the advanced specialisation area (20 ECTS), students can tailor their profile, for example, in molecular or materials simulation, advanced simulation techniques, or the integration of theory and experiment.

A research project (10 ECTS) enables independent scientific work within a research group. The programme concludes with the Master’s thesis (30 ECTS), typically embedded in ongoing research projects and completed with a presentation.

The Master’s seminar (5 ECTS) provides insights into current research topics and emerging developments in the field. In addition, a free elective module (5 ECTS) from the FAU-wide course catalogue allows for further individual specialisation.

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognised university.

A Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Molecular Science, or Physics is considered directly relevant. Applicants with closely related degrees may also be eligible if their studies included a strong focus on molecular-based natural sciences (approximately 60% of the curriculum), with coursework in:

• Quantum Mechanics (minimum 5 ECTS or an equivalent workload)
• Chemistry or Molecular Science (minimum 5 ECTS or an equivalent workload)
• Mathematics / Mathematical Methods or Physics (minimum 5 ECTS or an equivalent workload)

Applicants from other natural or engineering science backgrounds may be assessed individually, based on their academic profile and study focus.

Students who have not yet completed their Bachelor’s degree must have completed the equivalent of at least 135 ECTS (approximately 75% of a standard Bachelor’s programme) at the time of application.

Applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency at CEFR level B2 (or equivalent). This requirement is waived if the previous degree was completed entirely in English.

Admission is based on academic performance and subject-specific background. Depending on qualifications and grades, applicants may be invited to an oral interview conducted in English. The interview assesses:

• Subject-specific knowledge in chemistry, molecular science, mathematics, physics, and quantum mechanics (50%)
• Ability to discuss scientific topics in English (30%)
• Motivation and ability to relate prior studies to the Master’s programme (20%)

The final admission decision is made by the programme’s admissions committee.

Applicants whose nationality does not fall under the Lisbon Recognition Convention may be required to meet additional formal criteria. In particular:

• The Bachelor’s degree must have been obtained from a university listed as H+ in the anabin database.
• Applicants must submit results from a standardised subject-specific test:  the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Subject Test in Physics, with FAU specified as a designated recipient, and a minimum score at the 50th percentile, or the GATE test in Chemistry, reaching a minimum score of 650.

FAU does charge tuition fees for students from non-EU states. Using the fee finder, you can quickly check whether you are required to pay tuition fees. Irrespective of tuition fees, all students are required to pay a semester contribution of 82 EUR per semester. As of winter semester 2026/27, FAU will be charging a processing fee of 100 EUR per application for applicants from non-EU states. 

General guidelines on the average costs that can be expected are provided by the results of the social survey undertaken by the German National Association for Student Affairs in 2021 (prices may vary):

According to this study, students who no longer live with their parents should have an average amount of 1,106 EUR per month at their disposal. However, monthly expenditures for personal lifestyle vary a lot. For former West Germany, the study revealed the following details on average expenditure:

• Rent, including ancillary costs (in Erlangen, Nuremberg and surrounding areas): 410 EUR
• Food: 198 EUR
• Clothing: 46 EUR
• Travel costs (public transport and/or car): 89 EUR
• Study materials (depending on subject): 31 EUR
• Health insurance, doctors, medicine: 100 EUR
• Telecommunications: 31 EUR
• Leisure, culture, sports: 65 EUR

There is a wide range of scholarships available for outstanding students. In addition to requiring applicants to have excellent grades, most scholarship programmes have additional conditions regarding cultural, political, religious, or social involvement. If you have any questions about the application procedure or selection criteria, you can contact the Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) or speak directly to FAU’s liaison officer for the scholarship organisation you wish to apply to.

Funding your studies | FAU

Our diverse range of professional events and consultation services for members of all of FAU’s faculties are designed to support students, graduates and doctoral candidates when planning and starting their careers. This service is available for up to one year after graduation.

The services we offer include career guidance and advice on applying for jobs, job application training, and seminars as well as presentations and information on specific careers.

The cities of Erlangen, Fürth, and Nuremberg offer a very good standard of living. They are popular places to live, meaning that accommodation is in high demand but often in short supply. This is particularly the case during the period before the start of a new semester. We therefore recommend that you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. If you are flexible and also look in the surrounding area, you will have a better chance of finding somewhere affordable to live. The region has an excellent public transport system, so you should not have any problems getting to your place of study or work.

It is worth checking the available accommodation on the Internet every day, as new accommodation becomes available on a day-to-day basis. It pays to be flexible when it comes to the price, location, and available facilities of your accommodation.

Student Services Erlangen-Nürnberg runs its own student accommodation in Erlangen and Nuremberg. You will be informed about how to apply for a room in Student Services accommodation while you are in the process of applying to be admitted to FAU.

Founded in 1743, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) is now one of the largest research universities in Germany with 39,865 students and 278 degree programmes. The five faculties cover the entire spectrum of modern academic disciplines — from humanities, social sciences and theology to medicine, law, economics, sciences and engineering.

One of FAU’s defining features is its commitment to interdisciplinary teaching and research, which frequently goes beyond the boundaries of individual subjects.

FAU’s outstanding research and teaching are reflected in top positions in both national and international rankings as well as the high amount of DFG funding that its researchers are able to secure.

FAU is based in three cities — Erlangen, Fürth and Nuremberg. Each of the FAU campuses is closely connected to the social and economic pulse of these cities. Studying and city life at FAU go hand in hand, so much so that it’s hard to tell city and campus life apart.

"Moving Knowledge" is our motto and guiding principle at FAU. Therefore, we strive to generate knowledge to shape the future responsibly and openly share knowledge with all stakeholders in society to drive prosperity and create value. We also use knowledge to improve our world for future generations.

FAU’s two main sites, the cities of Erlangen and Nuremberg, are located at the heart of the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region, one of the most prosperous and successful regions in Europe. Both Erlangen and Nuremberg have their own unique charms. Erlangen is a city of 100,000 inhabitants, was the former home of the Huguenots, and it is a key location for Siemens. Nuremberg is a city with a metropolitan flair and a population of half a million. The opera, theatre, and museums, along with a lively pub scene and nightlife, offer plenty of opportunities to relax after a day in the lecture theatre, lab, or library. The highlights of the cultural calendar in Erlangen include the "Hörkunstfestival" (acoustic art festival), International Comic Salon, "figuren.theater.festival" (puppet theatre festival), "Poetenfest" (poetry festival), and the "ARENA… of the young arts" theatre and performance festival. A wide range of cultural institutions open their doors to visitors during the Blue Night in Nuremberg, and once every two years, the Long Night of Sciences gives the public a chance to take a look inside research institutions in Erlangen, Nuremberg, and Fürth. In summary, the mixture of academia, innovative companies, art, and culture makes the region the perfect place for creative minds. There is also plenty on offer for keen athletes and nature lovers. Fränkische Schweiz, a paradise for climbers and walkers, is located to the north of Erlangen and is at FAU’s doorstep. Water sports enthusiasts will love the Franconian lakes and the university’s water sports centre, which is located just south of Nuremberg.