Materials Science — Focus Biomedical Microsystems Kiel University

The Focus Biomedical Microsystems is an integral part of the Master's degree programme in Materials Science, providing a comprehensive materials-oriented perspective on modern biomedical technologies and microsystems. Students explore the fundamental relationships between material properties, micro- and nanostructures, and biological functionality while gaining in-depth knowledge of biomaterials, biosensors, wearable technologies, micro- and nanosystems, and advanced microfabrication techniques. By combining fundamental materials science with biomedical engineering applications, graduates develop the expertise to design, characterise, optimise, and implement innovative materials and microsystems for healthcare, diagnostics, and medical technology.

The programme combines outstanding research opportunities with state-of-the-art experimental facilities and enables students to work on current challenges in biomedical and microsystem materials and technologies. Through close collaboration with the department's research groups, students gain hands-on experience in advanced materials characterisation, micro- and nanofabrication, sensor technologies, and biomedical applications. Master's theses can be conducted within the Department of Materials Science using modern laboratory infrastructure or in cooperation with national and international research institutions and industrial partners, providing an excellent foundation for careers in research, development, and the medical technology industry.

Graduates acquire a unique combination of advanced materials science expertise and biomedical microsystems knowledge, preparing them for careers in research and development, medical technology, sensor development, biomedical engineering, high-tech industries, or doctoral studies.

First Semester – Building the Scientific Foundation

During the first semester, students deepen their understanding of the fundamental principles of modern materials science through advanced courses in solid state physics, solid state chemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, analytics, and higher mathematics. At the same time, the Master's project introduces students to scientific research methods and current research topics, providing the foundation for their later specialisation.

Second Semester – Entering the Biomedical and Microsystem World

In the second semester, students begin their Biomedical Microsystems focus by combining advanced materials science with biomedical applications. Courses such as advanced biomaterials, micro- and nanosystem technology and biosensor technology provide insight into the development of functional materials and microsystems for diagnostics, sensing, and medical applications. Laboratory courses and project work strengthen both theoretical understanding and practical skills.

Third Semester – Research and Innovation

The third semester emphasises project-based learning and scientific research. Students expand their expertise through specialised modules including wearable technology, medical microsystems, and the biomedical microsystems project. Working closely with the institute's research groups, they develop innovative solutions for healthcare technologies, integrate knowledge from different scientific disciplines, and gain experience in interdisciplinary research.

Fourth Semester – Master's Thesis

The final semester is dedicated to the Master's thesis. Students conduct an independent research project within one of the institute's research groups or in collaboration with national and international research institutions and industrial partners. The thesis enables students to apply advanced materials science and biomedical microsystems knowledge to current scientific and technological challenges.

The application period is in January and February of each year for a start date in October of the same year. For the current dates, please visit our website:  www.kielmat.com.

Admission to the Master’s programme is possible if a Bachelor’s degree in materials science comparable to that offered by Kiel University has been successfully completed or another Bachelor’s degrees in natural sciences or engineering. For the latter, there may be certain admission requirements depending on the degree programme.

All language certificates issued by an official organisation that clearly indicate the language proficiency level will be accepted.

An enrolment fee ("Einschreibgebühr") of 55 EUR is charged for the first enrolment at Kiel University. A semester contribution ("Semesterbeitrag") currently amounting to 403 EUR must be paid each semester. This covers administration fees ("Verwaltungskostenbeitrag"), free public transport ("bundesweites Semesterticket") for trains and buses, reduced lunch prices, a culture ticket and other benefits for students.

The monthly costs of living in Germany are currently at least 992 EUR per month. Please note that when applying for a visa (from countries requiring a visa) and also later in Germany when extending a residence permit, financial means in the amount of the living costs for one year (11,904 EUR) must be proven.

More information can be found here: www.international.uni-kiel.de/en/incomings/planning-arrival-and-stay/visa.

The Department of Materials Science offers a number of positions as research assistants (HiWi) at the individual chairs to provide financial support. These positions are intended to help cover living expenses, but do not cover them in full.

In addition, we collaborate with the Science and Technology Academy Kiel (https://science-and-technology-academy.de/). This organisation supports students by providing job opportunities in industry during their studies.

Please find information on accommodation in Kiel on the following website: https://www.international.uni-kiel.de/en/incomings/planning-arrival-and-stay/accomodation.

Kiel University (also referred to as the CAU) was founded in 1665. It is Schleswig-Holstein's oldest, largest and best-known university, with 27,000 students and 3,700 staff members. It is also the only full-fledged university in the state. Seven Nobel Prize winners have worked here. The CAU has been successfully taking part in the Excellence Initiative since 2006.

We use research, teaching and the transfer of science to address the great challenges of our time in health, environmental and cultural change, nutrition and energy. In doing so, we ensure peace and preserve livelihoods for future generations. We use responsible actions to make sure that scientific discoveries are transferred into all sectors of our society by interdisciplinary thought – regardless of short-lived trends – where they are incorporated into political, economic and social decisions aimed at securing peace and prosperity.

When it was founded back in 1665, the CAU had the motto “Pax Optima Rerum: peace is the most valuable asset.” This maxim is as applicable today as it was over 350 years ago. We want to follow this key idea and contribute towards creating a peaceful, fair world in which everyone lives freely and comfortably. We aim to create a world in which treating the environment with respect also enables future generations to enjoy the same benefits.

CAU’s mission:
Our mission is to deliver research and teaching that contribute to peace, prosperity and maintaining a pluralistic, free society as well as address the challenges we are facing. Our strong disciplines carry out this mission. The fulfilment of this mission requires interdisciplinary collaboration and involves transdisciplinary issues. We find solutions to today’s pressing problems and implement these solutions together with stakeholders from society, industry and politics.

Teaching profile:
We are dedicated to research-based teaching and learning. Therefore, the development of new teaching approaches is evolving constantly at the interfaces between research from the different scientific disciplines. Students from all over the world benefit from this: research results are quickly integrated into programme curricula and our academic staff is trained in state-of-the-art teaching methods.

Research profile:
The CAU is Schleswig-Holstein’s only full-fledged university with a major focus on research. Over time, four dynamic priority research areas have systematically developed. These are based on strong disciplines interacting together – Marine Science, Life Science, Societal and Cultural Change, and Nano Surface and Interface Science. Each individual research area makes a substantial contribution towards dealing with at least one of the grand challenges of our time.

Transfer profile:
A university is not an island. It is an entity that impacts on, with and for society in a number of ways, by offering space for new ideas, passing on knowledge and values, and enabling debates about controversial subjects. Universities train specialists, produce innovative products and start-ups, help companies to develop further and assist politics by giving advice and warnings. The CAU encompasses top quality, innovative science, a sense of responsibility and the transfer of knowledge. We advocate for the university’s active role in society and aim to work closely together with the community to be the driving force behind regional, national and international development by looking for and finding pioneering solutions for our most pressing issues. This is the reason why we maintain a variety of active connections with our partners in science, industry, politics and society.

Read more about our profiles.

The city of Kiel is located directly on the Baltic Sea coast and is the capital of the northernmost German federal state, Schleswig-Holstein. Famous for its sailing tradition, Kiel has hosted two Olympic sailing competitions. The city's annual "Kiel Week" is the world's largest sailing event and one of the biggest cultural festivals in northern Europe. Kiel's international flair is enhanced by its port, where Scandinavian ferries dock next to cruise liners and historic ships. Those who enjoy going out will benefit from the city's lively cultural life as well as the many clubs and bars to be found between the campus and the city centre. Kiel is a strong centre of science and research. Our students benefit from studying by the sea in a city that offers short distances and a wide range of leisure facilities by the waterside. It takes less than 20 minutes to get from the lecture hall to the beach. A fresh breeze on your face and the right books on hand create a great atmosphere for learning. The social conditions for studying in Kiel are excellent. Freshmen receive a welcome payment of 100 EUR when they come to Kiel to commence their undergraduate studies. They have the opportunity to live in one of the many halls of residence, which are reasonably priced and situated close to the universities. In our bicycle-friendly city, not only the universities but also other inner-city locations can be reached conveniently by bike. The new scientific generation represents the most important resource for making Kiel, the state capital, fit for the future.

www.kiel.de