Materials Science — Focus Modelling and Simulation Kiel University

The Focus Modelling and Simulation is a special part of the Master's degree programme in Materials Science, providing a comprehensive materials-oriented perspective on computational materials science and digital engineering. Students deepen their understanding of how computational methods can be used to predict, analyse, and optimise the behaviour of materials across multiple length scales—from atomistic modelling to complex engineering systems. By combining fundamental materials science with numerical methods, molecular modelling, finite element analysis, and multiphysics simulations, graduates develop the expertise to design, characterise, and optimise next-generation materials and devices using state-of-the-art computational approaches.

The programme combines outstanding research opportunities with modern computational infrastructure and close collaboration with the department's research groups. Students work on current scientific challenges in computational materials science, simulation-driven materials development, and digital engineering while gaining practical experience with advanced modelling techniques and simulation software.

Master's theses can be conducted within the Department of Materials Science or in collaboration with national and international research institutions and industrial partners, providing an excellent foundation for careers in computational research, simulation-driven engineering, and the high-tech industry.

Graduates acquire a unique combination of advanced materials science expertise and computational modelling skills, preparing them for careers in research and development, computational materials science, digital engineering, simulation-driven product development, scientific computing, or doctoral studies.

The Focus Modelling and Simulation is embedded within the Master's degree programme in Materials Science and provides a comprehensive education in computational materials science and digital engineering. Students learn how modern simulation methods complement experimental research by predicting material behaviour, optimising material properties, and accelerating the development of innovative materials and devices.

First Semester – Building the Scientific Foundation

During the first semester, students strengthen 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. Together with the Master's project, these modules establish the scientific and mathematical foundation required for computational modelling and simulation of materials and engineering systems.

Second Semester – From Physical Models to Computational Materials Science

In the second semester, students enter the Modelling and Simulation focus through advanced materials science and computational courses. Modules such as computational materials science, finite element methods and molecular modelling introduce numerical methods and simulation techniques across multiple length scales—from atomic interactions to continuum mechanics. Students learn how computational models can be used to predict material properties, optimise processing routes, and support the design of advanced materials.

Third Semester – Digital Engineering and Multiphysics Simulation

The third semester focuses on the simulation of complex materials and technological systems. Through modules including device simulation, multiphysics simulation, and the modelling and simulation project, students combine physical models with computational tools to investigate functional materials, electronic devices, and coupled physical phenomena. Project-based learning and close collaboration with the institute's research groups provide hands-on experience in solving current scientific and engineering challenges using state-of-the-art simulation software.

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 develop and apply computational methods to current research questions in materials science, contributing to the digital development of next-generation and technologies.

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 degree 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