International Master's in Materials Science & Engineering University of Augsburg

Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Augsburg is an interdisciplinary tuition-free study programme connecting several aspects of physics, chemistry and methods for characterisation and processing of materials. The Master's programme in Materials Science & Engineering deepens the scientific expertise of your previous education. It aims at understanding material properties and interactions between materials with particular regard to application-oriented research in science and technology. At the University of Augsburg, we put a strong emphasis on natural sciences (rather than mechanical engineering) in materials science, aiming to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the chemical, physical, and functional properties of materials.

The International Master's in Materials Science & Engineering is a full-time programme intended to be completed in four semesters (120 ECTS). Building on experience from the Bachelor's level, knowledge of materials science and engineering is deepened and enhanced, finishing with the completion of a Master's thesis and an associated thesis defence. All classes are taught entirely in English. Knowledge of German is not required. However, the university offers free German language courses.

The Materials Science & Engineering programme offers students a broad variety of elective courses in fields such as spintronics, porous or optical materials, reinforced composites, low temperature physics, nanostructures and more. Furthermore, the theoretical part of the programme is complemented by method courses to give students an opportunity to gain practical lab experience using state-of-the-art research facilities.

First semester:

Lectures

• Materials Physics
• Materials Engineering
• Materials Simulation
• Soft-Skill-course

Methods Course One

Second semester:

Two elective lectures selected from block "Structural & Functional Materials", one from "Digital Materials & Technologies" and one from "Materials Sustainability"

"Structural & Functional Materials" Block (excerpt)

• Physics & Technology of Semiconductor Devices
• Solid State Spectroscopy with Synchrotron Radiation and Neutrons
• Low Temperature Physics
• Superconductivity
• Applied Magnetic Materials and Methods
• Bioinspired Composites
• Fibre-Reinforced Composites: Processing and Materials Properties
• Modern Metallic Materials
• ...

"Digital Materials & Technologies" Block

• Analysing Massive Data Sets
• Machine Learning and Computer Vision
• Finite Element Modelling and Multiphysics Phenomena
• Theoretical Concepts and Simulation

"Materials Sustainability" Block

• Sustainable Chemistry of Materials and Resources
• Oxidation and Corrosion
• Energy Materials
• Analytical Methods for Crystalline Sustainable Materials

Methods Course Two

Third semester:

One elective lecture selected from the "Structural & Functional Materials" block, one from "Digital Materials & Technologies" and one freely selectable lecture from any block.

Laboratory project:
Project to be completed in one of the research groups.

Fourth semester:

Master's thesis in one of the research laboratories at the Institute of Physics, Institute for Materials Resource Management or in industry

Methods courses in laboratories of the Institute of Physics and Institute for Materials Resource Management as part of the curriculum, and optional internships with local industries during the spring or summer break offer many opportunities for students to gain practical experience.

Academic admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in the fields of materials science & engineering, physics or chemistry. A degree in a related discipline might be deemed equivalent by the examination board. All applicants must submit proof of having obtained at least 12 ECTS credits in materials science, 12 ECTS credits in physics and 18 ECTS credits from engineering, chemistry or mathematics.

177.25 EUR per semester

This includes:

• a ticket for public transportation within the city (92.25 EUR) and
• student services (85 EUR).

The cost of studying is made up of university costs (see above) and the local cost of living. On average, monthly living expenses amount to 1,200 EUR per month.

Students can be employed as tutors or student research assistants.
Trainee programmes are offered for student internships at industrial companies during the lecture-free periods.

Students can apply for a dorm room at the Studentenwerk Augsburg (https://studierendenwerk-augsburg.de/). Student workers will assist with the search for accommodation at the beginning of the semester. Generally speaking, flat hunting in Augsburg is a competitive experience. The following website may be useful as well for your accommodation search: http://www.studenten-wg.de.