Materials Science

The international study program M.Sc. Materials Science focuses on understanding the behavior, synthesis, and characterization of functional materials such as energy materials, magnetic materials, or electronic materials. The program aims at enabling students to research and develop next-generation materials. Therefore, natural sciences are at the heart of the program.

The courses focus on structure, synthesis, analysis, and properties of structural and functional materials such as ceramics, inorganic and organic semiconductors, thin films, energy materials, metals, or nanomaterials. Compulsory courses cover fundamental aspects such as quantum mechanics of materials, functional materials, surface science, theoretical methods in materials science, materials characterization, and sustainable materials. A wide range of elective courses provides further insight into specialized topics. For the Master thesis, students will join one of the Research Groups at the department.

To be accepted for the study program, regulations ask for knowledge of the English language at least on a UNIcert III level (C1). The program is entirely taught in English, and no German language skills are necessary.

Applicants holding a Bachelor's degree in related subjects such as physics or chemistry are highly encouraged to apply. Materials engineers with a strong focus on Materials Science may also be considered. Applicants with a distinct engineering background – especially mechanical, aeronautical, automotive, chemical, electrical, petrochemical, process, and textile engineers – can only be accepted in exceptional cases.

The admission commission may require applicants to attend additional courses to achieve sufficient equivalency up to an extent of 30 CP. Applicants lacking required contents to an higher extent cannot be admitted.

We expect a background in Material Science equivalent to the B.Sc. program at TU Darmstadt. The following list provides an overview of expected skills. 1 CP means 1 credit point in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

• Mathematics (24 CP): Understanding and command of Linear Algebra, Fundamental Analysis, and Engineering Mathematics (ODE, PDE).




• Natural Sciences (30–40 CP): Understanding and command of General Chemistry, Experimental Physics, Physical Chemistry (Thermodynamics, Quantum Chemistry of atoms and simple molecules, spectroscopy).




• Engineering (optional 10-15 CP): Understanding and command of Continuum Mechanics and basic Electrical Engineering.




• Fundamental Materials Science (25-35 CP): Basic knowledge about all classes of materials. Understanding and command of: Solid structure, thermodynamics, properties and defects, Materials characterization (e.g. scattering and spectroscopy methods, EM, electronic and mechanical testing)




• Advanced Materials Science (45-60 CP): Understanding and command of: Defects, Physical metallurgy, Solid state physics, Numerical methods in materials modeling, Advanced solid state analytics




• Bachelor thesis on a materials related topic (15 CP)