Modern materials are something that everyone uses on a daily basis and many things would be impossible without them. In our master program you will learn the basics of atomistic materials as well as gain knowledge in processing and analytics. Laboratory internships, which are part of your curriculum, enable you to deepen your knowledge and apply current methods in synthesis and analysis. The integrative nature of this program furthermore gives you the chance to sharpen your key competence of working in interdisciplinary teams.
Restricted admission means that there is a limited number of places available in the degree programme (NC = numerus clausus = closed number). As a rule, there are more applicants than places, therefore a selection procedure is used.
Free admission means that there are sufficient places available in the degree program. All applicants therefore receive an acceptance letter and are guaranteed enrollment if all enrollment requirements are met (e.g. aptitude tests, language tests or internships).
Academic Prerequisites
The Examinations Board shall determine compliance with these requirements.
Language Prerequisites
Please note: International students from non-EU countries need to show a proof of the GRE Revised General Test results. Typically, a score of at least 157 in the part "Quantitative Reasoning" and a minimum of 4 in the part "Analytical Writing" is required. When there is an excellent grade in their bachelor's degree, the examination board can accept a lower number of points, depending on the qualification.
Advanced German proficiency beyond the GRE is not needed for this course, it can only be studied in English.
You can find all details about deadlines and your next steps on the general Paderborn University Application Information websites.
International applicants can find all relevant information on the pages of the International Office and on this page under "Contact - Application and Enrollment of international students".
Please check the admission requirements in advance and also consult our departmental website.
Do you already have a bachelor’s degree in materials science or another natural science? Do you want to expand and deepen your knowledge? Our master program gives you the ideal opportunity to do so! Paderborn is one of only two places in all of North Rhine-Westphalia which takes a natural science approach to materials science and focuses mainly on functional materials. We value interdisciplinary research and encourage a close cooperation of the Faculties of Science, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Through this cooperation you can lay your focus individually and decide between the elective courseareas “Materials Analysis”, “Materials Processing”, “Advanced Functional Materials” or “Computational Materials Science”.
You will learn how to conduct basic research and how to implement your findings in practice. Materials science is the ideal link between research and implementation. This is also reflected by the considerable number of institutes oriented towards materials science, such as the Fraunhofer Institute.
After graduating, you will be capable of synthesizing and processing materials for new applications. You will also be competent in drawing connections between production, processing, and micro- and macroscopic attributes. This course gives you the skills to comprehend and assess new advancements of this fascinating scientific field and qualifies you to use these advancements to solve technological problems. Through your interdisciplinary expertise you cannot only talk to computer scientists, engineers or fellow natural scientists, but will also be able to understand their ways of thinking. This in turn empowers you to successfully advance the development of materials and products in interdisciplinary teams.
The Master’s program is taught in English. All examinations are in English.
Materials Science is an interdisciplinary course of studies that combines natural science and engineering components from the field of chemistry, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.
Structure of the course of studies:
1.-3. Semester
Mandatory Modules
Mandatory Elective Modules in four thematic blocks:
4. Semester
Master Thesis + Concluding Colloquium
During the course of your studies, you have the opportunity to to a stay abroad (even for an entire semester) at one of our partner universities. After a consultation on the subjects you will take there, your scholarly achievements can be accredited at Paderborn University.
As a material scientist you are positioned at the intriguing intersection between research and application. Courses and lectures thereby closely adhere to this concept and lay a special emphasis on the transmission of topics related to research that is conducted in Paderborn.
Laboratory internships in which you apply theoretical components you are introduced to in lectures serve as an important basis for your scientific specialization. The laboratories of Paderborn University have up-to-date technology and we especially pride ourselves on our analysis and measurement technology.
As a material scientist you will mainly be employed in medium- to large-scale businesses in the production sector. In this vast field, you can find jobs in areas related to acquisition, manufacturing, refinement, product design and processing, and the recycling of raw materials. Major enterprises of the automotive and aerospace industry have a growing demand for material scientists. There is also a growing need in the engineering companies, plastics and coating industry, energy sectors, electronic industry and medical technology sector. Next to companies in the private sector there are also job opportunities in the public and civil sector. As a materials scientist you can find ambitious fields of activity at universities, research institutes and governmental materials testing offices. The prominent importance materials science has for modern technologies essential to mobility, energy and health means that graduates can expect to find ample opportunities on the job market.
Throughout the course of your degree, you may have some questions regarding vocational guidance and goal-setting. As the gateway between university and working life, the Career Service is on hand to answer all your career planning questions. Want to find out about potential careers, forge contacts with employers, identify your personal strengths and interests or clarify specific questions about starting out in a given career? Then make sure that you take advantage of the university’s comprehensive range of talks and workshops, practical projects, job and career portal and vocational preparation certificate upb+.
Interested in the start-up scene? Then visit us at TecUP! We promote start-ups in Paderborn and will support you on your path to self-employment. We’ll be by your side throughout every stage of the start-up process – completely free of charge and with no obligation! garage33 is our dedicated space for creativity and exchange, networking and working. In addition to tailored coaching, we also offer workshops and events for you to learn the theory and practice of setting up a business in an innovative and creative environment, and to help you formulate, develop and validate your idea.
Want to start a business, but lack the seed capital to do so? We can help you apply for grants and put you in touch with our network of business angels and investors. Or merely looking to get an insight into start-ups, for some inspiration or to network with business founders? Then visit our courses or events, such as CALL FOR IDEAS, apply for a start-up job or simply visit us at garage33 – we look forward to meeting you!
If you still want to further your knowledge after graduating, we can offer you a PhD position at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and our neighboring departments Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering.
Our “Einblick!” (insights) peer mentoring programme gives female students in the final stages of their degree the chance to discuss doing a PhD and to prepare for a PhD. Participants are teamed up with a female PhD student, who, based on her own experience, gives them tips and strategies to assist them with their decision to pursue a PhD. The aim of the programme is to give participants insights into the kind of academic and research work involved in a PhD and for them to talk to their mentor about her experience in order to build on their personal and professional skills and broaden their development opportunities.
The Faculty of Science provides students pursuing postgraduate qualifications with support. The team at the Postgraduate Centre will be more than happy to provide you with information and advice.
Not quite right for you? One of our other study programs might be a better fit!
Campus life
There’s far more to studying at Paderborn University than just your degree course. Those thirsty for knowledge, those seeking discussion and debate and all those looking for something new can, for example, benefit from the opportunity to learn a new language or build on their existing language skills at the university’s Centre for Language Studies or brush up their software skills on a doIT course. IMT:Media offers dedicated media workstations on which you can give your creativity free reign, while the university’s wide and varied sports programme ranges from Aikido to Zumba. Or why not get involved with the university’s radio station L’UniCo or its “universal” magazine or join one of our multitude of project groups or initiatives.
Culture
A regular programme of plays and shows performed by our University Drama Group, poetry slams and readings, our big band and university choir are just a few examples of the diverse cultural activities and events on offer at Paderborn University. One particular highlight is our AStA (German General Students’ Committee) summer festival: Up to 15,000 people each year attend what is probably Germany’s largest outdoor campus festival, to enjoy the summer party vibes to the beats of a host of local student bands, plus well-known headliners on a number of stages.
Campus
Almost all of Paderborn University’s buildings are located on campus, with ample green spaces for relaxing and plenty of places to eat: “Mensa Academica”, “Mensa Forum”, “Grill | Café” and “Caféte”, as well as “Lädchen”, our small campus kiosk. Everything is within easy reach, within just a short walking distance. Our library is also centrally located, and a great place to study, thanks to its handy opening hours.
Accommodation
If you’d like to live on or close to campus, you can apply to Paderborn University’s Student Union for a place in university accommodation. You can also find private accommodation to rent, both near the university and city centre and in Paderborn’s various residential areas though the usual housing portals.
Finance
Students who need or wish to work alongside their degree should easily be able to fit a part-time job around their studies. A scholarship or BAföG federal student grant or loan are further options to help you fund your course and living expenses.
Advisory services
We have the right contact point for every question and concern. Our advice and service centres, for example, are on hand to answer any questions you may have about your academic or research work, applying for your dream job, funding options and much more.
Our university is a cosmopolitan university, with a clear gender and diversity policy. We have been actively promoting equal opportunities and a gender and family-friendly work and study culture for a number of years now. This includes helping students achieve a better study-life balance and supporting students with health issues.
The Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB)
E-Mail: zsb@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-2007
We support prospective students in their choice of studies and in their decision to study. In addition, we advise students in all phases of their studies, especially in phases of reorientation.
Academic Advisors Materials Science
Academic Advisors Materials Science
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Uni-Assist
Please apply for this program, regardless of your nationality, via the Uni-Assist Online Portal, if you don't have a German University Entrance Qualification.
Bildungsinländer*innen
If you don't have the German citizenship, but have received your university entrance qualification from a German school inside or outside of Germany (= Bildungsinländer*innen), apply for the program directly at the online portal PAUL of the admissions office. (Please initially supply a grade of 4,0; follow further instructions by email after registration in the online system.)
International Office
E-Mail: io-info@zv.uni-paderborn.de
Registrar’s Office
Examination Office
Service Centre for Studying with Disabilities
E-Mail: s-m-b@upb.de
Phone:05251/60-5498
FamilienServiceBüro
We support you in balancing your studies and family life.