Advanced Materials - Master of Science (MSc)
The Master of Science program "Advanced Materials" deals with modern, innovative materials with special properties at atomic/molecular scale and a pronounced potential for application in science, technology and medicine. The program is strongly research oriented and offers students to focus on either "Nanomaterials" (nanoscaled materials with e.g. special electrical or optical traits or quantum effects) or "Biomaterials" (materials e.g. employed in cell culture, drug delivery, surgery and dental implants).
An international and interdisciplinary program taught entirely in English, "Advanced Materials" is designed for both international and German students, who have earned a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Engineering in physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, electrical engineering or other programs relating to materials/materials properties.
Master of Science (MSc)Type of study
- next winter semester: 01.10.2021
- no restriction
120Standard period of study (semester)
More about the course
Students will acquire competent knowledge in the following areas:
- Hands-on experience in physics and materials science labs
- Scientific working methods and current research in the nano-/biomaterials field
- Scientific competency as well as professional skills in the application range of modern materials science
- Scope of the program: Scientific principles, experimental research, analytical methods and applications in the interdisciplinary fields of nanomaterials and biomaterials
- Emphasis on lab work: Students get trained in conducting scientific experiments, recording and analyzing experimental data. Lab courses deal with modern physics and materials, materials science, materials used in medicine and employment of modern analytical methods and devices.
- Independent research project: For completion of the program students work independently on an experimental master´s thesis project in an area/institute of their choice.
- Multidisciplinarity: The master program aims at getting together students, teachers and researchers from different disciplines in natural sciences and engineering science.
Educational requirements to be met by future students:
- Solid undergraduate education in mathematics and physics or mathematics and chemistry.
- Good basic knowledge in materials science is beneficial.
- Willingness to close potential gaps in basic knowledge in mathematics, natural sciences and materials sciences quickly. Students will attend demanding intensive courses that summarize basics and lead to advanced topics fast.
- Willingness to actively participate in classes, labs and seminars.
- Social skills to live and study in a multicultural, scientifically and personally stimulating environment.
This does not apply to applicants whose native language is English.
* These essential skills may be gained by passing the pre master course offered by Ulm University.
Prospective students are expected to ...
• be willing to acquire a basic knowledge of German. German courses are part of the curriculum.
• be willing to study/live in a challenging, multi-cultural environment.
Applicants have to provide:
• Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
• Statement of objectives/motivation (maximum 1 page)
• Two letters of reference by university lecturers from Bachelor University
• Transcript of records of all semesters/terms studied in the bachelor program
• Information on the grading system at Bachelor University
• Bachelor degree certificate
• English test score report
Evaluation of applications is based on:
• Bachelor program, courses attended, internships and work experience
• Bachelor grade or current grade point average/average grade and grades of relevant courses
• Motivation letter provided by the applicant
• Evaluation of applicant by university lecturers (reference letters)
Data you will be asked to enter:
• Personal data: Family name, first (given) name, gender, nationality, date and place of birth (city, official name of the country), place of residence, e-mail address
• Information on your bachelor degree and the university where you earned it: University and country of university, title of your bachelor (Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering), subject of your bachelor program (e.g. Physics or Materials Science), number of academic years the program comprises
• Information on your current academic status:
Bachelor degree finished yes/no. If yes: Finishing date
• A data sheet for your records, showing the data you entered, will be created.
• Save it on your computer, print it for your records
• A cover sheet for the application package to be sent to “Advanced Materials” by regular mail will be created. It shows your application number and the upload link.
• Save it on your computer, print it.
• Sign in the designated space.
Submit the data online
• You will receive an automatic e-mail reply confirming your registration.
Please note ...
• Online registration alone does not represent a valid application. It needs to be complemented by application documents either uploaded or sent via regular mail.
• Access: The application form is provided by the “Advanced Materials” office. You may access to it during the application period here and in the course of the online registration procedure.
• File: The application form is available as excel file (.xlsx) and as open office file (.ods). Save the file you want to use on your computer.
Application form .xlsx
Application form .ods
If you need assistance to complete the form please check here
• Finish online registration first by submitting your data online before starting to complete the application form.
• Completing the form will take some time. Use either Microsoft Excel or an open office spreadsheet program. Forms completed in handwriting are not accepted.
Data you will be asked to enter in the application form:
• Application number you received during online registration (cover sheet).
• Information on the grading system at your university: Does a credit point or credit hour system exist? Maximum grade attainable and minimum passing grade for bachelor courses and for final bachelor grade respectively.
• Final grade of your bachelor degree or cumulative grade point average (CGPA)/current average grade of all courses you attended in the bachelor program so far if you haven´t finished the bachelor program yet.
• Courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biochemistry, Materials Science, Engineering Science (comprising classical engineering, biotechnology ,medical engineering): Course title, number of credit points/credit hours earned, grade achieved.
• Complete contact data of the two university professors who will write/have written reference letters for you.
d) Two reference letters by university professors (bachelor university). Referees have to use the template “Reference Letters for Advanced Materials”, if possible. Data and text have to be entered in the form by computer writing. The completed form has to be printed, signed by the referee and has to carry an original, official institution seal. Recommendation from company staff and other persons not affiliated with a university are not accepted.
e) Curriculum vitae: Your CV has to be complete (no gaps, has to cover time since bachelor graduation). It mustn´t be longer than two pages (important!) and has to carry your name and application number on top, your signature on the bottom.
f) Statement of objectives: Please state in your own words why you choose to apply for the "Advanced Materials" program at Ulm University and how you hope to benefit from it. Be specific about your personal interests in the field and your future plans. Your statement must not be longer than one page (important!). It has to carry your name and application number on top, your signature on the bottom.
• General cost of living (depending on the lifestyle): approximately 300 € each month
Expenses per year: Approximately 8700 €
Expenses for the regular duration of the program (2 years): Approximately 17 400 €
Information on scholarship programs can be found at the German Academic Exchange Services (DAAD). Typically, students will have to apply for a scholarship one year ahead of time. Ulm University does not offer any additional scholarships for incoming students.
Proof of Financial Resources
Typically, proof of financial resources of at least 700 € per month will be necessary to obtain a student visa. Additionally, many German embassies require students to prove that they dispose of a specific amount of money (approx. 8000 €) on a German bank account before a visa will be issued. Please inquire at the German embassy in your country for specific requirements.
Students admitted to the programme are advised to book a room in a student dormitory. This request is a part of our Acceptance letter.
There are four dorms downtown (25 min bus drive to the campus) and one near the campus (walking distance). All rooms are one person rooms and fully furnished. You share kitchen (with all cooking facilities) and bathroom with a few persons; according to the type of dorm this can be 2 to 12 persons. There are no dorms exclusively for men or women, however some appartments may be women only.