Materials Science and Engineering M. Sc.
Are you interested in mathematics and a lot of theory? The master's program in Materials Science and Engineering focuses on science-oriented, interdisciplinary engineering education with a view to materials science.
The main objective of the program is to enable you to physically and mathematically model complex technical and physical processes and systems, taking into account the materials used. The current paradigm shift - away from deterministic models towards predictive science - is to be taken into account: Students are taught a probabilistic view of the material properties of physical and engineering systems, and thus the need for stochastic modeling, from the very beginning. This has not yet been consistently incorporated into teaching, so that this approach is one of the unique selling points of the Master's program in Materials Science and Engineering.
What you'll learn for your future?
Upon successful completion of the master's degree program in Materials Science and Engineering, you will have in-depth knowledge of modeling, calculation, prediction, monitoring and testing of novel material solutions for complex applications across all technology industries.
You recognize the need for quantification of predictive quality, probability distributions of results, and quantification of risk and uncertainty, and are able to design and scientifically work on science-oriented and interdisciplinary projects in the field of materials science and engineering as applied to engineering disciplines. In addition, you will have acquired in particular the methodological and cognitive competencies that will enable you to carry out development and research in this field and, last but not least, allow you a seamless transition to a doctorate.
As a graduate of the M. Sc. Materials Science and Engineering, perspectives will open up for you both in science as well as in interdisciplinarily oriented branches of industry such as aerospace, the energy industry, medical technology, testing, measuring and monitoring technology as well as in other industries in which interdisciplinarity and, moreover, risk- and uncertainty-conscious engineering represent essential aspects.
Type of Study: Full Time
Standard Duration of Studies: 4 Semester
Credits: 120 ECTS
Main Locations: Garching, Munich
Admission Category: Aptitude Assessment for Master
Start of Degree Program: Winter Semester (October)
Application Period: Winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05.
Required Language Proficiency: English
Tuition Fees: for Students from Non-EU Countries
The scope of the achievements to be made is 120 ECTS, which are made modularly and are divided into 90 ECTS for modules (consisting of courses such as lectures, exercises and internships) and 30 ECTS for the Master's Thesis. There are 40 ECTS in compulsory modules and at least 30 ECTS in electives I and II as well as 8 ECTS as internships. The Advanced Research Internship also accounts for 8 ECTS. In addition, 4 ECTS of interdisciplinary qualifications should be earned. Each semester should ideally comprise 30 ECTS.
In the first two semesters, all students complete their compulsory modules, which teach materials science, multiscale models, numerical methods, nonlinear fluid and solid mechanics, and quantification of uncertainties, regardless of a later specialization.
From the second semester onwards, students have the opportunity to specialize in one of the four areas:
- Multiscale Material Principles
- Materials in Engineering Applications
- Uncertainty Quantification and Mathematical Modeling or
- Material Characterization, Testing and Surveillance.
The curriculum is put together individually with the help of a mentor. Details and sample module lists can be found on the Wiki.
A special feature is the Advanced Research Internship in the third semester, which can be completed at international partner institutions and is intended to prepare students for the master's thesis or doctorate.
Successful completion of the master's program offers graduates a seamless transition into professional life or a doctorate at research institutions and universities.
During your studies at TUM, you have the opportunity to study abroad for up to two semesters or to complete an internship abroad. You can find more details about the different programs on the TUM Global website.
In the Materials Science and Engineering program, you can spend time abroad at several partner universities in different European countries as part of the Erasmus+ program. With the exchange program TUMexchange you can study one semester at one of the partner universities outside Europe in Africa, Asia, Australia, North or South America.
An internship is not mandatory in this degree program and is not an admission requirement. However, it is generally recommended to gain practical experience at an early stage. Industrial internships are in any case useful and are supported by the School by advocating a corresponding leave of absence, but cannot be brought into the study program itself.
Please apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.
The qualification for the master's program Materials Science and Engineering has to be proven by a qualified bachelor's degree (B. Sc.) of at least six semesters obtained at a domestic or foreign university or an at least equivalent degree in the fields of civil engineering, electrical engineering and information technology, mechanical engineering, engineering sciences or comparable courses of study, e.g. physics or materials science.
The language of instruction in this degree program is English. Therefore, you must provide proof of sufficient knowledge of the English language for this degree program. The proof must be received at TUM by the end of the application period. Information on acceptable proof and the required language level can be found here.
In addition, students who have achieved at least 140 credits in one of the above-mentioned Bachelor's degree programs may be admitted to the Master's program upon application. The bachelor's degree certificate or equivalent proof must be submitted by one year after the start of the master's program.
Applicants who graduated in Bangladesh, China, India, Iran or Pakistan must submit a GRE (General) test (with institute code 7806 and department code 5199 for TU Munich) with their application with the following required minimum scores:
- Verbal Reasoning: no minimum score
- Quantitative Reasoning: 157
- Analytical Writing: 3.0
- Alternatively, a test result (score sheet) of the Indian GATE test can be submitted
Application period for the winter semester: 01.04. - 31.05.
Only if you are admitted, you will have to submit some additional documents as notarized hardcopies in paper form for your enrollment.
More information about the application and the application documents can be found on the following pages: Wiki, Master's Degree Programms at TUM.
In general, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.
Aptitude Procedure
Admission to the Materials Science and Engineering program is decided by means of a two-stage aptitude procedure. Detailed information on the aptitude procedure can be found in the FPSO of the M. Sc. Materials Science and Engineering
During the first stage of the aptitude procedure, an assessment is carried out based on the following criteria:
- Average grade of the bachelor's degree certificate or transcript of records
- Professional qualifications
- Letter of motivation
Excellent and good candidates will be admitted within the first stage of the application procedure. Candidates who do not meet the requirements will be rejected directly. If and when the result is not clear-cut within the first stage of the application procedure, candidates will be asked go through a second round of assessment tests.
As part of the second stage of the assessment test procedure, applicants take part in a performance survey in the form of a suitability interview. The final assessment of the applicant is determined by the average grade of the Bachelor's degree certificate, the professional qualification and the result of the aptitude interview. The interviews take place in June, July and August. The invitation will be sent by e-mail.