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TUHH > Studying > Before Studying > Degree Courses > Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering, Master of Science

Materials science is a bridge discipline with strong links to both, the natural sciences and technological application. This is your subject if you want to apply your specialist knowledge and skills to exciting application-relevant challenges after completing your Bachelor's degree in, for example, Physics, Chemistry or Crystallography. This is also your subject if you want to strengthen your expertise in technically relevant scientific topics after completing your Bachelor's degree in Engineering. Materials - the subject of matter. Our society is built on and with materials - as a materials scientist, help to rethink and redesign it for a better future!

As a materials scientist, you will research and develop new material systems as the basis for innovative products, or you will contribute your expertise at a superordinate level of the vast process of product development. Leave the design of the third screw from the left to the others. With your diversified training, you will acquire a particularly wide range of options for your later specialization in one of many fields of work.

In a world of dramatically evolving challenges, materials scientists design solutions as completely new material concepts - for example in current key fields such as energy storage and conversion, hydrogen-based technology or structural lightweight construction. They also improve existing materials and adapt them to the constantly changing requirements of global competition. Materials research and development is equally active in industry and academia; materials scientists are also an integral part of engineering design teams, which rely on the materials scientist’s expertise regarding the complex interplay between structure, composition, processing steps and the influences of load and environment in controlling the behavior and performance of materials in practical use. Further employment opportunities await in the wide fields of quality control and damage analysis, and in patent offices.

Fact sheet

Study Program:	Materials Science and Engineering
Degree:	Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Study duration:	4 semesters
Credit points according to ECTS:	120
Language:	English
	(free choice of exam language - English or German)
Type of study:	Full-time study
Start of study:	Winter semester (October)
Application period:	January 15 - March 1
	(mandatory pre-check available from December 1 - March 1)
Admission requirements:	See "What are the requirements?"
Dual study program	Yes

What characterizes this study program?

The accredited study program Materials Science and Engineering is particularly tailored to you as a Bachelor's graduate in either engineering, natural sciences or materials science. We have structured it in such a way that it picks you up with this previous knowledge and trains you to become a young materials expert with a core program being specifically developed and constantly modernized to today's and future challenges in the field.

We, your lecturers, are particularly proud to have developed a range of lectures solely for your study program. Our modern materials science curriculum builds on your previous education and provides you with optimal support on your path to a career or doctorate.
Our curriculum introduces you to the basics in the first year of study. In the second year, you can concentrate on hands-on research in your favorite topics. The Materials Science and Engineering program at TUHH is particularly strong in research with a large project and the Master's thesis.
With its three specialization options - engineering materials, modeling, nano and hybrid materials - this study program offers you diverse choices for designing your studies according to your interests and deepening your knowledge as of your preferences.
Of course, non-technical courses as well as business and management are also part of this program.

Hamburg is not only a highly dynamic region with excellent growth and career opportunities - it is also a vibrant metropolis with a high quality of life. Culture, sports, the river Elbe with its beach, long nights - Hamburg offers much more than just studying. In addition to the many opportunities for partying, Hamburg is also known for its wide range of cultural activities and the numerous sights that are waiting to be discovered. Hamburg also is an excellent starting point for your journey to other contries within Europe.

How is the program structured?

The program starts on October 1st each year and is organized as a two-year course (four semesters). It includes two semesters of lectures and practical courses plus two semesters focusing on work in a research team (Project Work) and to the preparation of a Master’s thesis. The “Master of Science” degree will be awarded upon successful completion. Language of the program is English.
All exams are offered optionally in English or German, upon the student’s individual case-by-case choice.

What job can I take?

Materials - your field of study - are the basis for products and product innovations. Germany's most important materials-based industries, including automotive and mechanical engineering, the chemical industry, energy technology, the electrical and electronics industry and metal production and processing, generate an annual turnover of almost one trillion euros and employ around five million people. There are excellent career opportunities for you as a materials scientist. The range of job profiles is unique and you will only find them here.

Materials scientists develop completely new material concepts - for example in current key fields such as energy storage and conversion or structural lightweight construction for sustainable mobility - or they improve existing materials and adapt them to the constantly changing requirements of global competition. With their expertise in the complex effects of structure, composition, processing steps and the load and environmental influences on the performance and behavior of materials in practical use, they also represent a link between design and production.

As a materials scientist, this opens up fields of activity from basic research to production, from atomistic modeling to design, from quality assurance to patenting, and from research and development departments of large or medium-sized companies to universities or state research institutions.

What are the requirements?

The course is aimed at you as a Bachelor's graduate in engineering, physics, chemistry or, of course, materials science. You should have basic knowledge in the field of materials science, but above all curiosity about exciting materials topics that we will present to you and to which we will lead you.

Your Bachelor's degree was not in materials science? No problem - the vast majority of your fellow students are the same situation. We have structured the curriculum specifically to meet your needs and look forward to welcoming you as a student.

Useful links:

How do I apply?

Your application process for starting your studies at TUHH in the winter term - beginning of October of each year - is combined of two steps: 1) a mandatory online preliminary assessment test (pre-check) and 2) the subsequent application. Both steps are conducted online.

Step 1: Online preliminary assessment test (Pre-check)
The online preliminary assessment test (pre-check) is open from December 1st through March 1st. If you pass the pre-check, you are provided with a code that you can use to apply. Based on the data you enter during the pre-check we can confirm whether or not you meet the program-specific requirements as well as language requirements.
If you pass the pre-check you will be provided with a code that you can use to submit your application for the program.

Step 2: Application (only after having passed the pre-check)

With the code you are provided with after having successfully passed the pre-check, you can submit your official application.
The application period runs from January 15th to March 1st.

Useful links:

General application guideline and English language requirements
Master of Materials Science and Engineering: program-specific requirements
Link to online pre-check (pre-check portal only available during pre-check period December 1st through March 1st)
Link to application platform (application platform is only available during application period January 15th through March 1st)

Apply now

Further questions?

How to start?

To make it easier for you to start your studies at the TUHH, you will find various offers here:

Information for people interested in becoming an (international) master student at TUHH

Can I include a semester abroad?

Your studies are THE opportunity for a stay abroad - get to know your subject from a different perspective, learn languages and, above all, experience foreign cultures. The lecturers on the course will be happy to advise and support you in organizing a semester abroad.

Can I study in the dual study program?

Yes, you can! All Master of Science degree programs at the TU Hamburg can be studied in the dual format. Since 2003, the Technical University of Hamburg has also offered its Bachelor's and Master's degree programs in a dual study variant in cooperation with more than 50 cooperating companies.

The study concept combines complete university studies with professional practice in the engineering field. The students are employed by one of our cooperating companies and, as cohorts across study programs, represent the entire spectrum of engineering sciences.

The program is rounded off by seminars on the development of social skills, so that graduates can face the challenges of the working world in a responsible manner.

If you are interested in the dual study programm, just send an email to dual(at)tuhh(dot)de for an individual consultation.

What are my options to do a PhD?

Our research-intensive study program brings you into contact with internationally visible materials research at the TUHH and its partner institutions during your studies. Our externally funded international cutting-edge research environment offers you a wide range of opportunities, especially for your doctorate and profiling in the academic environment.

Many lecturers engaged in the master program Materials Engineering and Science also conduct research at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, which cooperates with strong partners in technology, and at the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron DESY, one of the world's most powerful centers for research into materials with synchrotron radiation.

How is campus life?

The TU Hamburg is one of the youngest universities in Germany. On the clearly arranged and cozy campus you will quickly get to know your new fellow students and in spring and summer numerous seating areas and green spaces invite you to linger together in the fresh air. In an almost familiar atmosphere, we celebrate our summer festival every year in June, where our TU's own beer brewing group "Campusperle" also offers its creations. Of course, you can also get involved in our numerous AGs, which also organize regular events, e.g. screenings of the cinema AG, concerts of SingING or SymphonING. Of particular interest to Data Science students are also the HULKs, who regularly participate in international robot soccer championships, for example.

Why Hamburg?

If you decide to study at TUHH, you also decide to study in Hamburg, the metropolis on the Elbe, Germany's second largest city and certainly its most beautiful. Hamburg combines urbanity and maritime life and is also Germany's greenest city with over a million inhabitants. You will never get bored here: rowing on the canals during the day or jogging in the city park, sunset on the Elbe, a concert in the Elbphilharmonie or a pub night on the Schanze and the fish market at dawn. Here you will find everything for the adventurous, but also numerous quiet places to pause. Together with your fellow students, you will certainly explore Hamburg and its treasures quickly and get to know your new favorite place.

Just check out the following videos and you will get an idea, why Hamburg is sometimes considered "the most beautiful city in the world".

Hamburg. Almost everything is considered right here.

We live the moment. That's why. Hamburg.

Where can I find the relevant regulations (admission, module handbook,...)? ?

All modalities for admission to the Master's program are regulated in the Statutes on Studies.

The framework conditions for examinations at TUHH are defined by the General Study and Examination Regulations (ASPO) and the Subject-Specific Study and Examination Regulations (FSPO). The Module Handbook describes the concrete design of the modules provided for in the curriculum and their learning objectives. They also provide information on content, recommended prior knowledge and literature for preparation.

All regulations relevant to the study program can be found here from May 2025 onwards.

Useful links til May 2025:

How do I start my career?

The TUHH Career Center supports students and graduates in the transition from university to career. The services include company contact fairs, the TUHH-PraxisPlus internship program for prospective TUHH Master's students, case study workshops and application training. The TU&YOU alumni network offers a variety of events such as research afternoons, homecoming events and anniversaries, giving students the opportunity to make contact with former TU members.

www.tuhh.de/careercenter

www.tuandyou.de

Whom can I contact?

If you have any questions about your studies, you can always contact the Central Student Advisory Service or the academic program coordinator and the academic program advisor!

Please inquire with study@tuhh.de regarding the admission requirements and application procedure.

TUHH
STUDIS - Studierendenservice / Admission and Registration
21071 Hamburg
Germany

Academic program coordinator and academic advisor

The academic program coordinator Prof. Weissmueller and academic advisor Prof. Shi are happy to give you advice regarding structure and academic content of the program Materials Science and Engineering.

The academic program coordinator Prof. Weissmueller and academic advisor Prof. Shi are not available for any kind of questions regarding admission, admission prerequisites, application deadlines, language requirements, necessary documents and certificates, pre-checks or any other administrative topics. Please contact the TUHH Student Service (STUDIS) for your requests in these areas.
Requests of solely administrative nature will not be answered by the academic program coordinator or advisor.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Weißmüller

M-22 Werkstoffphysik und -technologie

Werkstoffphysik und -technologie

Eißendorfer Straße 42 (M),

21073 Hamburg

Building M, Room 1503

Phone: +49 40 42878 3035

E-mail: weissmueller(at)tuhh(dot)de

Personal Homepage

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Shan Shi

M-EXK4 Integrierte metallische Nanomaterialsysteme

Integrierte metallische Nanomaterialsysteme