Materials Science and Engineering, MSc

Programme description

The programme is built around the essential material concepts of structure, properties, processing, and performance. You will gain a deep understanding of how those ideas interact and influence each other.

You will learn how materials are structured at the atomic and nano-level, how the structure creates properties, and how processing and performance follow on from that. You will also master the essential characterisation techniques that let you see and measure what is happening inside materials in different scenarios. Understanding how materials respond and behave to external stimuli is an essential skill for using them effectively.

Later, you can choose a specialisation, offering you the chance to explore distinct branches of materials science. You can also choose to combine different courses to create your own path across the programme.

Throughout, you will combine theoretical depth with hands-on work in some of Chalmers’ most advanced research environments, including the Materials Analysis Lab and Chalmers’ cleanroom facilities, where researchers work with 2-dimensional materials like graphene. The programme also has student exchange agreements with Stanford University, the University of California Santa Barbara, and Nanyang Technological University, offering you the chance to gain international experience and expand your network.

Sustainability is a central theme throughout. You will address circular economy thinking, lifecycle considerations, and the material dimensions of the wider energy transition.

The programme concludes with a master's thesis, which you may complete in collaboration with external companies, or within Chalmers' own research groups. Chalmers collaborates with many external industrial partners in Gothenburg and Scandinavia, giving you the chance to develop important early connections here.

Please note that this course list is subject to change. 

Job opportunities

You will graduate into a job market with robust and growing demand for expertise in materials engineering. You will be well-placed for roles such as materials and process engineer, quality and failure analyst, sustainability analyst, or in product innovation, research and development. The list of relevant sectors is very broad, and includes the automotive and aerospace industries, energy, electronics, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.

Chalmers has excellent connections with many relevant local companies, and you may have the chance to complete your thesis in collaboration with firms like the Volvo group, Sandvik, Höganäs, and SKF. 

The Gothenburg region in general has a high concentration of relevant employers, including AstraZeneca, Polestar, Stora Enso and many more, as well as research organisations and an active startup ecosystem. 

The programme also offers an excellent preparation for doctoral studies, either at Chalmers or elsewhere.

Research

A number of departments at Chalmers are directly involved in the education. Courses are taught by researchers in mechanical engineering, microtechnology and nanoscience, as well as chemistry and physics where relevant. 

Several active research frameworks at Chalmers that feed directly into the content of the programme. This includes the Centre for Additive Manufacture and the TechForH2 Centre looking at hydrogen-compatible materials. Other areas include circular and bio-based polymers, batteries and energy materials, as well as multi-scale characterisation using advanced microscopy, neutron, and X-ray techniques.

You will have access to some of Chalmers’ most advanced facilities, including the Chalmers Materials Analysis Laboratory, the AM@Chalmers additive manufacturing platform, as well as cleanroom facilities.

For those interested in continuing in research, the programme provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in: Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Electrical Engineering, or the equivalent

Prerequisites: Mathematics (at least 18 credits incl. Mathematical Statistics), Thermodynamics (or subjects like Physical Chemistry and Phase Transformations, where thermodynamics is covered), at least 12 cr. in one or more of the following subjects: Materials Science and Engineering, Metals, Polymers, Solid State Physics, Solid Mechanics, Manufacturing Technology.

English language requirements: Prove your English proficiency

How to apply