Prospects after the Bachelor's study program
Master's study program
After completing your Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, you can seamlessly continue your studies at the University of Stuttgart by enrolling in the Master's program in Materials Science.
- Materials Science M.Sc.
Learn more about the English-taught Master’s program
One course, two degrees: The Double Master's programs
Graduates who want to gain international experience can apply for a double master's program. In this program, you study not only at the University of Stuttgart but also at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. This way, you earn two Master’s degrees: a Master of Science from the University of Stuttgart and a Master of Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology.
Job & career
Typical activities and industries
As a key technology of the 21st century, materials science drives progress in developing high-performance energy storage systems (such as batteries and hydrogen storage), faster and smarter electronics (including semiconductor materials and thin-film systems), and greener propulsion technologies (like magnetic materials and high-temperature materials). Accordingly, the fields of activity are diverse: From basic research at universities and research institutions [de] (e.g., Max Planck and Fraunhofer Institutes) to research and development in industry (typical industrial sectors can be found in this list).
- Development of new models for the theoretical/mathematical description of materials (providing a detailed understanding of the structure of solids).
- Creating models and computer programs to simulate electronic, optical, magnetic, and mechanical processes in materials.
- Development and implementation of new material synthesis methods.
- Planning, execution, and optimization of new experimental procedures.
- Design and optimization of new and improved characterization methods for studying materials (e.g., optical techniques, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, analytical methods with resolutions down to the atomic scale).
Activities in industry usually have a stronger project focus with clearly defined objectives:
- Development and optimization of materials with desired properties from an economic perspective.
- Quality assurance and analysis of material-related failure cases.
Due to their analytical and solution-oriented skills, materials scientists are hold management positions and consulting roles.
List of typical industrial sectors:
- Optical industry: Optical or laser systems, e.g., for lithography processes.
- Semiconductor/Electronics industry: processors, memory chips, LEDs, power electronics.
- Electrical engineering: Magnetic materials for electric motors, soldering materials, and connections.
- Companies in the field of sensor technology: Development of sensor materials.
- Medical technology: Prosthetics, dental technology, medical devices such as MRI and CT scanners.
- Mechanical engineering: heat treatment/synthesis of materials.
- Automotive industry
- Aerospace engineering: New cell materials, engine materials, quality assurance procedures.
- Construction sector: Creating building materials that are lighter, stronger, more sustainable, and easier to work with.
- Companies in the field of additive manufacturing: e.g., optimizing 3D printing processes and developing printable materials with desired properties.
