Materials Engineering M.Sc.

 

The Master's course of study in Materials Engineering encompasses metal and mineral materials and their study, manufacture, processing and recycling. According to an estimate of the German Federal government, about 70 percent of all technology innovations originate from newly developed materials. Grounded knowledge about the properties of certain materials and material groups is necessary for the development of new materials. For example, super alloys have great potential. Because of their high temperature resistence, they are attractive for use in gas turbines and airplane engines. Furthermore, knowledge of how the properties of such alloys can be positively influenced, is extremely important. Just a small addition to alloy elements can lead to big changes in the properties of a material. This field also deals with the improvement of existing processes and the development of new ones. This is made possible by an understanding of the process operations and the analysis of critical points along the process operation. Improvements concern both cost efficiency, the reduction of environmentally damaging emissions, and the improvement of product quality. The safety of the processes increases within the proposed improvement measures as well.

The specializations in the Master's course of study in Materials Engineering are diverse. Students can develop in a variety of directions in the field of metallic and mineral materials. Depending on their interest, processing technologies such as casting or forming can also be learned. Metall recycling is also an exciting possibility for the further development of technical innovations, where students can apply knowledge gained in their Bachelor studies. Aside from materials processing, materials development is also an important component and possible specialization in materials engineering studies. As a Master's student, you can also learn more about systems engineering and the corresponding simulations.

Characteristics of the RWTH Course of Study

Materials research and development have a long and successful tradition at RWTH Aachen. Materials science are among the central innovation and future areas of RWTH Aachen. Bachelor studies are structured for students to gain broad fundamental knowledge, while Master's studies help students to advance their knowledge and skills in materials engineering, leading to higher scientific qualification and independence. Particular emphasis is placed on application in the Master's course of study in Materials Engineering. For each lecture there is a small group exercise, in which students advance and practice their knowledge. Each specialization subject consists of not only a lecture and excercise, but also offers an internship in an institute. Through an industrial internship integrated into the curriculum, students become familiar with different companies and fields at the perfect time of their studies and establish important contact for when they later begin their careers. Courses take place in small groups and receive good mentoring by professors and their assistants. As a result, intensive contact develop between students and researchers in the division.

 

Degree Content

A wide variety of specialization subjects are offered in the Master's course of study in Materials Engineering aside from the introductory, subject-specific basic subjects. Depending on their interests and later career wishes, students can select a specialization field with two main specialization subjects and one minor subject. They also select an additional two subjects from the elective area.

Structure of Studies

Semester	Engineering Specialization	Main Specialization	Minor Specialization	Elective
1		Main Specialization Subject 1
2		Main Specialization Subject 2		Elective Subject 1
	Industry Internship
3		Main Seminar	Minor Subject	Elective Subject 2
4	Master's Thesis

Elective Specialization / Specialization Possibilities

• General Metallurgy and Metal Physics
• Plastic Shaping
• Iron Metallurgy
• Iron Casting
• Glass and Ceramic Composite Materials
• High Temperature Technology
• Ceramics and Fireproof Materials
• Metallurgy of Iron and Steel
• Metallurgical Process Technology and Metal Recycling
• Corrosion and Corrosion Protection

Non-Technical Subjects

Subjects such as English and Strategic Management take into consideration that engineerings also increasingly work in management or in positions responsible for projects. Additional non-technical subjects can be selected from a set course catalog.

Programs Abroad

The division maintains a number of research and teaching collaborations with European and non-European universities. Student mobility is at the center of the activities abroad. The ERASMUS program, for example, gives students the opportunity to study for one or two semesters at another European university. The division offers its own advising system to help plan a stay abroad. The database Moveonline Exchanges, helps provide an overview of all of RWTH Aachen's exchange programs.

Internships

An industry internship is completed during the second semester (8 weeks). This allows students to gather relevant application experiences in industry and the free economy.

Excursions

Each semester, students have the possibility to visit production or research sites in materials engineering during one to five-day excursions. The division's website offers an overview of these excursions.

The course of study has 4 semesters (normally) and is divided into three different blocks (module areas).

 

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for admission to the program is an initial university degree. The required academic background is described in the exam regulations. The determination on whether or not the admissions requirements are met is made by the examination board. You can find more information about the prerequisites on the division´s website.

 

Career Prospects

Career opportunities for materials engineers from RWTH Aachen are excellent. The materials-based industries in Germany - such as vehicle and machinery manufacturing, the chemical industry, energy technology and metal production and processing are looking for qualified new talent now. Materials research, production and recycling are areas of innovation that are the foundation for new developments.

Particularly in regard to increasing environmental requirements as well as raw material and resource scarcity, aspects of materials development and recycling are gaining in significance. Germany is considered a globally leading location for materials research and development.

In addition to the classical careers in the materials-producing and -processing industries, in research institutes and development departments as well as regulatory authorities, engineers from this course of study will be prepared for a wide range of professions, due to their broad foundation of knowledge. They are highly sought after, e.g., in process and plant technology, process control technology, quality assurance, environmental protection, sales and customer management, production, failure analysis, medical technology, business consulting, services in materials and acceptance testing, technical journalism, and patents.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject-Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

Faculty

The Maters course of study in Materials Engineering is offered by the Division of Materials Science and Engineering in the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering.