Master's Programme in Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing is a field of technology that has developed from simple 3D printing into a key technology area for the manufacturing industry of the future. Alongside the Internet of Things and Big Data, additive manufacturing is considered one of the cornerstones of the future Industry 4.0. Today, additive manufacturing is used both for prototyping and manufacturing in a broad range of segments, spanning from aviation and medical implants to fashion and the cultural heritage, to name just a few.

The Master's Programme in Additive Manufacturing at Uppsala University will provide you with a robust theoretical understanding of additive manufacturing and 3D-printing processes, and the practical skills to apply such methods to solve real-life problems. These skills are highly sought-after in many industries, and the field enjoys a strong projected labour market in the private sector. During the programme, you will work on projects with various companies and have the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities.

During the programme, you can expect to:

• gain a good theoretical understanding of different additive manufacturing methods and techniques;
• learn about the full chain, including processes leading up to actual printing and those that follow actual printing; and
• meet and interact with companies active in additive manufacturing.

As the programme has strong ties to current research in the field, with many of the lecturers in the programme being active researchers, you will also be positioned at the forefront of the field's development. Additive manufacturing at Uppsala University gathers researchers working on the development of printable materials, equipment and new industrial possibilities and applications. During your studies, you will have the opportunity to use equipment that is used in both research and industrial production.

Student profile

You have a theoretical foundation in materials engineering, materials chemistry and/or mechanical engineering. You are also curious about how additive manufacturing methods can be utilised to solve a variety of real-life problems.

Career

The Swedish manufacturing industry predicts a large demand for candidates with additive manufacturing qualifications. As part of the programme, students will establish relationships with various companies, and in return, those companies will have access to highly employable candidates. Europe also has a strong labour market, with many companies looking to hire candidates with skills in AM.

With a degree from the programme, most students have gone to industry in Sweden or Europe. Some students have chosen to continue with PhD studies in USA, Europe and Sweden.

During the programme, besides gaining theoretical knowledge, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge in practice. The programme will also train your soft skills such as group work and critical thinking. These will make you well-prepared and competitive in the labour market after your graduation.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.

Content

The programme is intended for several different student groups, and as such, you will initially be given opportunities to reinforce your basic knowledge. Metallurgy, polymer engineering and solid mechanics are subjects where basic courses are offered in the early parts of the programme.

The programme includes everything from metallurgy and powder manufacture to printing metal and alloy design. Similarly, you will also delve into polymer chemistry, printing polymeric materials and more in the concluding elective special courses. In regards to structural design, the programme includes courses on solid mechanics and generative design.

Your practical skill in printing various materials and your ability to work as part of a group will be gradually improved throughout the programme. The first part of the second year will include a project course with a special focus on working as a group and interacting and reporting in an industrial environment. This will prepare you not only for the concluding degree project that is to be conducted in the final semester but also for your future career.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Learning experience

As a student in the programme, you are expected to participate and actively contribute to teaching sessions while also assuming responsibility for your own learning. A large part of the programme is spent studying on your own or in a study group outside the classroom, and as such, you must take a proactive role in structuring your studies.

The teaching consists of lectures, practical assignments, projects, and seminars. In a seminar, you present your ideas and discuss them with your classmates e.g. a course book or other study material that you are required to read or write before the seminar, while the teacher usually only moderates the discussion. All the students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills.

Some parts of the programme contain project work in small groups. You will need to complete the work together with your classmates outside the classroom. This way, you learn from each other and you train to be a team player. The ability to work in teams and think critically will make you stand out in your professional development.

The language of instruction is English.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Materials Engineering as the main field of study.