Master's Programme in Materials Science
120 credits

Innovation in material science creates opportunities for development in all other fields of technology. The availability of raw materials is finite, so there is a growing need to develop new sustainable materials and technologies – not least in the energy sector. The Master's Programme in Materials Science prepares you to deal with these challenges, from a sustainability perspective.
Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 2 September 2024
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.
Also required is 75 credits in physics or 75 credits in chemistry.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.
- Fees
-
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2024
- Application code
- UU-M1380
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific statement of purpose (1 page).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
Autumn 2025 Autumn 2025, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 1 September 2025
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.
Also required is:
- 75 credits in physics, chemistry, materials science and/or materials engineering; and
- 15 credits in mathematics.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.
- Fees
-
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2025
- Application code
- UU-M1580
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific statement of purpose (1 page).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
About the programme
Studying in the Master's Programme in Materials Science means that you get to learn how new materials are developed, what properties they have, how they are used, and how you design, modify and manufacture them. The programme includes courses ranging from fundamental theory to different application areas.
During the programme you can expect to:
- participate in the daily activities of research groups,
- be involved in two unique project courses,
- acquire a personal network of excellent and world-leading research.
The Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Chemistry as well as the Department of Materials Science at Uppsala University have world-leading research in materials science. Together they host this interdisciplinary and research-oriented programme.
Your studies will be located at the Ångström Laboratory, which is one of Europe's most advanced research environments for materials science. As a student, you can get access to world-leading and state-of-the-art research laboratories, as well as specialised large-scale infrastructure – all under the one roof. Some these laboratories are Myfab Uppsala (clean room), FREIA and The Tandem Laboratory.
Our researchers also operates at other national and international large-scale research infrastructures, such as MAX IV, IV, ESS, ILL and supercomputer centres administered via the Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing. This gives you exceptional opportunities to conduct world-class materials research.
Degree
The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Materials Science as the main field of study.
Content
In the first semester, you will gain a broad knowledge of materials science from an interdisciplinary perspective. It prepares you for the more specialised courses you will take later in the programme. You will have a good theoretical and practical base for further studies. There will be interdisciplinary project courses and you will get an opportunity to make contacts with leading research groups in materials science.
After the first semester, you can choose one of the following specialisations according to your interest and career plan:
- Quantum material - mainly suitable for students with a background in physics,
- Energy-relevant materials - suitable for students with background in either physics, chemistry or material science and engineering,
- Soft materials - mainly suitable for students with a background in chemistry.
Within the specialisations, it is possible to carry out an in-depth study of each discipline, while the interdisciplinary aspect of materials science is strongly emphasised.
The programme also has applied courses within, for example, thin film technology, nanotechnology and nanomaterials.
In the final year, the courses will be strongly tied to current research and development, both in and outside of academia. You will conduct an independent degree project within an academic research group or in collaboration with industry.
Courses within the programme
Learning experience
The courses alternate theory and practice. The teaching includes lectures, independent reading, laboratory work, seminars and interdisciplinary projects.
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. As a student, you are expected to actively contribute to teaching sessions while also be responsible for your own learning.
We put great importance to training you in a scientific approach, where you can solve problems, think critically and analytically, and independently plan and design research projects. In this process, analysis and interpretation of the results are important parts.
You will be given communication training in both oral and written presentations, as an integrated part of the programme. This is in high demand in the labour market, both in Sweden and internationally.
The programme is taught in English.
Career
With a Master's degree in materials science from Uppsala University, you will be an attractive candidate to both Swedish and international employers. Your studies will prepare you for a promising career as a researcher and specialist or as a materials expert with a broad knowledge of materials and sustainability, depending on your chosen courses.
Nearly all tech companies, not just materials manufacturers, need material experts. Potential employers can be found in any industry where materials play a key part, such as automotive, energy, construction, electronics, manufacturing, packaging and the medical industry. You can work in positions involving e.g. the production and development of materials, manufacturing and manufacturing development, materials testing, recycling processes and systems, research, innovative business development, and in an advisory role.
You can also choose to continue with doctoral studies, either at Uppsala University or at other Swedish or foreign universities. After completing a postgraduate education, you can choose to do further research within academia or at a company. You will also be an attractive candidate for many other roles in the labour market.
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.
Register your interest
Keep updated about the application process.

Contact
- For questions about the programme, for applicants with a background in physics, please contact Programme Director Vassilios Kapaklis:
- vassilios.kapaklis@physics.uu.se
- For questions about the programme, for applicants with a background in chemistry, please contact Programme Director Peter Broqvist:
- peter.broqvist@kemi.uu.se
- For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
- study@uu.se
Students
As a student you will find information about your studies in the student gateway.