Computational Mechanics of Materials and Structures (COMMAS)

The Master's program in Computational Mechanics of Materials and Structures (COMMAS) at the University of Stuttgart offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex problems in modern engineering and materials science. This innovative program combines theoretical foundations, computational methods, and experimental techniques to enable students to model, analyze, and optimize the behavior of advanced materials and structural systems. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including continuum mechanics, material modeling, finite element analysis, multiscale modeling, and structural dynamics, with a focus on developing a deep understanding of how materials deform, fracture, and withstand loads under various conditions. Students also gain practical experience through laboratory work, simulations, and project assignments that emphasize real-world applications across industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and civil engineering.

The program is structured to foster both academic and practical skills, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative approaches to engineering challenges. It integrates coursework with research opportunities, allowing students to collaborate with faculty on cutting-edge projects related to the development of new materials, sustainable structural designs, and performance optimization. The interdisciplinary nature of COMMAS prepares graduates for diverse career paths, including research, development, analysis, and consulting in academia, industry, and governmental agencies. The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility in engineering practices, promoting the development of eco-friendly materials and efficient structural solutions.

Students benefit from the university's state-of-the-art laboratories, computational resources, and strong links to industry partners, facilitating internships and industry projects. The program is taught in English, attracting students from around the world and providing a truly international learning environment. Graduates of COMMAS are well-equipped to contribute to scientific advancements and technological innovations, addressing pressing societal challenges related to infrastructure resilience, resource efficiency, and the development of advanced materials for future applications. With a pedagogical approach that balances theoretical understanding and practical expertise, the Master's program in Computational Mechanics of Materials and Structures prepares students for successful careers in academia, research institutes, or industry, where they can make meaningful impacts in the field of materials and structural engineering.

Educational organisation

The Master of Science programme is four semesters long. During the first semester, all students take the same modules and courses and concentrate on the basics of mechanics, statics and dynamics, numerical methods, discretisation methods and software engineering.
All courses not only provide an extensive introduction but also a deep knowledge of the most important areas in the field of computational mechanics of materials and structures.
During the second and third semesters, subjects can be chosen from a large variety of courses. In order to establish and promote international interaction, further advanced subjects are delivered in summer school by internationally recognised experts.
The fourth semester is dedicated to the thesis. It is embedded into the current scientific activities of the participating research groups.
On successful completion of the programme (120 ECTS credits), students are awarded a Master of Science and will be entitled to continue to study for a doctoral degree without having to meet additional academic requirements. Special PhD programmes in this field are offered at the University of Stuttgart.

Study abroad unit(s)

A period of study abroad is not mandatory, but it is possible to write the Master's thesis at one of the foreign partner institutions.

Internships

No internship required

Forms of assessment

• Written exams
• oral exams
• homework

Course objectives

Master of Science

Language requirements

A TOEFL (CB) score of 213 points or equivalent test results (e.g. TOEFL iBT 80 or TOEFL PBT 550, IELTS Band 6.0) as proof of sufficient knowledge of English
International students without prior knowledge of the German language have to attend the German intensive language course preceding the programme in September.

Academic requirements

BSc in engineering, natural sciences, or equivalent
TOEFL, minimum 80 points (Internet-based test) or equivalent test results (e.g. TOEFL PBT 550, IELTS Band 6.0) as proof of sufficient knowledge of English

Enrolment fees

Approx. 170 EUR per semester

Costs of living

To cover living expenses, you will need about 750 EUR per month. This is for rent (approx. 300-350 EUR), health insurance for non-EU residents (approx. 80 EUR), the semester ticket for public transport (190 EUR/six months), food (approx. 200 EUR), other incidental expenses and working materials (approx. 100 EUR).

Job opportunities

Owing to its location in the heart of one of Europe's largest high-tech regions, there are many opportunities to find employment. Nevertheless, please do not come to Germany expecting to be able to finance your entire studies by working. The study load is very high and it is not always easy to find a part-time job. Non-EU citizens are allowed by law to work for a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year. Students who are employed by the university in one of the institutes or departments ("Studentische Hilfskräfte") are exempt from this regulation, but other restrictions apply. You are not allowed to work during the first year while attending a German language class in preparation for the test of German as a foreign language (TestDaF).

Arrival support

A pick-up service is part of our welcome package. If you wish, you will be contacted before your departure, and if you arrive between 8am and 8pm, you will be met at Stuttgart airport or railway station and taken to your accommodation. Your host partner will also help you to deal with all formalities. This service is free of charge.

Services and support for international students

Cross-Cultural Mentoring Programme
The Office of International Affairs invites international degree students to sign up for the "Cross-Cultural Mentoring Programme". The programme is intended to ease initial challenges at the university as well as to offer study information, counselling services, subject-specific tutorials, courses, and activities during the whole study programme.
For further information, please contact: heidenreich@ia.uni-stuttgart.de.

The Welcoming Service
The Office of International Affairs offers a buddy programme in order to support you with all formalities at the beginning of your studies. For further information, please visit our website: http://www.ia.uni-stuttgart.de/internat/studierende/services/buddyprogramm/index.en.html.

Accommodation

Both campuses in Stuttgart-Vaihingen and in Stuttgart city centre have on-site halls of residence. Dorm rooms (ranging from 240-350 EUR per month) are furnished, some are equipped with a sink, and all have access to kitchen and sanitary facilities, telephone, and Internet. From the campus in Stuttgart-Vaihingen, the city of Stuttgart can be reached by suburban railway within 10 minutes. If you are under 30 years old and want to apply for a room in one of the student dormitories, please contact the student service:

Studentenwerk Stuttgart
Rosenbergstraße 18
70174 Stuttgart
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)7 11-9 57 44 70
Fax: +49 (0)7 11-9 57 44 50
E-mail: wohnen.sws@t-online.de
Internet: http://www.sws-internet.de