Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering at POSTECH offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary to innovate and lead in the development of advanced materials. This program emphasizes the understanding of the structure-property relationships of various materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials, and explores their applications across industries such as electronics, aerospace, energy, and biomedical devices. Students will engage in hands-on laboratory work, cutting-edge research, and collaborative projects that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The curriculum covers topics such as materials synthesis and processing, characterization techniques, nanomaterials, biomaterials, and functional materials, providing a solid foundation for careers in research, development, manufacturing, and academia. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and close ties to industry leaders, students are encouraged to pursue innovative solutions to global challenges through sustainable and functional material design. The program also offers specialized tracks and opportunities for international exchange, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that prepares graduates to become leaders in materials science and engineering. By combining theoretical principles with practical applications, the Materials Science and Engineering program at POSTECH aims to cultivate highly skilled professionals capable of contributing to technological advancement and societal well-being.

Major requirement

• Advanced Thermodynamics of Materials
• Phase Transformation
• Interface Science
• Non-crystalline Inorganic Materials
• Instruments for Materials Characterization
• Research Method in Materials Science and Engineering
• Atomistic Simulation
• Dislocations & Strengthening Mechanisms
• Solid State Reactions and Sintering
• Solid State Physics
• Statistical Mechanics of Materials
• Electron Diffraction & Microscopy
• Advanced Electron Microscopy
• Experiments for Transmission Electron Microscopy
• X-Ray Diffraction and Imaging
• Applied Quantum Mechanics
• Special Topics in Materials Science A/Z

Major electives (metals)

• Alloy Design
• Deformation Processing of Structural Materials
• Theory of Elasticity and Plasticity
• Fracture Phenomena and Mechanisms
• Fatigue Mechanisms
• High Temperature Deformation Behavior of Materials
• Corrosion Science
• High Temp Oxidation & coating
• Structural Materials
• Special Topics in Metallurgical Engineering

Major electives (ceramics semiconductor)

• Organic Electronics for Information and Energy Technologies
• Inorganic Materials for Optoelectronics and Applications
• Conducting Ceramics
• Magnetic Properties of Materials
• Optical Properties of Materials
• Structure of Thin Films
• Photonics Glasses
• Piezoelectric/Ferroelectric Materials
• Solid-state Electrochemistry and Fuel Cells
• Properties of Semiconducting Materials
• Surface Analysis and Nano-scale Characterizations
• Light Emitting Diodes
• Nanoscale Semiconductor Devices
• Electrical Properties of Low Dimensional Materials
• Special Topics in Ceramics
• Special Topics in Electronic Materials

Major electives (polymer)

• Polymer Engineering
• Advanced Polymer Synthesis
• Advanced Polymer Physics
• Molecular Design of Functional Polymers
• Instrument Techniques in Polymer Science
• Nano-Biomaterials

Research

• Doctoral Dissertation Research

Requirements

• Applicants must fill out the online application.
• Personal Statement and Research Plan - Download format from the website: http://admission.postech.ac.kr/linkUsen.do?f=sub3-2
• Curriculum Vitae (Free style personal resume)
• Copy of Passport
• Signed Consent Form - Download format from the website: http://admission.postech.ac.kr/linkUsen.do?f=sub3-2
• List of Honors and Awards (optional) - Applicants who have received any honors, awards, or fellowships during their undergraduate or graduate studies may list them in the order of importance.
• Application fee: 80 USD or 80,000 KRW
• Official Transcript(s)
• Degree Certificate(s)
• Recommendation Letters - From two recommenders (academic faculty) - Must be e-mailed or sent by post directly by each recommender, enclosed in a sealed envelope.
• Score Report of English Proficiency Test - The official TOEFL/IELTS Score Report issued by ETS/British Council can be sent to POSTECH Graduate Admissions and Student Affairs directly by requesting it at the ETS/ British Council website. Applicants must enter POSTECH’s institution code (0329) in order for ETS to send the official score report to our office. - TOEFL ITP organized only by POSTECH is accepted
• Degree Theses (option

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Scholarships

• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
• Global Education
• POSCO Asia Fellowship
• SK hynix Fellowship
• POSTECH Teaching or Research Assistantship
• POSTECH Fellowship for Excellent International Students(PFES)
• POSTECH Settlement Allowance for New International Students

Materials Science and Engineering at the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles and advanced applications of materials. The program covers a wide range of topics, including the structure-property relationships of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composite materials. Students gain knowledge in materials processing, characterization techniques, and computational modeling, preparing them for careers in research, development, and industry. The curriculum emphasizes practical laboratory work, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative research projects, fostering a hands-on learning environment. Faculty members are internationally recognized for their expertise in nanomaterials, biomaterials, electronic materials, and sustainable materials. The program benefits from state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, providing students with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge investigations and contribute to technological advancements. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for postgraduate studies or employment in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and healthcare. The department also encourages international exchange programs and collaborations, promoting a global perspective and cross-cultural competence among students. Overall, the program aims to develop skilled scientists and engineers who can address the complex challenges of modern materials science, drive innovation, and contribute to societal progress through sustainable solutions.