Polymer Materials Science

Polymer Materials Science is an interdisciplinary English language Master's programme in the field of polymer science. You will obtain a multifaceted education in one of the central industrial growth sectors. Nowadays, polymer research is performed as a multidisciplinary collaboration among physicists, chemists, and engineers who are seeking new knowledge on making, characterising, processing, and understanding the molecular basis of novel functional materials. Our course programme is research oriented and offers a polymer synthetic or a polymer physical specialisation. It thus qualifies you for work in industry as well as advanced training on the PhD level.

Faculty of Natural Sciences II - Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
Our faculty, with its two Institutes of Chemistry and Physics, is prominently oriented towards research in the broad area of condensed matter and materials science. About one quarter of the 30 professorships and research groups work in the area of macromolecular science and soft matter. Synthetic polymers are the main topic of the Experimental and Theoretical Polymer Physics Groups, the Macromolecular Chemistry Group, the Physical Chemistry of Polymers Group, the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Group as well as the Materials Science Group. Several other groups at the Max Planck and Fraunhofer Institutes, as well as at the Center of Engineering Sciences and the Life Science Faculties, have activities in the polymer field and are actively contributing to the teaching provided within the Master's programme.

Main focus:

• General introduction to polymer science
• Polymer synthesis and characterisation
• Polymer physics
• Polymer processing and application
• Independent research and industry cooperation

Additional research and studies can be carried out at other institutions in Halle, e.g., the Fraunhofer Institute for Materials Mechanics, the Max Planck Institute for Microstructure Physics etc.
For detailed information, e.g., curriculum, course contents etc. please visit our website: http://www.polymat.uni-halle.de/.

Educational organisation

General Modules:

• Basics of Materials and Polymer Physics (10 ECTS) (semester 1)
• Introduction to Polymer Research (15 ECTS) (semester 3)
• Polymer Chemistry (10 ECTS) (semester 1)
• Polymer Physics (10 ECTS) (semester 2)
• Polymer Engineering (10 ECTS) (semesters 1&2)
• Polymer Engineering Science (8 ECTS) (semester 3)
• Polymer Physical Chemistry (10 ECTS) (semesters 1&2)

One advanced Module (10 ECTS, semester 2):
Advanced Polymer Chemistry OR
Advanced Polymer Engineering (10 ECTS) OR
Advanced Polymer Physics (10 ECTS)

One Master's thesis related specialisation (7 ECTS, semester 3)

• Polymer Engineering Focus
• Polymer Science Focus

Final Master's thesis (30 ECTS, semester 4)

Forms of assessment

Lecture based examinations (pass only) as prerequisites for module examination
Lecture based examinations (with grade) as part of module examination
Module examination (with grade)
Master's thesis with oral viva voce

Examinations can be oral or written at the end of each semester. Two repetitions are allowed.

Course objectives

The MSc programme in Polymer Materials Science is specially designed for undergraduates who want to obtain an internationally recognised degree by providing them with the necessary knowledge, capabilities and methods required for scientific work, critical evaluation of scientific results and responsible action. Students will mainly extend their theoretical, practical and methodical experience.
The Master's course qualifies for the following job opportunities:
basic polymer research in the chemical industry, applied research and development in the plastics producing and processing industry, teaching at a university, leading positions in industry and administration.

Language requirements

TOEFL (at least 213/550), IELTS (at least band 6.0) or UNIcert-II (writing and speaking) for applicants whose native language is not English

Academic requirements

Suitable applicants for the course have a Bachelor's degree (BSc) in Chemistry or Physics (and related topics, e.g., pharmacy, textile industry, with verified relation to basic chemistry) or in Materials Science.
Grade 2.5 or better
English language certificate e.g., IELTS 6.0 or better

Enrolment fees

Approx. 190 EUR per semester. Fee includes a semester ticket covering public transport in the Halle/Leipzig area and beyond.

Costs of living

About 600 EUR per month (including rent, health insurance, semester fee and semester ticket, living expenses, language courses)

Job opportunities

Several assistant jobs (research, measurements) after the first (passed) semester

Arrival support

• Support from other students
• Orientation programme

Services and support for international students

• Extensive study guidance
• Counselling by tutors and professors
• Languages courses and special cultural events

Accommodation

• Single apartments in student hostels at or near the campus offered by the Studentenwerk (Student Services, see: http://tl1host.de/SWHAL/?lang_id=2)
• Single/double apartments near the campus from a private provider

All apartments are furnished. The price is about 200 EUR per month. Reservations are necessary!