Polymer Science MSc University of Bayreuth

Language of instruction: English

Profile

The Master's programme in Polymer Science is geared towards students who have an interest in natural and material science issues, want to work on a future-oriented class of materials and want to hold a responsible position in companies, research institutes or universities. A prerequisite for enrolment in the programme is an initial degree (Bachelor of Science) in polymer and colloid chemistry, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, materials science or a related discipline.

Structure and content

The Bayreuth Master's programme in Polymer Science covers all important areas of polymer science: polymer and colloid chemistry, polymer synthesis, catalyst design, colloid chemistry, polymer analytics, polymer physics, polymer processing, biomacromolecules, biomaterials and polymer technology.

Students are introduced to current research topics at an early stage. In personal contact with their lecturers and in small teams, they acquire basic and application-related skills in all areas of polymer science.

Programme Outline

The two-year Master’s programme in Polymer Science focuses on the path from monomers to polymers, the design of functional polymers, and testing of various fields of application.

The programme begins with fundamental aspects and covers recent developments in the field along with applications of polymer materials and biomacromolecules. The programme is research-oriented and is taught by reputable scholars who are active in the field and who are experienced in teaching the various aspects of polymer science.

The Master's in Polymer Science is highly chemistry-oriented, and chemical skills are essential. Although some engineering modules are offered in the programme, plastic engineering is not the main focus.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master's degree in Polymer Science are in high demand in the chemical industry, the plastics producing and processing industry and related industries. They are exceptionally well qualified for a variety of professional fields of work in large and medium-sized companies, at universities and non-university research institutions. After completing a doctorate, graduates have access to interesting management positions in Germany and abroad.

The start of the winter semester marks the regular term, which includes the basic modules. The advanced modules run in the summer semester. It is possible to start the Master's in polymer science in winter or summer semester, but starting in the winter semester is highly recommended.

1 March to 15 June (for the winter semester)
1 September to 15 January (for the summer semester)

All courses in the Master’s programme in Polymer Science are grouped into modules, which are generally made up of several related courses in the form of lectures and labs. The Module Handbook gives a detailed account of the workload for each individual course.

A total of 120 credit points must be earned to complete the Master’s programme in Polymer Science.

First Semester of Study:

In the first semester of study, students are introduced to the foundations of polymer science. Each student selects four modules from a choice of eight recommended modules (Polymer Synthesis, Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Colloids and Surfaces, Polymer Materials and Technology, Polymer Physics I, Organometallic Chemistry, Polymerisation Catalysts, Catalysis and Sustainable Synthesis and Biomaterials). Each module, with the exception of Polymer Physics, includes an introductory lecture and a laboratory course to cover the experimental and practical aspects of the subject and to teach hands-on skills.

Second Semester of Study:

In the second semester of study, students focus on – and specialise in – their own individual areas of interest. Students select three advanced modules, of which each consists of a lecture and a lab. In order to introduce students to research at an early stage, the labs are carried out in one of the research groups in which the Master’s programme in Polymer Science is involved. Recommended modules are Polymer Architectures, High Performance and Speciality Polymers, Advanced Methods in the Physical Chemistry of Polymers, Current Topics in Colloid, Polymer and Interface Science, Polymer Engineering, Polymer Physics II, Catalyst Design and Sustainable Polymer Chemistry and Polymer Materials. The students also develop a research plan for carrying out a research project, which may be related to a research module in the third semester of study or to the topic of the Master’s thesis.

Third and Fourth Semesters of Study:

In the third semester of study, students complete two research modules of their choice, which is worth 15 credit points. They can also be completed as part of an internship abroad. One of the research modules may be carried out in the private sector. In the fourth semester of study, students work on the Master’s thesis on a topic from a current issue in the field of polymer science. The Master’s thesis, for which 30 credit points are awarded, is completed over a six-month period in the fourth semester of study.

Core elective modules are offered on the basis of availability and demand. They are announced in an appropriate form by the chair of examiners following the decision made by the board of examiners at the end of the semester prior to the courses.

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In the third Master's semester, it is possible to do one module externally at another university or in a company (in Germany or abroad). 

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

Admission requirements for the Master's programme in Polymer Science are a first degree (Bachelor of Science) in chemistry, polymer and colloid chemistry, biochemistry, physics, materials science, or a related discipline in addition to successful completion of an aptitude assessment process.

Aptitude Assessment Process:

The prerequisite for admission to the degree programme is passing the aptitude assessment process (see Examination Regulations, Annex 2), which includes the assessment of qualifications and, if applicable, an aptitude interview.

Applying without a degree certificate:

Applications may already be submitted before completion of the Bachelor's degree; however, a total of at least 135 credits is required by the time of application.

Special conditions:
Admission subject to certain conditions is possible; conditions may comprise a maximum of 30 credits (see Examination Regulations § 2 paragraph two).

For applicants who neither earned their higher education entrance qualification nor their initial degree in the English language, proof of English skills at level B2 or better of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is needed.

Proof of German language skills at level A1 or better of the Common European Framework of Reference is needed for applicants who neither earned their higher education entrance qualification nor their initial degree in the German language

Applicants who are unable to provide proof of these skills will be enrolled on the condition that they submit the proof by the end of the second semester of study at the latest.

1 March to 15 June (for the winter semester)
1 September to 15 January (for the summer semester)

Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.

Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/

https://www.baynat.uni-bayreuth.de/en/doctoral-programmes/polymer-science/index.html