Nanoscience and Nanotechnology University of Siegen

All courses are taught in English.

The Master's programme in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at the University of Siegen is a two-year 120 ECTS English-language degree programme offered to national and international students. It focuses on modern aspects of the science and technology of nanoscopic systems, ranging from basic knowledge to applications and devices. It consists of a set of lectures, seminars, and lab courses followed by a project in a research group, culminating in the Master's thesis.

The Master's programme is designed to bridge the departments of Physics, Chemistry, and Electrical Engineering, which together cover the entire spectrum of nanoscience and nanotechnology in Siegen. 

The aim of the programme is (a) to impart current knowledge in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology and (b) to impart the ability to successfully apply this knowledge to new problems. To this end, in-depth scientific skills are acquired, including communication skills that allow students to work independently in scientific fields beyond the traditional subject boundaries, to develop, evaluate, and use new methods.

The course of studies prepares students for future tasks in the scientific and technical environment. The technical and methodological knowledge should enable them to act responsibly in their profession towards society and the environment. The training therefore combines theory-based, reflective teaching content and practice-oriented aspects. This enables them to work in an interdisciplinary, methodical manner and meets the requirement for a creative scientific qualification.

The consecutive Master's degree programme in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology is designed to provide a professional qualification for the career of a scientist in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology and basically to prepare for independent work as part of a doctorate in one of the sub-disciplines of physics, chemistry, engineering and in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The aim of this degree programme is to train managers for industry, business and public authorities as well as young academics.

EU and non-EU applicants: 30 April
Non-EU applicants are advised to apply as early as possible in order to allow for some extra time for the completion of the visa process.

In the first semester, there will be three different tracks, depending on the students' Bachelor's degree. Allocation of students to one of the course tracks will be made by the examination board. In this way, the students will acquire the fundamentals of the respective other disciplines in nanoscience and nanotechnology. In the first semester, a seminar will be held in the field of nanoscience research; this seminar will also address important global aspects, such as safe handling of nanotechnology ("nanosafety").

In the second semester, there will be compulsory courses in Nanochemistry, Physics of Nanoelectronic Devices, and the lab courses Micro and Nanotechnology, and Nanosynthesis, Nanosafety and Nanoanalytics, which will cover the experimental methods of nanoscience (including nanotoxicology) in Siegen.

In the third semester, there will be the compulsory course Photonics Devices. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to choose from a wide list of compulsory elective courses while doing an internship to prepare for the Master's thesis in a research group.

In the fourth semester, the Master's thesis can be undertaken at the University of Siegen or externally.

Further information available at https://www.uni-siegen.de/nt/nano/general_information/

No tuition fees

Students have to pay a semester contribution of approximately 320 EUR, which is due before the start of each semester, as part of (re-)registration. This fee covers the cost of a public transport ticket (valid for six months in all of Germany), a social services contribution, and student activities.

The city of Siegen has very moderate costs for accommodation, offering attractive living conditions for students. Living expenses range from only 800 EUR to 950 EUR per month, including rent, health insurance, food, clothing, learning materials, phone/Internet, travel expenses, entertainment, and sports. This estimated cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle, type of accommodation, budget, and spending habits.

It is important that students plan and manage their finances throughout the duration of the degree programme to ensure they have enough funds to cover semester contributions and living costs.

BSc in Physics, Chemistry, Nanoscience, Electrical Engineering or equivalent

Important information on admission and application can be found on the website of the programme.

English as a native language; or TOEFL (Code No. 8429) 533 (paper-based), 200 (computer-based), 72 (Internet- based); or CAE level C; or IELTS grade 6 or equivalent; or English level B2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

EU and non-EU applicants: 30 April
Non-EU applicants are advised to apply as early as possible in order to allow for some extra time for the completion of the visa process.

Students at the University of Siegen can apply for the “Deutschlandstipendium / Studienförderfonds”, which can cover part of the students' cost of living. Scholarships for doctoral students are available at the House of Young Talents of the University of Siegen.

Students can easily find part-time jobs with the help of the job placement service of the university. Siegen and the surrounding area are home to a large number of medium-sized industrial enterprises (SMEs), or so-called hidden champions in electrical and mechanical engineering. Some bigger examples include the companies SMS and Achenbach Buschhütten. A lot of smaller, yet very successful and quickly growing high-tech companies are located here as well, for instance, PMD Technologies and Asentics, which are spin-off companies of the university. As a result, employment opportunities are very good, especially for jobs during the semester breaks and after graduation.

There are student residences (dormitories) of the "Studierendenwerk" (student services) close to the university. The rent for a room is between 270 EUR and 450 EUR. Please be aware that German universities do not usually have campus systems like universities in some other countries where all students can find accommodation directly on the university property. Therefore, some students might have to find rooms on their own. The private accommodation costs per room are 400 EUR on average. Detailed information concerning general accommodation can be found here.

Early application/search is advisable.

The career services team helps with all questions regarding career entry and career planning. It offers information on occupational fields, helps with the career-related structuring of studies and provides direct support with individual coaching and consulting services when it comes to finding a good career start after graduation.

Furthermore, the programme "Forging International Talents - FIT in Siegen" specifically supports international students during their whole studies with a focus on preparation for the German job market. Additionally, the offers of the "Alumniverbund" provide a good opportunity to network and to benefit from the experiences of former students.

The university offers international students activities throughout the entire duration of their studies, starting with Orientation Days and the placement of a buddy who provides support in the first semester, through various networking and personal development opportunities (e.g. the Student Living Room, such as sessions for well-being), to offers that prepare students specifically for the German job market and network them accordingly during their studies.