Studies and teaching

Which materials enhance the performance of batteries in electric cars? How should a solar cell be coated to generate more electricity? How can the material properties of implants be improved so that they are not rejected by the human body? These are the types of questions addressed in the Master’s degree programme in Advanced Materials (M.Sc.) at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU), where chemistry and physics intersect with creativity and a spirit of discovery. The Master's degree programme, previously known as “Materials Science”, will start with a new profile in the winter semester 2025/26. The realignment is not only accompanied by a modernisation of content – the programme can now also be completed entirely in English. Nevertheless, students can continue to study in German as usual, with a small proportion of modules taught in English. The reorientation of the degree programme will take place in the winter semester 2025/26; the application perios is already underway.

Advanced materials are modern functional materials whose properties have been specifically modified in order to optimise them for a particular application. Areas of application include medicine, mobility, communication, energy supply and aerospace. The enhanced degree programme provides in-depth knowledge in materials science with a focus on modern functional materials and their application in technology and industry. New modules and an interdisciplinary approach prepare students specifically for research and development tasks in an international environment. “By switching to Advanced Materials, we are responding to current scientific and industrial developments – and at the same time opening the doors to students from all over the world”, says subject advisor Dr. Bjoern Luerßen.

The research-oriented Master's degree programme is aimed at graduates with a Bachelor's degree in materials science or a comparable natural science degree. It is offered in cooperation with the Faculties of Physics (Faculty 07) and Chemistry (Faculty 08) and lasts four semesters. From the very first semester, students can specialise in areas such as electrochemical materials research, high-performance materials, materials analysis, theoretical materials research, sustainable inorganic materials or organic materials synthesis.

The degree programme is closely integrated into the renowned Giessen materials research scene. In a research module, students work on current research projects, highlighting the programme’s practice-oriented approach. Another highlight is the opportunity to obtain a double degree. Partner institutions are Osaka University and Kansai University in Japan as well as the University of Padua in Italy.
“This programme provides an excellent foundation for careers in research, development and high-tech industries”, says Prof. Dr. Anja Henß. “Employment opportunities are available in technology-orientated sectors such as the electronics, chemical and materials industries, as well as in companies developing innovative technologies. Research-related medium-sized companies are also potential employers.”

Applications for the Master's degree programme in Advanced Materials are possible
• for international applicants:
from 1 May 2025 to 15 June 2025 (English-language option) or from 1 June 2025 to 15 August 2025 (German-language option) via www.uni-assist.de

• for German applicants:
from 1 June 2025 to 1 September 2025 (German-language option) or from 1 June 2025 to 15 June 2025 (English-language option) via https://bewerbung.uni-giessen.de

International applicants can seek advice from the International Office at JLU, while all other prospective students can contact the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) at Giessen University for more information.

Further information:

The following information is for all prospective students:
From the winter semester 2025/26, JLU will once again be offering exciting opportunities to start your studies – with over 100 Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes and a colourful campus life in the heart of the university city of Giessen.

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Wissenschaftlicher Ansprechpartner:
Prof. Dr. Anja Henß (Faculty 07)
Institute of Experimental Physics I
Phone: 0641 99-33120
E-Mail: anja.henss@uni-giessen.de

Dr. Bjoern Luerßen (Faculty 08)
Institute of Physical Chemistry
Phone: 0641 99-34505
E-Mail: bjoern.luerssen@uni-giessen.de

International Office at JLU
E-Mail: studium-international@uni-giessen.de

Central Student Advisory Service at JLU
E-Mail: zsb@uni-giessen.de

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Weitere Informationen:
http://www.uni-giessen.de/en/study/courses/master/advancedmat/
http://www.uni-giessen.de/en/study