MSc in Materials Chemistry

Since the dawn of mankind, materials have defined us and played a central role in human development. The ages of stone, bronze, and iron formed vital parts of our history and now we are entering the nano age.

Using all the tools of chemistry, this master's program will deepen your understanding of materials, developing and designing them to be lighter, stronger, cheaper, more durable, and environmentally friendly. These are the materials that may come to form the essential building blocks in the next era of humanity.

Centered around organic and inorganic chemistry, polymers, and nanotechnology, this program will train you how to use these tools to tweak molecules and create specific, desired properties. This could include everything from high-temperature, corrosion-resistant materials, to catalysts for chemical processes and vehicle exhausts, or nanomaterials with unique traits for precision-targeted pharmaceuticals.

Materials chemistry could yield untold benefits for all kinds of fields. Biodegradable detergents, solvent-free paints, renewable polymers, polymer-based solar panels and diodes, thermoelectric materials that transform heat into electricity, and materials for handling complex emissions from biofuel engines — these are just some of the possibilities that you will investigate.

This master's program has an emphasis on synthesis, chemical characterization, physical and chemical properties, applications, and top-down chemical nanomanufacturing. There is also a close connection to industrially relevant materials, including both those in use today, and those likely to become crucial for future developments.

As a student, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes which are essential to handle these complex materials, with courses covering topics such as advanced catalysis, surface chemistry, and nuclear chemistry.

You will look at the design, development of new and existing materials, and the synthesis and characterization of material properties. The program has a strong project-based emphasis, with teamwork and innovation processes at the forefront.

​Career

Sweden, and the Gothenburg region, in particular, has cutting-edge research in the characterization, design, and development of new materials. In industry and academia, scientists and engineers in materials science are active in fields ranging from fundamental materials development to the application of materials technology in products and processes. Thus, the job market in Sweden has a continuous need for materials engineers with a sound chemistry background within the Swedish industry, such as automotive, rolling bearings, bioimplants, polymers, surface treatment, paint, packaging materials, pharmaceuticals, nuclear materials as well as hygiene and healthcare products.

Chalmers has connected academic research in all these fields, often together with start-up companies. In addition, sustainable engineering opens up more opportunities such as catalysis, recycling, biodegradable materials, tailored nanomaterials, and corrosion-resistant alloys which can lead you to a career at Chalmers in Sweden or anywhere in the world. Around 30% of the graduated students from Materials chemistry move on to Ph.D. studies, in most cases at Chalmers but also elsewhere.

Some examples of companies where the previous students have found positions include Powercell, AstraZeneca, ESAB, ST1, Emerson, Borealis, Rise, Ringhals Nuclear power, Nouryon, Mölnlycke Healthcare, Elasto Sweden AB, Preem, Tetra Pack, Intellego Technologies, Akzo Nobel, Oxeon, Vinci Technologies, Perstorp, Volvo, Volvo Cars, Alström Power, Inovyn or Adesso Bioproducts.

There are also a large number of graduated students that work as consultants or in different parts of the public sector. Around half of the master thesis work conducted on the program is done in different research groups at Chalmers and the other half is conducted at, in connection with, companies and industries primely in the Gothenburg area.

General entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Technology, or Architecture

To fulfill the general entry requirement for a Master's program at Chalmers (at advanced level/the second cycle), the prospective student must hold a degree that is equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years, 180 Swedish higher education credits) in either Science, Engineering, Technology or Architecture.

• All applicants must document their formal academic qualifications to prove their eligibility. Only documentation from internationally recognized universities will be approved by the Swedish Council for Higher Education which manages the website universityadmissions.se.
• If an applicant is also a holder of a second degree such as a Master's degree, that may be to fulfill specific (course) requirements, it cannot be used to fulfill the general entry requirement on its own.

In your final year of Bachelor's Studies

Students in their last year of studies who don't yet have documentation of their soon-to-be-completed degree can be accepted.

Restrictions

Degrees that are constructed on one another cannot consist of the same course

Applicants who fulfill the general entry requirements for the second cycle (master’s level) programs and eventually specific entry requirements can be admitted to a master’s program. Applicants cannot be evaluated as unqualified in the qualifying academic merits which include courses from the program’s plan in those programs that they have applied for if that occurs.

Courses included in an earned first cycle degree (bachelor’s level) or professional qualification of at least 180 cr. (180hp) or the equivalent foreign qualification that are prerequisites for master’s qualifications may not be included in the higher qualifications. This also applies to prerequisite courses for master’s programs, regardless of whether they are included in the underlying qualification. *

*) Local Qualifications Framework for Chalmers University of Technology - first and second cycle qualifications.

Restrictions for Citizens from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)

Chalmers cannot admit applicants with citizenship of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea only to any program or course, due to the Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1509 of 30 August 2017 concerning restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and repealing Regulation (EC) 329/2007.

For applicants with double citizenship of which one is of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the other of another country, the citizenship of the other country has precedence in this respect.​

Study the Swedish way at Chalmers University of Technology

Providing a comprehensive education in science, engineering, technology and architecture, Chalmers University of Technology is one of Scandinavia’s most respected universities, and consistently ranks highly among the world’s best. Chalmers is a household name in Sweden, regarded as the most reputable and well-known University in the country.

When you study at Chalmers University of Technology, you become part of a rich and diverse culture stretching back to 1829. Alongside the world-class facilities and faculty, the student life is full of fun and adventure, with hundreds of clubs and societies offering everything from ballooning, robotics and jazz to theatrical and sports clubs. This side of student life is deeply embedded in the Chalmers spirit, with more than half of our students involved in the cultural life of the University in this way.

And when it comes to the education and research at Chalmers, you will find that you are right at the cutting edge of your field. With over two centuries’ worth of excellence brought thoroughly up to date with modern infrastructure and teaching methods, here you will encounter a very particular way of doing things. When you study at Chalmers, you learn to think independently, using engineering methods in innovative ways to tackle the biggest challenges facing society, from climate change to the digital revolution. We encourage your creativity, and believe in the importance of free thinking. To facilitate openness and cooperation between students and teachers, we pursue a classically Scandinavian atmosphere, one that is truly informal and non-hierarchical – the Swedish way.

And alongside a world-class education, when you study at Chalmers, you will also get the chance to live in one of the most stunning and distinct cities in all of Europe. Our campus is situated right in the heart of Gothenburg, on Sweden’s beautiful west coast – one of the world’s greenest cities, built around forests, lakes, islands and rivers. But Gothenburg is also celebrated for its unique social atmosphere — a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city energy. Consistently ranked as the friendliest and most sociable city in Sweden, Gothenburg has a spontaneous and relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart from many other university towns in Scandinavia and Europe.

Sustainability, entrepreneurship and equality are essential aspects of everything we do at Chalmers. Through project-based assignments, we provide hands-on, collaborative experience, focusing on applying theoretical knowledge to solve current and future problems. We have excellent connections with many relevant industrial and social partners, including local giants such as Volvo, SKF, and AstraZeneca, ensuring that our research and education is always closely aligned to real-world challenges and applications. Our global focus attracts students and staff from around 70 countries, and we offer around 40 master’s programmes taught entirely in English — preparing you for a truly international career.

Chalmers University of Technology is an exciting and dynamic university, in a beautiful and unique city. Our motto today remains the same as it was in 1829: Avancez — forward.