Materials Chemistry & Catalysis

New materials and catalytic converters are driving innovation in an increasing number of areas in industry, research, and technology. The Bayreuth Master's programme in "Materials Chemistry and Catalysis" enables students to participate successfully in shaping this development with a high level of professional competence. Consequently, new material concepts such as nanomaterials, hybrid materials, composites, colloidal molecules, surface-active material or biomimetic materials, and the design of catalysts are at the centre of the course. Profile The Master's offers students a challenging research-related education. Students learn the chemical and physical fundamentals, but also the properties and application potentials of many classes of materials and catalysts that are of particular importance for technological progress and economic growth in the 21st century. Graduates are therefore able to synthesise, modify and characterise materials for various requirements. The campus of the University of Bayreuth offers excellent opportunities for this with modern laboratory facilities and outstanding library equipment. Particularly qualified students have the opportunity to participate in the elite study programme in "Macromolecular Science" parallel to their Master's and doctoral studies. In addition, the Master's programme is embedded in the following focus areas of University of Bayreuth: "Polymer and Colloid Research" and "Advanced Materials". Important impulses for teaching also emanate from its internationally networked competences in this field. Central scientific facilities of the university promote interdisciplinary contacts on campus and research collaborations with industry. Structure and content The Master's programme is aimed at students who have a strong interest in the fundamentals of materials or catalysis research, who want to work on the development of high-performance materials or catalysts with a high level of professional competence and creativity, and who aspire to a responsible position in companies, research institutes or universities. Programme outline The two-year Master’s programme begins with fundamental aspects and covers recent developments in the field along with applications of the various soft or hard material classes (ceramics, metals, polymers) and catalysts (heterogeneous & homogeneous). 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 materials chemistry and catalysis. Career prospects Graduates are excellently qualified for a variety of professional fields of work in the chemical industry and related branches of industry. Both large and medium-sized companies have an increasing demand for excellently trained specialists in the field of materials chemistry. Universities and research institutes also offer attractive career prospects. After completing a doctorate – for example, in the doctoral programme in "Materials Chemistry and Catalysis" at the Bayreuth Graduate School for Mathematics and Natural Sciences (BayNAT) – graduates have access to interesting management positions.