The Master of Materials Engineering recognizes that materials change the world. Each engineering design needs to be ‘materialised’: smart phones, implants, solar cells, aircrafts, cars, bridges, all of it. Materials are at the heart of our quality of life and economic welfare, and that will increasingly be the case in the future, with an increased need to use resources wisely and contribute to a sustainable world.

About this programme:

The programme is geared towards educating young people who want to participate in the development of materials solutions as researchers or production engineers. It focuses on basic concepts as well as on emerging trends in materials engineering and covers the study of materials properties and structures, optimising processing routes, manufacturing as well as evaluation of final products. You will have ample opportunity to develop strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, for example through case studies and projects, and you will have frequent contact with industrial partners through plant visits, practical exercises and/or internships. In the master’s thesis, you will apply your knowledge to a research topic of choice, usually embedded in a cutting-edge research project in cooperation with other institutions or industrial companies.

The master aims at educating you so that you will be able to design new materials and make sustainable choices, both in an industrial and academic environment. These capabilities will be based on a thorough understanding and use of the relationships between the internal structure (crystal structure, microstructure, architecture) of materials, their properties (mechanical, electrical, chemical) and their processing (the materials triangle).

Programme strenghts:

• The Department of Materials Engineering (MTM) is a world player in design, characterisation, modelling and development of new materials. Close links with imec and KU Leuven's Biomedical Sciences Group strengthen the programme in addressing upcoming application domains.  MTM is strongly involved in powder processing of metals and ceramics, including 3D printing.

• MTM is one of the few material departments where both structural composites and metals are strongly represented in both research and teaching.

• In a truly international environment, you mingle with fellow-students and assistants (68% non-Belgian) and lecturers (26% non-Belgian) from around the globe. In terms of outgoing mobility, participation in the Erasmus+ programme is encouraged for the Belgian students.

Programme Master of Materials Engineering:

The structure of this master’s programme consists of a compulsory core of 60 credits, four options of 12 credits, three fixed elective packages of 12 credits, engineering and general interest electives for 12 credits, and the master's thesis of 24 credits.

The fixed elective packages are meant to orient students towards different future career options: research-oriented, production-oriented, or management-oriented. For students with other bachelor degrees than materials science and engineering, bridging courses may replace the elective packages if you have a bachelors degree other than materials science or engineering.

Student exchange:

The Faculty of Engineering Science at KU Leuven is involved in several Erasmus exchange programmes. For the Master of Materials Engineering, this means that you can complete one or two semesters abroad, at a number of selected universities.

Internships:

The Faculty of Engineering Science offers two types of internships in all its master’s programmes: Industrial Experience and Industrial Internships.

Dual degree track:

The EIT-labelled SUMA master programmes aim to train tomorrow’s industrial engineers in collaborative work in a global world and gather some of the best educational programmes in the field of sustainable materials engineering in Europe. They stimulate innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership and focus on circular (eco)design.

Student profile:

The ideal candidate is strongly motivated to pursue a career in materials science and engineering or in industrial sectors dealing with materials. You have a strong background in physics, mathematics, chemistry and mechanics and have already covered some materials fundamentals during your bachelor’s. Transition courses are offered to bridge possible gaps.

• You hold a basic three-or-four year Bachelor's degree in a field of engineering or one of physical or chemical sciences. The programme builds on the basics of engineering science: physics, mathematics, chemistry and mechanics.

• You are motivated to pursue a career in materials science and engineering or in industrial sectors dealing with materials.

• All students must be proficient in oral and written English.

Career perspectives:

Materials engineers invent, design, make and use materials for products, processes and services. You are educated for leadership in sectors where materials play a decisive role. Examples are the materials making and processing industries, nanotechnology, chemical industry, automotive and aerospace, but also the biomedical sector.