MSc Materials Science and Technology

The MSc Materials Science and Technology is a full-time, 2-year postgraduate master’s programme offered by the University of Tartu, Estonia. The programme is designed for students interested in the development, investigation, design, application, and commercialisation of new materials. Alongside materials science, students also acquire fundamental knowledge of entrepreneurship, preparing them for careers in industry, research, laboratories, business, or further doctoral studies.

Programme Focus

The programme combines theoretical knowledge of materials science with practical and experimental work. Students learn about the theoretical principles of materials science, methods for testing and investigating materials, and approaches to developing and designing new materials and their applications.

A major component of the programme is scientific laboratory work. Each student joins a laboratory and participates in its scientific activities. Students can choose laboratories associated with the Institute of Physics, Institute of Chemistry, or Institute of Technology. Development projects are conducted in cooperation with scientific laboratories, where students also complete the experimental part of their master’s thesis.

An internship is a mandatory component of the programme, providing students with an opportunity to gain practical experience related to their field of study.

Study Language and Duration

The programme is taught entirely in English and has a nominal duration of 2 years. Successful graduates receive the Master of Science (MSc) in Materials Science and Technology.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, which must be obtained by the end of July, in science, technology, or engineering.

The previous degree must include at least 45 ECTS in subjects such as:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Engineering

Applicants must also meet the University of Tartu’s English language requirements. The university specifies the acceptable English-language tests and exempt categories separately.

Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

Motivation Letter

All applicants to the Materials Science and Technology programme must submit a motivation letter in English, with a maximum length of 1,500 characters including spaces.

The motivation letter should discuss the applicant’s previous studies and work experience, personality, and how their educational and professional background relates to the programme. Applicants should also explain their motivation for studying materials science and technology and describe the type of professional role they envision after completing the programme.

The final version of the motivation letter must be submitted with the online application by 15 March and cannot be edited after the application has been submitted.

The motivation letter is evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Knowledge of science and technology and the fit between the applicant’s background, goals, and the study programme — 50%
• Analytical and argumentation skills — 30%
• Fluency in written English — 20%

Admission Interview

Applicants who receive at least 51 points for both their average grade and motivation letter are invited to an admission interview.

The interview lasts approximately 20 minutes and is conducted in English, either online or in person. For the 2026 admission cycle, interviews were scheduled for 14–15 April 2026.

During the interview, candidates may be asked about their previous studies and experience related to materials science and technology, their motivation for joining the programme, and basic concepts in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and materials science. Their analytical, argumentation, and English self-expression skills are also evaluated.

For an online interview, applicants must have an identity document available and must ensure that their environment is free from other people and background noise. Recording the interview is not permitted.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fee for the programme is €7,200 per year.

Citizens and permanent residence permit holders of EU/EEA countries or Switzerland are exempt from tuition fees. According to the provided programme information, there are no tuition waivers for citizens from outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland.

For this programme, two admitted students receive a 50% tuition fee reduction for their second semester, based on the weighted average grade of all results from the previous semester.

Applicants from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland must pre-pay half of the first semester’s tuition fee after receiving an admission offer.

In addition to tuition, the application fee is €100, payable once and non-refundable.

Practical and Research-Based Learning

The programme places significant emphasis on combining academic knowledge with practical research. Students become members of a scientific laboratory and participate in ongoing scientific work. Their development projects and master’s thesis experimental work are conducted in cooperation with university laboratories.

This structure allows students to develop knowledge of materials while gaining experience in scientific investigation, analysis, experimentation, and material development.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Materials Science and Technology programme can pursue specialist positions involving materials development in manufacturing enterprises, research institutions, and laboratories.

The programme also provides knowledge and skills that can support graduates who wish to start and operate small or medium-sized businesses related to materials. Students who want to continue their academic careers can also proceed to doctoral-level studies.

Application and Start Date

The application period for the provided programme information has ended. The stated study commencement date is 31 August 2026.

The University of Tartu provides additional programme and application information through its Materials Science and Technology programme page.