Master Material Engineering and Conservation Science

Zu sehen sind rostige Rohre und Rohrverbindungen und zwei Studierende, dei sich diese Bauteile prüfend anschauen. Beide zeigen auf eine Stelle am Rohr und sprechen miteinander.

Engineering expertise for sustainable solutions

Materials science and cultural heritage

Are you interested in materials science and would like to expand your knowledge of sustainability?

Would you like to explore how to make the life cycle of materials sustainable?

Or develop technical solutions to preserve industrial heritage sites and objects?

Our international master's program in Material Engineering and Conservation Science (MECS) offers you excellent career prospects in materials science. Apply to us for this program, which is unique in Germany. The application period for international students lasts two weeks and runs from May 4, 2026, to May 18, 2026, for the 2026/27 winter semester.

Die Anlage Völkling im Saarland ist zu sehen. Ein verrostetes Stahlkonstrukt ist im Vordergrund erkennbar, dahinter ein Schornstein.

Knowledge for the preservation of industrial culture

When products reach the end of their useful life, the question of preservation and future use arises, especially for objects of cultural value. In this degree program, we address the question of how materials science methods can be used to examine objects with special preservation value. The aim is to preserve historical buildings and structures. You will develop a technical understanding of damage such as aging, corrosion, or wear and tear, and learn to develop materials science-based solutions for sustainable preservation.

What students say

Ein Förderturm ist zu sehen, der von unten nach oben zu sehen ist. Im Hintergrund ist ein Backsteinbau zu erkennen.

Developing innovative materials

You will learn how to optimize innovative materials from a sustainability perspective. In particular, you will focus on metals and polymers, analyzing their structure and properties in a targeted manner. Among other things, you will learn how new manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing can be used to design components that are durable and optimized for their application.

Eine Forscherin unterstucht Materialproben im Labor.

Interdisciplinary team players

Materials science is an interdisciplinary field within engineering. It deals with the entire life cycle of products, from their manufacture to their recycling. In our MECS master's program, you will expand your existing knowledge in these areas. You can specialize in materials processing and performance or industrial heritage conservation.

Facts and figures – overview

Degree:
Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Duration:
Full-time: 4 semesters
Part-time: 6 semesters

Programme start/application:
The program is designed to start in the winter semester. Due to this, there may be time delays when starting the study program in the summer semester.

Application deadline for the winter semester 2026/2027: 31. August 2026
Application deadline for the summer semester 2027: 28. February 2027

Please note:

The application period for international students lasts two weeks and runs from 4 May 2026 to 18 May 2026 for the 2026/2027 winter semester.

Entry requirements:
A first-level university degree qualifying for a relevant profession in Applied Material Sciences or similar (Bachelor or German Diplom) with an overall grade of “good” or higher. Graduates with a degree in other fields or a lower overall grade will be admitted after their aptitude has been identified in an aptitude test.
Proficiency in German and/or English language as per examination regulations.

Please note: The degree programme has been further developed and is currently undergoing the accreditation process. A positive assessment has already been received from the ASIIN accreditation agency; the final decision by the Accreditation Council is still pending. We therefore reserve the right to make changes. The relevant ministry has approved the launch of the degree programme for the winter semester 2026/27.

We do not charge tuition fees. We only charge a semester fee, which includes the Deutschland-Ticket for public transport.

You can find all the information you need about enrolment and deadlines here.

Study full-time or part-timeCombining a career with your studies

On our evening courses, you can complete your Master’s degree in either three semesters full-time or five semesters part-time. You will write your Master’s thesis in the following semester.

Our partnership with the German Mining Museum in Bochum – a Leibniz Research Museum for Georesources – and the Zollverein Foundation offers you the opportunity to apply your knowledge in practice and to research objects of industrial heritage. Through interdisciplinary modules, you will learn to apply insights from engineering and conservation science to meet the complex practical demands of using and preserving materials.

The programme is complemented by cross-disciplinary skills that prepare you for leadership and organisational roles. The language of instruction is predominantly English, which underscores the programme’s international character.

Downloads

Examination regulations pdf, 405 KB
Appendix 7 examination regulations pdf, 636 KB
Course Structure Fulltime Master Material Engineering and Conservation Science pdf, 78 KB
Course Structure Parttime Master Material Engineering and Conservation Science pdf, 79 KB
Subject Examination Regulations For the Master’s Degree Programme Material Engineering and Conservation Science pdf, 533 KB

Excellent career prospectsThe Master’s degree opens up new opportunities for you

As a well-rounded graduate in materials science with extensive practical experience, this degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities in industry or in research and development. Upon completion of your degree, you will also be eligible to pursue a PhD, paving the way for a career in academia.