Materials Science and Engineering

General information

• duration of the studies: 7 semesters (3,5 year)
• form of studies: full-time
• level of studies: undergraduate
• language of instruction: English
• financial aspects: 6.900 PLN / per semester (aprox. 1600 EUR depending on the exchange rate) - applicable in the academic year 2025/2026

 The requirements to be met by the applicants

• English language proficiency - minimum B2 level – https://admission.zut.edu.pl/in-english/new-english-language-requirements.html
• secondary school certificate that entitiles its holder to take up bachelor programmes in the country of issue
• general requirements for candidates –  https://admission.zut.edu.pl/in-english/general-requirements-for-candidates/for-bachelor-programmes.html

 What is Materials Science and Engineering?

Materials science and engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field focused on the design, fabrication, and characterization of new materials, including polymers, ceramics, metals, and composites. A novel, advanced materials play key roles in diverse applications, including energy capture and storage devices, sustainable and advanced packaging materials, biomaterials, and more. As a result, by applying fundamental science to pursue beneficial engineering solutions, MSE has a major societal impact. Based on the knowledge of the underlying physical, chemical, and biological phenomena, material science engineers, can design and study new materials at various length scales, ranging from the atomic and molecular, and nanoscopic level to that of macroscopic, complex systems, including various devices. Importantly, the cutting-edge applications that can overcome major societal challenges require a detailed understanding of the relationships between the structure of a material and its properties. This knowledge can be used to tune materials for advanced technologies, ranging from biosensors and functional surfaces to aerospace composites and medical device platforms. Ultimately, MSE covers all aspects of research and innovation in the field of materials: from basic science to the design and synthesis of materials, from characterization to advanced processing, while also including regulatory and quality management aspects.

Course list - syllabuses

What does such an engineer do, what does his / her job look like?

Materials science engineers design, develop, process, and test materials for a wide range of practical applications, such as electronics, coating, packaging, biotechnology, and the medical device industry. They study the structure and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, as well as their composites. Day-to-day, materials science engineers may be involved in all aspects of materials development, ranging from the synthesis of new materials to advanced processing, such as 3D printing or photolithography, or characterization, such as spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, or mechanical testing. In this fashion, by enabling the manufacture of new materials that meet certain chemical, electrical, and/or mechanical requirements, they facilitate the development of new products/applications or the improvement of existing technologies. Further, they can also be involved in selecting existing materials for specific products/applications or developing new strategies and pathways for leveraging existing materials.

Where can a graduate work?

Materials Science and Engineering graduates are highly trained, interdisciplinary specialists with many attractive professional careers in Poland and abroad. Because they are at the forefront of technological developments, they can find employment in a range of existing sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, pharmaceuticals, and telecommunications. Further, developments in the MSE field, for example, nanotechnology or the use of advanced composites, can result in new sectors and new job opportunities being created. Finally, novel, advanced materials play key roles in addressing the major societal problems of today, including pandemics, aging populations, and climate change. As a result, there will be growing demand for engineers trained in MSE.

Materials science engineers mostly work in office buildings, laboratories, or industrial plants. Their job responsibilities will vary according to the size and type of company, but they will typically be involved in interdisciplinary teams engaged in developing, modifying, testing, or evaluating materials. This can be from the standpoint of research and development or perhaps determining the causes of product failure and developing ways of overcoming such situations. Materials science engineers may also be called upon to provide technical advice regarding the suitability of existing material for an application or may be involved in monitoring and controlling the quality of a manufacturing process. Finally, of increasing importance is the task of evaluating the impact of materials and their processing on the environment.

Depending on their career stage, MSE graduates may be responsible for supervising a team in academia or industry that includes technicians, technologists, scientists, and engineers. Importantly, graduates who ultimately decide they do not want to work in the materials science field can easily find employment in other areas because the MSE curriculum is inherently multidisciplinary. At the same time, the fundamental concepts in physics and engineering, as well as the acquired skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, advanced analysis, are readily transferable to other fields. Graduates will possess skills in engineering analysis and management, so they may be engaged in various aspects of diverse research and development projects. Further, they can find employment in other areas such as regulations/oversight, technical documentation, or aspects dealing with intellectual property.

WHAT DOES THE WIDE RANGE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH LOOK LIKE? WHAT PROJECTS DO STUDENTS WORK ON?

Classes in Materials Science and Engineering are conducted by competent and qualified staff. Students have access to the latest simulation and design software and programs such as CHEMCAD, Aspen, AutoCad, Statistica, MathCad, Solidworks, Matlab, and modern, well-equipped laboratories. You will acquire knowledge in various fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and technical sciences, spanning from material synthesis to manufacturing and processing, and finally, methods for detailed characterization of material properties.

Importantly, you will be involved not only in theoretical preparation but also included in practical approaches towards solving complex, materials-related engineering tasks. Additionally, you will develop skills including critical analysis and synthesis of information, selection, and use of appropriate methods and tools, including the use of the available knowledge bases and sources. Further, during your education, you will have the opportunity for hands-on engagement and experimental work with a range of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and (nano)composites. Finally, you may be engaged in various on-going research projects into novel materials, such as advanced packaging, energy storage, drug delivery, medical devices, and more.

Subjects that are taught include Structure of Solids, Materials Processing, Surface Science and Interfacial Phenomena, Mechanics of Materials, Introduction to Experimental Materials Science: Nanomaterials Emphasis, Introduction to Experimental Materials Science: Biomaterials Emphasis, Functional Properties of Materials, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Smart- and Nanomaterials, Introduction to Biomaterials: Drug Delivery and Biosensing and more.

WHY CHOOSE BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN Materials Science and Engineering IN SZCZECIN?

Our University, ZUT is new ­— established in 2009 — but the MSE program traces its roots to the Faculties of Mechanical Engineering and Chemical Engineering of the original School of Engineering in Szczecin, established in 1946. In 1955 that school transformed into the Technical University of Szczecin, before ultimately merging with the University of Agriculture in Szczecin to form ZUT in 2009. In this way, the MSE program offers a unique combination of tradition plus modernity, exemplified by the cutting-edge Center for Nanotechnology, which opened in 2013.

Importantly, as the University has grown and evolved, we have not lost sight of maintaining an emphasis on quality rather than quantity. Your class sizes will be small, typically less than 15 students, enabling you to receive individual attention tailored to your needs. Plus, you will have access to cutting-edge research labs, comprising the Center for Nanotechnology, and not just teaching labs. This emphasis on quality is well reflected in international rankings: ZUT was ranked 16^th overall by EngiRank in "New Europe” Engineering Programs and — more importantly — it placed 11^th in terms of overall Quality of Teaching; in terms of Materials Engineering specifically, it finished 3^rd.

Ultimately, it is our goal to educate engineers that are prepared to make an impact in the world. In this regard, in the recent “Perspectives” ranking of all Polish Universities, ZUT finished first in the Innovation category, reflecting our strengths in combining creativity and engineering. It should be no surprise that we have extensive collaborations with regional industrial partners, enabling visits, internships, and networking/job opportunities. A few examples include Bridgestone, Grupa Azoty, Betonstal, Habia Cable, DGS, Ferrosan Medical Devices, and more.

Szczecin may be far from Warsaw, in the corner of Poland, but it has an international airport and is less than 150 km from Berlin — a gateway to the world. Meanwhile, the proximity to the sea offers a convenient ferry link to Scandinavia — not to mention beaches and relaxation. So, our unique location is quite perfect! Likewise, Szczecin is a small city, so it’s easy to get around and quite affordable, but it has vast big-city amenities, including Philharmonic, Opera, Theaters, and Museums. When you combine this with extensive green spaces and a recently renovated riverfront, Szczecin can be the perfect city for you to study in. Meanwhile, once you graduate, Szczecin may also be the right location for you to start your career. Szczecin and the surrounding region offer excellent economic diversity and competitiveness, including a range of industries from biotechnology and biomedicine to information and communications technology (ICT) and the maritime industry. There are two EU Special Economic Zones, the Green Chemistry Cluster, and Technopark Pomerania — all in addition to the many individual companies already mentioned, so there will be many career opportunities available for you.

More information on study programme:

website: www.promocjawtiich.zut.edu.pl

Inquiries regarding the recruitment process can be send through IRK system.

Website for candidates: https://admission.zut.edu.pl/index.php?id=20907

.