Master of Materials Engineering
KU Leuven
Key Information
Campus location
Leuven, Belgium
Languages
English, Dutch
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
EUR 7,518 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Introduction
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 strengths
- 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.
Curriculum
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.
Core Courses
Materials Families
- Advanced Metal Processing & Case Studies
- Metals: Production and Recycling
- Ceramics and Powder Metallurgy
Methods and Techniques
- Materials Characterisation Techniques I
- Materials Modelling and Simulation Techniques
- Sustainable Materials Management
Applications
- Surface Science and Engineering
- Materials Physics and Technology for Nanoelectronics
- Adhesion Science and Engineering
- Quality Control and Advanced Non-Destructive Testing
Design
- Design and Analysis of Experimentation
- Project Work and Problem Solving linked to the Core Courses: Part I
- Project Work and Problem Solving Linked to the Core Courses: Part II
Ideal Students
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 program 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 Opportunities
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.
Admissions
Program delivery
The courses are fully taught in English and Dutch.
Program Outcome
- Credits: 120 ECTS
- Degree Type: Master
- Specifications: Master of Science.
Program Tuition Fee
Why study at KU Leuven
What sets us apart as a university?
A highly-ranked university
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.
Research-based education
Education at KU Leuven is research-based, which means students will learn from the same professors who are performing the ground-breaking research you read about in the press. New insights are instantly integrated into classes and students are encouraged to perform their research. In our FabLab, students can use several high-tech machines to create whatever they want – all free of charge.
Affordable tuition fees
Higher education is highly valued in Belgium and therefore subsidised by the government. This allows KU Leuven to keep tuition fees relatively low, which gives you a price/quality ratio very few top-100 universities can match. We take pride in keeping our programs as accessible as possible to allow the brightest students from around the globe to join our courses.
International student life with respect for diversity
According to Times Higher Education, KU Leuven is in the top 50 of most international universities worldwide with staff and students from over 150 different nationalities. For all our international students, the Pangaea student center is their home away from home. Our university also strives for diversity and inclusion and wants to work together on a pact for more respect.
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Info Sessions
KU Leuven combines the best of both worlds by hosting both online and live info sessions. You choose how, where and when to get your information in your search for the right program
Rankings
KU Leuven is among the best 100 universities in the world according to both Times Higher Education World Rankings and QS World University Rankings. All of KU Leuven’s disciplines proudly belong to the top 100 of their field. Furthermore, KU Leuven was ranked by Reuters as the most innovative university in Europe in 2016.