About the programme

You will work in an active research group together with other students, post-docs and senior researchers on solving problems in e.g. energy efficiency and drug delivery. In addition to the theoretical basis of materials physics, you will also learn to use state-of-the-art research equipment with hands-on courses.

The studies of materials physics and materials chemistry give you an ability to understand and to develop the properties of materials from molecules and nanoparticles via metals, magnetic and semiconducting compounds for pharmaceutical and biomaterial applications. After graduation, you will be familiar with the current methodologies, research equipment and modern numerical methods needed to model properties of materials used in research and technology. You will be able to use the diverse set of experimental, theoretical and numerical techniques to produce and analyse new physical projects.

Programme Structure

The structure is modular. All modules have 20 ECTS. The track has two obligatory modules that contain the core material of the field. In addition, you may choose one thematic module from other modules offered within the MDP in Exact Sciences or other programmes at the University of Turku. The fourth module consists of freely chosen courses and an obligatory Finnish language and culture.

A master’s thesis (30 ECTS), and seminar, an internship, or a project work (10 ECTS) are also required. You can replace the project work by participating in a Capstone project (10 ECTS) organised by the Department of Computing. We recommend this for those students who aim to work in the industry after graduation.

In the theory module you will learn the theoretical basis of materials physics by attending lectures and doing exercises in courses such as Structural properties of solids, Electrical properties of solids, Magnetism and spintronics, Semiconductors, Organic semiconductors and Surface science.

In the method module, all courses include laboratory work with the state-of-the-art research infrastructure in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. These methods include e.g. X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and electron spin resonance.

Furthermore, this module includes courses that give you the expertise to build measurement setups. This includes courses as LabVIEW-based programming and building small equipment using Arduino-based electronics.

You are free to choose the thematic module from those offered in the Faculty of Sciences or take a suitable minor subject, even one offered by other faculties. Thematic modules offered by the MDP in Exact Sciences include biomaterials, electronics materials, modelling and functional materials. Possible minor subjects are e.g. computer science, mathematics, chemistry, business creation and innovation.

In the module of other studies, you can choose any courses you want from the entire offering of the University in addition to the obligatory course of Finnish for foreigners.

Career Prospects

The prospects for employment at relatively senior levels are excellent for those trained in the physical sciences. Thanks to the broad scope of the programme, the skills and knowledge developed as part of this education at the University of Turku provide many employment opportunities in different areas.

Our recent graduates work e.g. as quality managers in large companies, R&D engineers in biotech and materials companies, security engineers at nuclear power plants.

Career in Research

The Master’s degree makes you eligible for scientific postgraduate degree studies – doctoral and licentiate degrees. The University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS) has a Doctoral Programme in Exact Sciences that covers all of the disciplines of this Master’s degree programme.

The doctoral studies incur no tuition fees, and PhD students often receive either a salary or a grant to cover their living expenses.