Physics, Materials science - Master Programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
In this Master’s programme you will study growth and properties of materials and how the properties are linked to the material structure. The physics and chemistry courses in the programme give a fundamental understanding of how material properties are linked to atomic and molecular structure.
You will study materials using advanced spectroscopy, diffraction and microscopy techniques. In your studies you will be introduced to and potentially use two world-leading research facilities in Lund: the synchrotron radiation facility MAX IV Laboratory and the forthcoming neutron source ESS (European Spallation Source).
The Master’s programme is strongly linked to research with close connections to research teams in materials science. All teaching staff in the programme are researchers, so the courses are continuously adapted to current research.
The education has a flexible structure and enables the combination of theory and computation with an experimental approach.
The Master’s programme has a high proportion of teacher-directed learning. You will practise both oral and written communication and gain good experience of collaboration in groups. The language of instruction is English.
The programme includes two compulsory courses; one in quantum mechanics and one in quantum physics in research and society. During your first year of study, you will also have the opportunity to choose between a number of other courses focusing on physics and chemistry of surfaces, spectroscopy and the quantum description of matter, modern X-ray physics and statistical mechanics.
During your second year of study, you will continue to increase your expertise based on your own preferences. The degree project is equivalent to either 30 or 60 credits and is carried out in a research group.
Materials science is an important subject in many areas of research and development, which means that there are several possible career paths available after graduation, depending on your own interest.
The Master’s programme provides a good basis for research studies in physics and physical chemistry, but you can also choose to pursue a career in business and industry. You can work on issues connected to astrophysics, communications technology, life science or energy, for example.
The MAX IV Laboratory and the forthcoming neutron source ESS (European Spallation Source), both in Lund, are research facilities that also contribute to new opportunities in the labour market. These major laboratories require qualified staff with expertise in materials science and physics, as well as in the technical methods used in experiments at these facilities.
Prerequisites
Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in physics or the equivalent. The degree must include at least 90 credits in physics. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.
Selection criteria
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, particularly qualifying courses, and a statement of purpose for the application (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).
Computers in the programme
The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.
Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies
The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Lund University Global Scholarship Programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.