International Programmes 2026/2027

Computational Materials Science (CMS) Computational Materials Science (CMS)

TU Bergakademie Freiberg • Freiberg

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
Freiberg
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The medium of instruction for all mandatory courses and seminars is English. You may choose to write your Master's thesis either in English or in German; the same applies to oral exams. Written exams are usually only in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 January - 15 April
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The constantly accelerating technological progress of today's society requires engineers and scientists who have a sound knowledge of natural and materials sciences and are able to apply programming and simulation techniques as well as data processing and analysis.

Computational Materials Science graduates become key players in industrial research and development; they shape scientific and engineering research that focuses on the design, processing and application of novel high-tech materials with superior mechanical, thermodynamic and electronic properties.

At TU Bergakademie Freiberg, we bring together renowned researchers and enthusiastic lecturers from different scientific fields to provide our students with the education they need for an outstanding career in Computational Materials Science (CMS).

Theoretical concepts presented in the CMS lectures are illustrated by state-of-the-art research applications. An intensive introductory seminar brings students up to speed with scientific programming and modern computing environments. During the research seminars, they have the opportunity to exchange ideas with leading scientists and experienced engineers at the industrial partners. In accompanying practical exercises, students learn how to apply all relevant modern simulation methods — and that is just one of the truly outstanding aspects of this degree programme. In elective subjects, you will be introduced to special topics in computational engineering/mechanics — or to advanced topics in data mining and machine learning in data-driven materials science.

Among other things, you will learn the theoretical background and practical application of the following numerical/simulation methods:

  • Linear/non-linear finite element methods (FEM)
  • Molecular statics and molecular dynamics (MS/MD)
  • Machine learning (ML), in particular Deep Learning (DL)
  • Phase Field Methods (PFM)
  • Statistical Analysis Methods
  • Digital Image Analysis/Correlation
  • Monte Carlo Methods (MC)
  • Cellular Automata (CA)

CMS students are in the top five percent of their year, which ensures an intensive study environment with excellent performance. Small classes encourage interaction and discussion and allow you to develop your ideas. In addition, the study environment shines with an exceptional ratio of teaching staff to the total number of students enrolled.

For more, constantly updated information, visit the extra pages at https://cms-tubaf.de.

Alumni experiences can be found here: https://cms-tubaf.de/CMS/international-master-in-computational-materials-science/experiences.html.

Course organisation
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Language training provided
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Integrated internships

Internships at German companies are possible but not mandatory.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

107 EUR per semester

Costs of living
  • 650 EUR to 950 EUR per month, depending on individual lifestyle
  • Rent in a student hall of residence per month: an average of 290 EUR
Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university
  1. The Deutschlandstipendium is a national scholarship programme that supports above-average students with excellent grades. Social commitment, a willingness to take responsibility and special social, family or personal circumstances will also be taken into account.
  2. Georgius Agricola Scholarships for international students
  3. Equal Opportunities Scholarship to support international students who have to overcome special challenges and life circumstances
  4. Study completion grant for international students with good academic performance in the last semester of their studies
Academic admission requirements

Typical Candidates' Profiles

A typical CMS student is interested in mechanics of materials and structures, in programming, and in simulation methods, and is curious to know how things work. A distinctive feature of this student is that she/he would like to know how computer simulations and data analysis can be used to predict the behaviour of specimens, devices, or maybe even of the yet non-existent "virtual materials" with superior properties.

Candidates who have a background in applied computer science, applied mathematics and similar subjects strive to achieve domain knowledge in linking software development and methods of deep learning with materials science in order to broaden their professional profiles.

Minimum Conditions for Admission to CMS:

  • Bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree in the field of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Computational Engineering, Applied Maths, Applied Computer Science, Materials Science, (Solid State) Physics, Nanotechnology, or other comparable studies
  • Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 75%
    • This is equivalent to 2.0 (German grading system) and 3.0 of 4.0 maximum points (United States grading system)
  • English certificate (see below)
  • Programming skills are an advantage.
German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 90
  • Reading: 23
  • Listening: 23
  • Speaking: 22
  • Writing: 22
  • IELTS Academic: 6.5
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 January - 15 April
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

Part-time employment on campus (e.g. student assistant, canteen) as well as in town (e.g. in supermarkets, cafés, restaurants)

Accommodation

Different kinds of accommodation are available on campus and in the city of Freiberg.

The average monthly rent for a room in the student halls of residence, including utilities, is 290 EUR. The most common form of accommodation is the shared flat. Each student has their own room, with the bathroom and kitchen shared.

An online application is required to apply for accommodation in the student halls of residence. The recommended time for application is three months before the start of the semester.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals
  • Counselling: development of personal and skills profiles, individual application portfolio checks, preparation for job interviews
  • Training in technical and leadership skills: soft skills training, development of interdisciplinary knowledge, coaching for job applications / career entry
  • ORTE career fair, networking with companies
  • Online job board

To learn more, visit: https://tu-freiberg.de/en/career-center.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Cultural and linguistic preparation
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

General support and services are provided by the International Office: https://tu-freiberg.de/en/study/your-studies/incoming-students-abroad.

Support available to students with disabilities

The aim of TU Bergakademie Freiberg is to enable all students to study without barriers and with equal rights. If you have any questions about the accessibility of your studies or about compensation for disadvantages, you can contact the representatives for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses or the Inclusion Officer. Further information

Support available to students with dependants or children

TU Bergakademie Freiberg has been awarded the "family-friendly university" certificate. Further information

TU Bergakademie Freiberg

Content Bild
The Karl Kegel Building on TUBAF's campus © TUBAF

In teaching and research, Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF) deals with the fundamentals and processes relating to raw materials, energy, and materials along the entire value chain. Raw materials are explored and extracted, refined into materials, processed into products, and recycled as secondary raw materials.

This leads to trend-setting questions that are dealt with in the interdisciplinary fields of mathematics/computer science, natural sciences, engineering, geosciences, materials science, and economics. As a resource university, TUBAF combines these areas in interdisciplinary research and future-oriented student training.

The Bergakademie Freiberg was founded in 1765. It is therefore one of the world's oldest technical higher education institutions.

76 ERASMUS agreements to study abroad
75 "Deutschlandstipendium" scholarships awarded in 2024

University location

Freiberg is located in the centre of the state of Saxony in the picturesque Erzgebirge Mountains, 40 km south-west of Dresden and 240 km south of Berlin.

Location on Openstreetmap.org

Freiberg is more than 850 years old, and it was founded after the discovery of silver ore in 1168. Today, Freiberg has around 40,000 inhabitants. The medieval heart of the town, which is almost completely intact, is very attractive. It features the Upper Market Square with its late Gothic patrician houses and the Freiberg Cathedral at the Lower Market Square with its famous Silbermann organ and golden portal. Along with the world's oldest town theatre, a modern multiplex cinema, and nightclubs, more than a hundred restaurants, cafés, and pubs invite you to take a break and enjoy life.

There are sports facilities, a modern open-air and indoor swimming pool, and a park which surrounds the town centre like a green belt. Since 2008, the "Terra Mineralia" mineral collection has functioned as a centre of attraction for tourists, students, and inhabitants of Freiberg. The mineral collection, one of the largest collections in the world, is shown in the "Freudenstein", a refurbished castle in the town centre.

The nearby Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Erzgebirge Mountains are beautiful places for a wide variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and climbing in the summer and skiing in the winter. Dresden, Leipzig, and Berlin are easily accessible by train and offer plenty of social, cultural, and recreational alternatives.

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