Materials Physics

This programme combines fundamental physics and materials science, with a focus on optimising material properties and developing new smart materials. In Materials Physics, you will gain hands-on experience with advanced materials science equipment, design and carry out unique studies of materials properties in clean room conditions, and investigate the structure of materials and their applications. Upon graduation, you will contribute to technological advances through innovation in the manufacturing, medical and energy sectors.

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Programme values

KTU lecturers – friendly, positive, and professionally active in their research fields – share knowledge with students in an open discussion. These encounters help create a motivating and inclusive academic environment.

Valued by industry leaders

The programme has a strong practical orientation, with more than half of the curriculum dedicated to research. This can range from fundamental physics to real challenges faced by partner companies, allowing you to put your knowledge into practice and contribute to the development of innovative solutions.

Two students – one of them international – work in KTU’s advanced laboratory, equipped with modern instruments for chemical and interdisciplinary research. It’s an environment where students gain hands-on skills while tackling real scientific challenges.

Inspiring learning environment

You will have access to both scientific research centres and innovative tools, from the macro properties of materials to atomic structure, that allow you to experiment, design and solve complex problems in science and industry.

A student conducts an experiment in the lab – part of a practical study process that builds both technical and analytical skills. KTU’s labs provide the perfect environment for exploring relevant scientific challenges.

Real-world cases

The programme is run by the best material science experts in Lithuania, who not only share their experience and the latest knowledge but also act as mentors for students’ research, helping them to delve deeper into their chosen topic. You will have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of projects and R&D activities.

A student team collaborates on a task – part of KTU’s advanced study programs where learning happens through cooperation and solving real-world challenges.

New Freedom to shape your path

You can choose specialised areas of research such as nanotechnology, advanced materials or photonics technologies, building a unique portfolio of competencies. More than half of the study period is dedicated to research that can be tailored to your personal career vision – from solving industry challenges to preparing for a career as a scientist.

Career opportunities

The Materials Physics degree programme prepares specialists to develop and analyse materials in fields such as nanotechnology, electronics, optics, energy, biomedicine, and environmental technologies. Graduates can pursue careers in research institutes, manufacturing companies, and laboratories where there is a need for new materials, improved processes, and innovative solutions.

Here are some of the careers you can pursue after your studies:

Early Career Researcher

Works in research institutes, universities or technology development centres, often in collaboration with experienced researchers and international research initiatives.

Nanophotonics Engineer

Studies how to control light at the nanometre scale, developing highly efficient light sources, detectors, sensors, and photonic chips. Works with photonic materials such as metasurfaces and quantum dot structures to maximise their properties and applications.

Energy Materials Technologist

Develops, refines and adapts advanced materials for energy generation, storage and efficiency technologies. Works with a variety of materials such as solar cells, fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors or thermal energy storage to improve their efficiency, reliability and durability.

Admission requirements and programme structure

Cycle – second cycle

Field – physics, materials technology

Form, duration – full-time studies (2 yr.)

Study type – evening-time, on-campus

Location – Kaunas,
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Language – Lithuanian, English

Degree awarded – master of physical sciences

Yearly price ⁱ : full-time studies – 5538 €, price per credit – 92,3 €

Financial support »

Semester

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Functional Materials	6	On-campus learning
Influence of Radiation on Material	6	On-campus learning
Plasma Technologies and Analysis Methods	6	On-campus learning
Renewable Energy Materials	6	On-campus learning
Research Project 1	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Applied Optics and Photonics	6	On-campus learning
Cleanroom Technology	6	On-campus learning
Computational Materials Science	6	On-campus learning
Research Project 2	6	On-campus learning

Electives (Select 6 cr.)

Dynamics of Nonlinear Systems	6	On-campus learning
Polymer Physics and Mechanics	6	On-campus learning
Radiation Pollution	6	On-campus learning
Surface Engineering and Nanotechnology	6	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Development and Management of Physical Technology Projects	6	Distance learning
Research Project 3	12	On-campus learning
Scientific Internship	12	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

On-campus learning

Good to know

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.
Distance - almost all learning online.

Module - a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit - a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus - learning on the university premises.

Admission requirements

University bachelor degree certificate	Engineering sciences, technologies, mathematical sciences, computer sciences, physical sciences, life sciences, health science, veterinary science, agricultural science or sports.
Proficiency in English:	IELTS ≥ 6.0, TOEFL ≥ 85, CEFR ≥ C1, or previously completed studies in english language.
Transcript requirements:	Obtain a suitable transcript of your bachelor's degree from your school. If unavailable, provide official translations and verified copies of the original documents.
Accepted languages:	English / Russian
Document legalisation:	The documents must be legalised (Apostille) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the documents were issued This requirement does not apply to the documents issued in the EU and Belarus, Ukraine

Score structure

◼	0,9	average grade (CGPA) of University‘s Bachelor’s degree (min. length – 180 ECTS) and its supplement
◼	0,1	motivation letter and online interview
+	≤ 4	additional points

Additional points

science activities (scientific publications, presentations at scientific conferences, participation in exhibitions, work in student science society or science group etc.) or art activities (publication or realization of artwork, participation in art exhibitions, contests of architecture)	≤ 2
at least 1 year of work experience in the field of study programme	0,5
graduated from academic talent development program in higher education institution (for example "GIFTed talent academy")	0,5
partial studies in the higher education institution abroad with ≥24 ECTS completed	0,5
bachelor's or master's (if integrated study programme is completed) degree diploma with honours	0,5

admission procedure

Testimonials

Portrait photo of a young man with a shaved head and thick eyebrows, wearing a dark polo shirt, looking directly at the camera with a serious expression against a light background.

For me, the programme has provided me with the basic analytical and experimental methods to understand the physical world around us. I have carried out significant research, the results of which are used in the work of research groups, PhD students or scientists. The use of experimental systems, engineering, data analysis, representation and interpretation allows the student to optimise analytical and experimental methods that have been used for decades.

Klaudijus Midveris

2nd year student

Portrait photo of a young man with dark hair and glasses, wearing a blue sweater, looking directly at the camera against a light background.

During my master’s studies, I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of nanomaterial analysis technologies. I secured a job while still studying, and the knowledge gained from lectures was easily applicable in my work. Now, I am pursuing a PhD and working on several projects. I have no regrets about my choice and encourage others to follow their goals.

Gvidas Klyvis

KTU alumnus and scientist

Portrait photo of an older man with short gray hair and glasses, wearing a light blue shirt. He looks at the camera with a slight smile, arms crossed. The background is light gray and neutral.

A master’s degree is a great opportunity to move from a superficial level of knowledge to a deeper, systemic understanding. I know many professionals who achieve more with a master’s degree, both professionally and financially. I have always associated KTU with a strong technological base and a modern approach. The university cooperates with leading companies, which is a great advantage for students.

Dainius Vasiliauskas

Inospectra, Director

International mobility partners

Join an exchange programme with our international partners:

more about exchange studies

FAQ

Can I participate in ongoing research projects during my studies?

Students can work with industry experts and professors on research projects in diverse and cutting-edge areas, including photonics, where they study the interaction of light with materials to develop advanced optical devices and technologies. Other areas include the development of novel functional materials with unique properties for applications in high-tech industries, energy systems and diagnostic technologies. In addition, mathematical modelling of material surfaces and bulk properties provides deeper insight into material behaviour and optimisation for specific applications.

Will I get hands-on experience with laboratory equipment during my studies?

The programme includes 66 ECTS dedicated to research and practical work, providing opportunities to address challenges presented by partner companies or to launch a scientific career alongside Lithuania’s leading materials physics researchers. These activities are deeply integrated with the use of advanced materials science and other precision equipment, and mastery of this equipment is an essential part of the Materials Physics degree.

What are the career opportunities after graduating in materials physics?

Graduates of the Materials Physics programme at KTU can pursue careers in industry, working on the development and testing of advanced materials for sectors such as engineering, electronics, aerospace, medicine and energy. They can take on roles as materials researchers, quality control specialists or technology developers.

In addition, graduates can pursue a career in academia by continuing their studies at the doctoral level and conducting basic or applied research in research centres or universities. The programme also equips graduates with the skills needed for project management and consultancy, contributing to the implementation of innovative solutions across a range of industries.