University of Parma MSc in Functional and Sustainable Materials
University of Parma

University of Parma

MSc in Functional and Sustainable Materials

Parma, Italy

MSc

2 years

English

Full time

Oct 2026

On-Campus

* tuition fees vary on the basis of a proportional tuition fee system

Key Summary

    About : The MSc in Functional and Sustainable Materials offers a deep exploration of materials science. This program focuses on innovative materials that serve functional purposes while promoting sustainability. Students will engage in advanced research and hands-on projects over the course of one year, fostering skills pertinent to the ever-evolving field of materials.
    Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including materials engineering, research and development, and environmental consultancy. Opportunities also exist in academia and industries focused on sustainability, innovation, and implementation of sustainable materials technologies.

Functional and Sustainable Materials is an interdisciplinary M.Sc. program in Materials Science that aims at developing a broad training in the chemistry and physics of materials with a special emphasis on their application in the circular economy.

This program was built on decades of successful collaboration between physicists and chemists at the University of Parma in both research and education. The success of this collaboration is demonstrated by the prestigious recognition of the Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability with two back-to-back “Department of Excellence” awards which have supported our research and education activities with state-of-the-art scientific infrastructure and scholarships to attract motivated students.

This program aims to create professionals who understand the challenges of building a circular economy from its physical and chemical roots up to their application in the real world. To do so, our courses strive to constantly show in a laboratory setting the reality of the concepts shown in class. Laboratory courses will teach our students not just how to create materials but how to analyze data, design experiments, and formulate hypotheses with the goal of both improving performances and creating knowledge.

The program organizers are proud of the collaboration with our engineering, life sciences and earth sciences colleagues, with whom we have designed a portfolio of optional courses that will suit any student’s interests.

We are looking forward to having you join us!

Why in Parma?

A multidisciplinary training program is offered in Materials Science, to develop the methodological, theoretical and practical skills essential to the field. The basic teaching activities in chemistry and physics are complemented by a rich offer of multidisciplinary training in engineering, geological and biological sciences.

The course builds on the collaboration between the Dept. Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability (SCVSA) and the Dept. of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences. It stems from the COMP-R project, awarded to SCVSA (MUR Departments of Excellence 2023-27) on the topic “The challenge of complexity for sustainable development: towards regeneration”. COMP-R funds the acquisition of advanced instrumentations and new faculty members, to design the training program that relies on extended laboratory activities. It also funds scholarships for the best students.

In short, the students will access a training program dealing with cutting-edge research devoted to the design, development and analysis of advanced functional materials, with particular interest in applications for sustainability, sustainable processes and life cycle assessment.

Read more on the institution's website