Bachelor's in Materials Science in Europe

This bachelor's program offers two specializations: Industrial and Skilled Artisanship, and Wooden Buildings. The program combines engineering fundamentals (math, physics, material science, programming) with wood-specific subjects such as wood chemistry, anatomy, and energy efficiency in wood production. Students also study product design, construction site technology, plant automation, and safety. Starting in the second year, they can choose optional courses and complete an extended internship. Graduates are prepared for careers in the wood industry, mechanical engineering, energy systems, and automation—working in roles such as technicians, plant managers, or product developers.

To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a secondary school leaving certificate issued after 12 years of education and meet specific language requirements. The program is trilingual, with instruction in German, Italian, and English. At the time of admission, applicants must demonstrate B2 proficiency in two of the three languages; no prior knowledge is required for the third. To graduate, students must reach C1 in two languages and B2 in the third. Language proficiency can be demonstrated through school or university diplomas, recognized language certificates, or institutional exams. Students with no prior knowledge of the third language must attend intensive pre-semester language courses to begin their learning path.

This bachelor's program is designed for students interested in the technical side of textiles, preparing them to work with innovative products and processes as well as sustainability within the textile industry. It responds to current and future needs in the field, including technical textiles, the digital transformation of the industry, regulatory compliance, and innovation at the material, product, and process levels, all aimed at enabling more local and flexible production within an international learning environment.

The three-year program is built around textile technology as a thread running through all three years, beginning with introductory courses in fiber and yarn technology, knitting, weaving, non-woven techniques, dyeing and finishing, and assembly and processing. These foundational courses give students a broad and distinctive understanding of textile processes. Throughout the program, practical coursework combines theory and hands-on application, while project-based courses train students to bring together all the elements needed to move a specific textile material or product into production, with the resulting products and processes analyzed from multiple sustainability perspectives.

In the third year, students choose between two specialization tracks delivered through elective coursework in textile innovation. The Materials Innovation track provides in-depth knowledge at the fiber level, in textile functionalization, and in smart textiles.

The Product Innovation track allows students to deepen their knowledge of developing and creating innovative technical products.

The program concludes with an independent degree project rooted in either industry practice or research, carried out and examined according to standard academic requirements for method and report writing. Students also have the opportunity to pursue an international double degree option in collaboration with a partner university abroad, earning a degree from both institutions while strengthening their intercultural competencies. Graduates go on to roles such as project and innovation coordinator, production manager, compliance coordinator, or material, trim, or product developer, with further study available at the master's level in a closely related field of technical textile innovation.

Beyond general entry requirements, applicants must have completed coursework equivalent to Civics 1b (or Civics 1a1 combined with 1a2), Mathematics 2a, 2b, or 2c, and English 6 in the Swedish upper secondary system, corresponding internationally to social studies at level 1b or 1a2, mathematics at level 2a, 2b, or 2c, and English at level 2. Selection among qualified applicants is based 67 percent on academic grades and 33 percent on performance on the Swedish Scholastic Aptitude Test.

This bachelor's program provides foundational knowledge in chemistry, physics, materials processing, and technology. Students study a wide range of materials including biomaterials, polymers, inorganic substances, and nanomaterials. Field-specific electives allow for specialization in conservation and restoration, analytical chemistry, and materials engineering. The curriculum includes training in laboratory techniques, programming, entrepreneurship, and social sciences. Internships in different material sectors and a bachelor thesis prepare students for professional roles in industry, research, or further study.

To be admitted to this bachelor's program, applicants must have completed secondary education and demonstrate English language proficiency at a minimum of CEFR B2 level.