By studying in the Riga Technical University (RTU) Master's programme «Material Science and Nanotechnologies» at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology (FNST) students will gain not only knowledge in the development of new materials but also in entrepreneurship and innovation. This programme will prepare leaders of entrepreneurship and innovation in materials technology, promoting the commercialization of new materials. In the new academic year, FNST will implement this program in collaboration with the RTU Riga Business School (RBS).
Anyone with a Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Science or Chemical Technology or a Bachelor of Natural Sciences in Chemistry, Physics, or Biology, or an equivalent education can apply for the programme. There are 20 state-funded budget places available for students from the EU, European Economic Area, or Swiss Confederation. RTU invites applicants who are recent Bachelor's degree graduates and those who completed their studies some time ago and now wish to enhance their knowledge.
The study programme aims to prepare leaders for future challenges in materials science and nanotechnology by offering Master's students the opportunity to acquire management skills for work in the high-tech industry. Thus, the programme will contribute to the transformation of Latvia's industry to achieve higher added value and export capacity.
The «Material Science and Nanotechnologies» programme at FNST offers higher-level engineering education based on skills and competencies. Alongside in-depth theoretical knowledge, students will be encouraged to gain practical skills not only in academic institutions but also in high-tech manufacturing companies, governmental, and non-governmental organisations in Latvia and abroad.
Moreover, in collaboration with RTU RBS, students will be able to specialise in entrepreneurship and innovation to develop management skills for work in the high-tech industry. Students will receive certificates for each successfully completed RBS course.
The study programme will include general courses on modelling and calculating the physical processes of materials, the creation of innovative products and technologies, courses on specific materials, their properties, and applications, and practical training in high-tech industry companies.
Graduates will be able to work as high-level experts and engineers with high-tech manufacturing companies involved in material processing and process modelling, the development of new materials and technologies, product design, as well as in testing, certification, and quality laboratories. Graduates will have knowledge of the innovative product development process and the necessary skills to establish their own start-ups.
The «Materials Science and Nanotechnologies» programme was accredited in 2023, receiving an excellent rating and the maximum accreditation term of six years. The programme's development and quality monitoring team involves outstanding faculty members, industry representatives, and professional organisations in the field.
The study program is part of the international programme «Advanced Materials for Innovation and Sustainability» (AMIS), which is implemented at several universities worldwide – Grenoble Institute of Engineering and Management (Grenoble INP), Aalto University, TU Darmstadt, University of Bordeaux, and University of Liège, offering students the opportunity to complete part of the program at one of the aforementioned partner universities.
