Program factsheet

• Academic cooporation: University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain
• Admission requirements: Bachelor degree (180 ECTS) in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, chemical physics or an equivalent degree. In the case of a Spanish BSc, students must have 180 ECTS approved at the start of the program.
• Program duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)
• Language requirements: All courses are taught in English. Proof of proficiency in English (at least a B2 level - CEFR standard) is essential.  
• Level: Double Master degree in Polymer Science.
• Annual fees:
  • Approx. 1,150€ per year for registration fees
    Scholarships (International Master grants from the University of Bordeaux and AquiMob mobility grants) are available.

Program outline

The double Master in Polymer Science brings together the expertise of the University of the Basque Country and the University of Bordeaux (UBx) in polymer teaching and research. The program aims to provide a comprehensive and innovative training dedicated to Polymer Science from the design and synthesis of polymers to their engineering, processing and use. With this Master degree, students are qualified to join a unique workforce in the field of polymers in Europe.

Program structure

The first year of the double Master degree in Polymer Science  is taught at the Faculty of Chemistry of UPV/EHU in Donostia-San Sebastian. The focus is on the fundamental aspects of polymers (polymer chemistry, polymer physics, thermodynamics, characterization, polymer reaction engineering, and processing). One of the lectures (Physico Chemistry of Polymers in Solution) is taught via video-conferencing from UBx. In the second semester, students carry out a research project within the polymer research groups located in Donostia-San Sebastian.

This initial year ensures that students grasp the basics and fundamentals of Polymer Science in the context of Material Science. It also allows students to develop contacts with research laboratories, in order to analyze polymers and macromolecules for a wide range of applications.

The second year takes place at UBx in Bordeaux. Advanced topics (e.g. functional polymers and self-assembly) or more specific topics in polymer physics, processing and engineering (e.g. rheology) are taught as complementary to the education already received during the first two semesters. Two out of four specialization lectures are delivered via video conferencing.

During the fourth semester, students have the opportunity to complete a Master thesis in an academic or industrial research laboratory. Our industrial partners (e.g. Arkema, Akzo-Nobel, L’Oréal, DSM, Wacker, Allnex, Solvay) propose dedicated positions in their research laboratories. These research internships further strengthen the pool of competencies of the students and guarantee their future integration in academia or industry.