Department Overview
From steel to semiconductors and energy materials. Learning to unlock infinite possibilities from 118 elements.
The Department of Materials sits at the heart of a fascinating field that creates the “materials” our entire world relies on. From the tiny components in your smartphone to the strong, reliable materials used in airplanes, semiconductors, and even cutting-edge quantum devices, materials science is connected to all of it. Studying materials is about discovering how atoms and electrons behave, using that understanding to design manufacturing processes, and learning how to draw out incredible properties from materials. The more you study, the more it feels like solving one exciting mystery after another. In today’s rapidly changing world, materials matter more than ever. Almost every major technological leap begins with a breakthrough in materials. Whether it’s achieving carbon neutrality, developing next-generation quantum technologies, or moving toward electric mobility and hydrogen energy, progress always starts with new materials and new ways of creating them.
At the Department of Materials, we want students to develop the ability to “see” the invisible world of atoms and to understand global challenges from a materials-focused point of view. One of our biggest strengths is our integrated six-year program, which smoothly connects undergraduate and master’s studies. You’ll build a solid foundation during your undergraduate years, and in graduate school you’ll quickly advance your applied skills, research capabilities, and communication confidence. Thanks to this structure, students don’t stop at four years—they grow through all six years into true “materials experts” ready to make a difference in the world.
Educational Aims
At the Department of Materials, we see undergraduate studies as just the beginning—the place where your journey truly starts. The master’s program is where things get exciting, because that’s when the skills you’ve built start turning into real, meaningful achievements.
The knowledge and interests you gain as an undergraduate are like small dots scattered on a page. When you enter graduate school, those dots begin to connect—forming lines, shapes, and eventually a clear picture of the fields you’re strong in and the abilities you can confidently use.
In the master’s program, you’ll deepen your ability to design and apply materials through courses in raw‑material refinement, microstructure control, property evaluation, and new material and process development. Interdisciplinary classes help you understand the physical principles behind materials even more deeply—so deeply that you’ll be able to explain materials you’ve never encountered before. Through industry collaborations, you’ll also gain a realistic sense of how materials connect to actual products and technologies.
These experiences offer a level of growth and learning far beyond undergraduate studies.
And if you want to go even further—especially at the doctoral level—you’ll have the chance to take part in cutting‑edge research and work with researchers from around the world. For anyone aiming to succeed on a global stage, it’s an incredible opportunity to grow, challenge yourself, and expand your future possibilities.
Admission Policy
In Department of Materials, the student who gained academic achievements in material engineering technology that supports the social environment based on basic studies on material science such as metals, ceramics, semiconductors, etc. and who will grow as a researcher/engineer with a broad perspective is requested.
- Students is required to have knowledge and skills related to material engineering acquired through taking basic courses in the undergraduate department, as well as basic science that supports material engineering.
- The motivation to create and evaluate excellent materials that will be the basis for supporting future society, and to develop and design highly efficient and environmentally-consisted processes is required.
- The leadership in improving energy/environmental problems and promoting material nanotechnology based on advanced medical care and computerization is required.
- The purpose to study of creation of metallic and semiconductor materials, and to understand their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties are systematic from the nano domain (electronic theory, quantum theory) to the macro domain (kinetics, thermodinamics, statistical mechanics, solution theory) is required.
- The ability to think about a scientific phenomenon from multiple sides and convey it to others in their own words, and the attitude to spare no effort to gain broad application, creativity, and internationality is required.
- Attitude to learn in collaboration with diverse people, tolerance to empathize with different ideas, and willingness to constantly improve themselves is required.
Education and Research Fields
Our program is built around three main components, each representing one of the nine major fields in materials science.
1. Metallurgical Physical Chemistry
This component focuses on how metals and inorganic materials are extracted, refined, and processed. Using ideas from chemical thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, phase equilibria, and electrochemistry, you’ll learn how to design highly efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
2. Structural Materials Science
This area connects manufacturing processes—like casting, solidification, plastic deformation, and heat treatment—with microstructure control. Through this, you’ll learn how to design materials with specific strengths, toughness, fatigue resistance, and durability.
3. Functional Materials Science
Here, you’ll explore high‑performance materials such as semiconductors, ceramics, metals, and thin films. You’ll learn how to control materials at the atomic and molecular level, manage surface reactions, and engineer crystal defects. The field ranges from ultra‑fine nanoscale analysis to the design of new, sustainable materials. The Department of Materials is also advancing data‑driven materials development, blending computational science, first‑principles calculations, and AI to accelerate innovation.
Growing from Undergraduate to Master’s Studies
As you advance from undergraduate to graduate school, your perspective changes in a meaningful way.
Concepts that once seemed simply “interesting” in class suddenly make sense through the models and theories you learn in the master’s program. Even everyday technology and company news begin to connect naturally to your research.
By the time you start job hunting, you’ll be recognized as someone who can truly “speak the language of materials.”
Fields and career paths that felt vague during undergrad become clear and exciting once you’re in the master’s program.
Kyudai Materials provides an environment that genuinely supports your growth. That’s why, in our department, it feels more natural to say:
“If you want to grow, going all the way to a master’s is the right path.”
More than anything, we hope students will use these six years to transform the curiosity they felt as undergraduates into powerful, real‑world problem‑solving skills that will serve them throughout their careers and beyond.
Metallurgical Physics and Chemistry
- Reaction Control and Processing for Materials Lab.
- Electrochemistry for Materials Processing Lab.
- Physical Chemistry of High-Temperature Melts Lab.
Metals Science for Structural Materials
- Composite Material Processing Lab.
- Structural Materials Lab.
- Crystal Plasticity and Fracture for Strong Solids Lab.
Functional Materials Science
- Nanomaterial characterization Lab.
- Advanced Functional Materials Lab.
- Powder and Powder Metallurgy Lab.
- Semiconductor Materials and Devices Lab.
- Energy Materials Engineering Lab.
- Thin Film Engineering Lab.
Educational Philosophy and Aims
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1. Educational Objectives of Kyushu University
The Kyushu University Educational Charter abides by the following principles: “The Principle of Humanity”, “The Principle of Social Responsibility”, “The Principle of Global Citizenship”, and “The Principle of the Advancement of Knowledge”. Through the education of individuals capable of leadership in a diverse range of fields in Japan and willing to assume an active role in the world, especially in Asia, Kyushu University aims at contributing to progress throughout the world.
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2. Educational Objectives of the Graduate School of Engineering
Given Kyushu University’s position as a foremost graduate university, the central aim the Graduate School of Engineering is to be a leader in the advancement of industrial technology in Japan. We endeavor to provide an education framework which nurtures talented individuals who possess outstanding professional and comprehensive abilities to assist the continuous development of human beings. To achieve this goal, in adherence to the Kyushu University Educational Charter, the Graduate School emphasizes research and problem-solving skills, and develops creative-thinking ability
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3. Objectives as of Mid-Year
Summary
(1) Educational Aims
- We address morality, responsibility to society, and internationalism, and we develop creative-thinking skills while stressing professionalism combined with comprehensive knowledge
- After program completion we aim to improve our students’ rate of admission to the last half of doctoral programs, their pass rate for national exams, and their employment rate in the types of industries, corporations, and institutions which fully display the skills acquired through their studies.
- We employ an evaluation system to assess the achievements of students of the Graduate School, and we allow for assessment from outside sources. Additionally we employ evaluation of our educational processes by a third party, and conduct presentations of research results at international conferences.
(2) Curricula Objectives
- Our curricula are designed to provide the skills necessary to become researchers and top-level professionals.
- Our curricula objectives and methodology are made transparent for the purpose of constructive feedback. We adjust our programs and lecture content to reflect the opinions and suggestions of our students.
- Our educational methods are analyzed based on their contributions to society, the results of projects, and the quality of theses and research activities.
- We establish achievement goals and maintain a record of appraisal for each subject and publish the information for students’ perusal.
- We clearly document and publish our processes and evaluation systems in regard to examinations, and masters’ and doctoral theses.
(3) Support Structure
- We establish a framework to improve program majors, curricula, and our overall system of education. We employ experienced teachers who are assigned to their respective areas of expertise. We also incorporate laboratory work and a full educational support system which includes the use of Teachers’ Assistants (TA’s).
- We maintain an internship system to provide practical experience.
- We maintain a supportive educational environment including students’ offices, laboratories, resource books and materials, and information media which allows for the adaptability of our campus to future trends.
- We adhere to an inspection and evaluation system of operations and academic staff by third parties. The results of these evaluations and related recommendations are used to improve the overall quality of our programs and educational processes.
(4) Support of Graduate Students
- We maintain a system which allows for daily consultation and advisement.
- We have established a counseling room, placement officers, as well as a comprehensive job information system.
- We provide financial assistance to graduate students.
- We provide support services for international students, and continuing education students.
(5) Additional Objectives
- We endeavor to work closely with local communities and initiate projects to provide continuing education programs to working individuals.
- We have established a system of cooperation between government, industry, and academia to provide internship training opportunities for graduate students.
- We promote our International Special Course on Environment Systems Engineering, and foster cultural academic exchange with universities in other countries. We have also developed an effective system of remote international education.
- We encourage international exchange in every area of expertise, and support international research meetings.