Master's in Nanostructured Materials for Nanotechnology Applications 2025–2026

Graduates in the areas of Experimental Sciences, Health Sciences and Engineering, such as Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Medicine, Food Science and Technology, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and other equivalent degrees.

Access

Access to official University Master's courses at the University of Zaragoza is achieved by meeting certain of the following requirements:

a) Having an official Spanish university degree or another Spanish Master's Degree.

b) Having an official Spanish university degree obtained under curricula previous to the current organization of university education: Bachelor, Architect, Engineer, Diploma, Technical Architect or Technical Engineer.

c) Having a foreign tertiary education qualification analogous to an official Spanish university degree or declared equivalent to a Bachelor's or Master's Degree by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.

d) Having a Bachelor's or Master's degree from universities or higher education institutions from a country in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), which allows access to Master's studies in that country.

e) Having a foreign higher education qualification obtained from an education system outside the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) that is equivalent to the Bachelor's degree, without the need for approval or declaration of equivalence, and having obtained the corresponding resolution of "authorised access" to official University of Zaragoza Master's courses - following a check to ensure the level of training implied by this qualification - provided that the qualification allows access to postgraduate university studies in the country where it is issued.

Admission

In addition to meeting the general access requirements, applicants must meet the specific requirements detailed in the verification report for each Master's Degree.

This information can be found on the website for each Master's Degree: https://estudios.unizar.es/estudio/lista-ramas?tipo_id=6

Calidad => Documentos => Memoria de verificación 

Language requirements

If applying for admission to a Master's Degree taught in Spanish at the University of Zaragoza and your mother tongue is not Spanish, you must present documents attesting to sufficient knowledge of the Spanish language to follow the classes. An interview may be held to verify your Spanish language ability. When a check of specific Spanish language ability is required for the Master's degree requested, this level is assessed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

In the event that there are more applicants than places available, the order of priority will be established through an admission score. It will be calculated for each applicant taking into account the following criteria (with the indicated weighting): academic record and curriculum vitae (50%), language proficiency (25%), and personal interview (25%).

Candidates whose native language is not English must demonstrate a B2 level or equivalent in English proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR).

Application for admission to University Master's studies will be made through the Internet, filling out the online form and following the instructions in:

At each admission stage, people who meet the general access and specific admission requirements may be admitted to a Master's Degree in accordance with the assessment criteria established in the verification report for that Master's degree.

The Master's advisory committee or, where applicable, the organisation mentioned in the verification report will review the applications received based on the relevant assessment criteria, considering the documents provided by the applicants, and shall submit an admission proposal to the head of the corresponding centre.

Preference of applications

Application for registration to University Master's studies will be made through the Internet, filling out the online form and following the instructions in:

http://www.unizar.es → Secretaría virtual

More information about access and admission: https://academico.unizar.es/grado-y-master-master/acceso-y-admision/acceso-master-universitario

More information about registration:  https://academico.unizar.es/grado-y-master/matricula/matricula-home

This Master's program aims to train professionals qualified to work in the field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and related areas, or to pursue doctoral studies. It envisions four main graduate profiles:

• Professionals trained to join R&D departments in companies related to the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, biotechnology, biomedical, agri-food, energy, environmental, electronics, and metallurgical industries, as well as the service sector (consulting firms, advisory services, analytical laboratories, etc.).

• Professionals trained to work in basic and applied research laboratories in the field of nanostructured materials and nanomaterials.

• Professionals with entrepreneurial skills to work in spin-off companies or technology-based companies, developing proofs of concept and advancing the technological development of disruptive ideas in the field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

• Future PhDs and lecturers specializing in the field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology represents a qualitative leap in the understanding of nature and its exploitation for progress, scientific advancement, and the improvement of well-being and health. The rapid development of the nanotechnology field in recent decades has led to surprising new applications in science and engineering that often seem to border on science fiction. As a consequence of its strategic importance in R&D, nanoscience and nanotechnology have been prioritized in all National, European, and International Programs of all developed countries. Thus, the technology of “Advanced Materials and Nanomaterials” is one of the six Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) identified as fundamental for Europe to achieve technological sovereignty and improve its competitiveness and position in the global economy.

To remain internationally competitive, it is crucial that professionals in these fields—including chemists, physicists, biologists, physicians, and engineers—acquire specific skills and knowledge that enable them to manipulate and study objects at the nanoscale. Training a new generation of technicians, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, regulators, and communicators familiar with this emerging field is a priority. Studies indicate that, while the current generation of young people is more technologically adept and more open to accepting emerging and novel technologies, they show insufficient interest in STEM studies. Europe, aware of the risk of suffering a shortage of qualified research personnel in science and technology given the educational trends of the 21st century, has implemented more than one hundred master's and bachelor's programs related to nanoscience and nanotechnology. Currently, Spain offers 13 master's programs in this field, most having 60 ECTS credits.

The University of Zaragoza and the Institute of Nanoscience and Materials of Aragon (INMA), a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence, recognize the need to train specialists in this field. In this regard, NANOMAT makes available to the teaching staff the instrumentation of INMA and the Advanced Microscopy Laboratory, a node of the unique Spanish scientific and technical infrastructure ELECMI, as well as the research support services of SAI-Unizar and the scientific and technical services of CEQMA, to develop students' practical skills with cutting-edge equipment. The lecturers and instructors come from diverse disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, and Chemical Engineering to provide the necessary theoretical and practical foundations in a multidisciplinary context. NANOMAT is characterized by its practical nature, focusing on applications of nanomaterials in energy, environment, biomedicine, and information technologies, while also considering ethical and sustainability aspects. This approach aligns with the European 2050 strategy and the roadmap established for the ecological and digital transition of Spanish society.

CO_01: State the conceptual differences between macro and nano systems, acquiring the necessary theoretical knowledge to approach the nanoscale.

CO_02: Identify materials and compounds of particular relevance at the nanoscale.

CO_03: Recognize the importance of surface effects and phenomena that appear at the nanoscale, and interpret their influence on the properties of nanoscopic systems.

CO_04: Acquire an overview of the different chemical and physical techniques for preparing nanostructured materials and their sustainability.

CO_05: Indicate the equipment and methods for preparing nanostructured materials using bottom-up and top-down techniques.

CO_06: Understand the fundamentals of the main physicochemical characterization techniques for nanostructured materials.

CO_07: Name the fundamentals of advanced electron microscopy and local probe microscopy techniques for studying nanostructured materials. CO_08: Correlate starting materials and preparation techniques used with the final characteristics and properties of the nanostructures obtained.

CO_09: State the general work procedures in a synthesis/fabrication laboratory, characterization of nanostructured materials, and fabrication of devices from these materials.

CO_10: Describe the state of the art of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, assessing their multidisciplinary nature, as well as their ethical, social, environmental, and legal implications.

HA_01: Plan, design, and execute fabrication/synthesis experiments with nanomaterials and nanostructured materials, identify the main risks, and evaluate the results.

HA_02: Recognize and appropriately apply the characterization and/or modeling techniques commonly used in nanoscience, depending on the nanostructured material or device.

HA_03: Appreciate the potential of nanostructured materials as a key enabling technology in various application areas and the entrepreneurial opportunities they offer.

HA_04: Search for, critically analyze, and communicate current, specific information in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

HA_05: Develop applications and devices based on nanostructured materials in areas such as health, energy, the environment, and information technology.

HA_06: Interpret experimental results, draw conclusions, and present them using scientific language.

HA_07: Work effectively and independently in a laboratory for the synthesis/fabrication and characterization of nanostructured materials and the fabrication of devices from these materials.

CP_01: Democratic Values and Sustainability. Develop a commitment to the society in which we live so that it prospers through the dimensions of democratic values and sustainability, materialized within the global framework that defines it at any given time.

CP_02: Teamwork. Actively collaborate with a group of people to achieve a common goal by combining different talents.

CP_03: Critical Thinking. Reason reflectively about a topic, being able to deliberate on its validity by subjecting one's own and others' convictions to debate.

CP_04: Emotional Intelligence. Understand and regulate one's own emotions and those of others to interact and participate effectively and constructively in social and professional life.

CP_05: Innovation and Creativity. Design and carry out a new task or project in a different way, using creativity and curiosity to add value with an entrepreneurial attitude.

CP_06: Lifelong Learning. To utilize lifelong learning and develop autonomous and flexible learning strategies throughout life to become an active, motivated, and integrated citizen, fostering improved employment prospects and personal development.

CP_07: Multidisciplinary and International Environment. The ability to integrate, communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and actively collaborate with members of the international scientific community who are at the forefront of knowledge in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

CP_08: Respect for Diversity. Living with and respecting personal and functional diversity, guaranteeing ideological and religious freedom, and non-discrimination based on origin, ethnicity, identity, sex, age, or any other personal circumstance.

The master's program is structured around five compulsory courses (30 ECTS credits) that include lectures, laboratory sessions, case studies, and tutorials. In addition, students must choose 12 elective ECTS credits (out of 36 offered). Finally they must complete a master's dissertation (18 ECTS credits), an original research project carried out individually under the supervision of one or more advisors, in which the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the master's program are synthesized and integrated.

Compulsory (6 ECTS each)

Fundamental Properties of Nanostructured Materials

Preparation of Nanostructured Materials

Synthesis and Assembly of Nanostructured Materials

Physicochemical Characterization Techniques

Advanced Microscopies 

Elective (choose 12 ECTS credits)

Safe and Sustainable Nanotechnologies (3 ECTS)

Micro and Nanodevices for Energy and Environmental Applications (3 ECTS)

Nanostructured Materials for Biomedical Applications (3 ECTS)

Materials Modelling (3 ECTS)

Nanoscale Spintronics and Photonics (3 ECTS)

Nanomaterials for Electronics and Quantum Technologies (3 ECTS)

Communication Skills and Open Science (3 ECTS)

Knowledge Transfer and Entrepreneurship (3 ECTS)

Internships (6 ECTS)

Interdisciplinary (6 ECTS)

Master’s Dissertation (18 ECTS)

The course coordinator is the key figure for any query, clarification or problem that may arise during the academic year. The coordinator is in regular contact with the students and their representatives and provides support and set up the necessary actions to support the student’s learning process. In all degree courses, per the directives of the Academic Guidance Programmes at the University of Zaragoza, each student is assigned an individual lecturer-tutor, who will be responsible for offering the student academic advice on aspects related to the student’s integration and adaptation to the work expected to be completed in each degree. The academic tutor will also provide advice on the most suitable academic options as well as guidance on the student’s personal or professional academic interests, the resources and services available to them at the University and on the general workings of the University in its administrative and academic facets and for participation in its governing structures.

The University of Zaragoza has a University Centre for Modern Languages where international languages classes are offered. The language instruction offer includes German, Arabic, French, Modern Greek, English, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese and Japanese. The courses offered include: year-long General & Specific Courses, Intensive Summer Courses in July & September, and single-term Self-Study & Conversation Courses (English, French & German).

Summer courses. Students may also wish to participate in any of the summer course programmes on offer every year in July, August and September in various locations in Aragon, albeit most of them take place in the following locations: Teruel & Jaca.

The University of Zaragoza has its own Guidance and Employment Office: UNIVERSA. The main goal of this University Employment Observatory is to provide specific information, guidance and training to facilitate professional integration among university students, in addition to overseeing voluntary work placement for final year students. Courses are offered to both students and recent graduates to improve their training in professional skills, job seeking strategies, etc.

Furthermore, there is a Job Fair (EMPZAR) every year, which provides students with the possibility to contact directly with companies, as well as gain first-hand knowledge of the labour market demand, get advice on how to prepare a CV, and so on.

Library staff supports first-year students. Staff offers an online course on Information and ICT skills. This course is offered as a practical activity within one of the subjects imparted in year one.  The students are also offered other training courses on information skills, at various levels, chief among which are the Guide to Tools and Guidelines for preparing the undergraduate/master’s dissertation.

Halls of Residence. The University of Zaragoza has two main Halls of Residence located in the San Francisco Campus: The Pedro Cerbuna University Hall of Residence (CMU) (250 rooms) and the Santa Isabel CMU (192 rooms), plus another one located in the Río Ebro Campus (102 places) and two other halls in the cities of Huesca (Ramón Acin CMU – 125 rooms) and Teruel (Pablo Serrano CMU – 96 single rooms). There are also other university halls of residence in the city of Zaragoza run by private companies. Furthermore, there is a University web service that helps students to find a room or rent a flat. 

Accommodation can also be found using the Zaragoza Council programmes for young people and students.

Counselling. The University of Zaragoza has four free and anonymous counselling services for youngsters, which are run by a team of professionals who provide advice on academic, legal, sexual and psychological areas.

The University of Zaragoza international relations Office will provide international students with all the necessary support in the registration process. It also provides students with practical information about the city, transport, flats on offer, rooms, halls of residence, medical assistance, courses for international students, etc.

Student diversity. The main role of the University of Zaragoza Student Diversity Office (OUAD) (pertaining to the Vice-Chancellor for Students & Employment) is to ensure equal opportunities through inclusion of all university students in university academic life. In addition, it encourages awareness of student diversity within the university community. This office is particularly committed to providing attention to any university student with special educational needs or disabilities.

University information centre. The University Information & Appeals Centre offers general information about the University of Zaragoza: access, offer of undergraduate/master’s study programmes, doctoral programmes, as well as information on non-official degrees, registration process, grants, summer courses, administrative information, and so on. Equally, they manage appeals of any situations that are not subject to the established regulated procedures.

Information and Communications Service. All computers on campus are connected to the Internet. WiFi is available in all the buildings. Any student may use the University of Zaragoza IT services.

Vehicle management service. A permit is required so that a member of the university community can park their vehicles in the car parks available in the different campuses.

Cultural activities. The 'Cultural Agenda' provides a monthly programme of the events in the areas of Cinema & Animation, Music, Theatre, Exhibitions, Cycles, Conferences, Literary Activities and Courses. It also offers cultural association activities and those of the Cultural Committees in Zaragoza, Huesca and Teruel.

Sports activities. The University of Zaragoza sports complex is located in the San Francisco Campus and features a leisure centre, gym, outdoor basketball, handball and 5-a-side football facilities, a certified athletics track and a football pitch. Every academic year, over a hundred activities are organised.

The University of Zaragoza Student House ('Casa del Estudiante') (inaugurated in 2005) is home to the University Student Council, the student groups represented on the Cloisters and Governing Board, and the multinational student associations. The Student House supervises activities pertaining to student representation and, additionally, work meetings, presentations, conferences and other events of interest to the students at our University. These activities are promoted and run by the student groups and coordinated by the Vice-Chancellor of Students: vrestu@unizar.es

Information Feelers. Voluntary student members of the University of Zaragoza faculties and centres act as 'information feelers' to counsel, inform and help their own peers. 

University Ombudsman. This person defends the rights and freedoms of the university community and attends to complaints and requests from students.