Interdisciplinary character: In teaching, bridges are built between fundamentals and applications; non-university research institutions are involved in teaching; all material classes are represented, i.e. metals, ceramics, plastics, glass and functional materials. International study opportunities in French (EEIGM) or English (Atlantis Bachelor). Option to expand to mechanical engineering with a 4th year of study in the USA.

Partnerships with many international universities; Organisation of joint international degree courses (Atlantis Bachelor, EEIGM, Erasmus Mundus AMASE) and international exchange programmes (I.DEAR materials); Numerous partnerships with international industrial companies. European School for Materials Research (EUSMAT): the FR scientific institution for the implementation and coordination of international study and exchange programmes and for the supervision of international students. Offer of preparatory measures: intercultural communication, language courses.

In addition to the standard technical facilities, the campus of Saarland University offers state-of-the-art equipment that permits 3-dimensional characterisation of materials on the various scales: Atomic probe for mapping the element distribution at the atomic level; Transmission electron microscope; Focused ion beam combined with high-resolution scanning electron microscope; Through to X-ray microscopy and computer tomography. The technical equipment is used in both research and instruction.

Strong links between the university department and the non-university research institutes on campus (Fraunhofer IZFP, Leibniz INM, Steinbeis Forschungszentrum Materials Engineering Center Saarland, etc.). Numerous international collaborations in research. Broad research spectrum from the foundation to the application proximity, as well as research with numerous industry cooperations.

Inclusion of the start-up course of the contact office for knowledge and technology transfer into the range of courses (option). 5 new start-ups from FR have arisen in the last 5 years. Workshops for innovation and entrepreneurship within the framework of alumni events.

Variety of specialisation options in the different Master's courses: In-depth study of materials science is primarily a research-based degree course, whereas in-depth study of materials engineering is primarily practice-oriented. The AMASE international Master’s degree course is offered in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Sweden and leads to a double Master’s degree. The EEIGM Master's degree programme also offers the option of completing a double Master’s degree with France.