occupational fields
Where will I work after graduation?
The Applied Polymer Science degree programme not only offers exciting insights into the world of polymers and plastics, but also excellent career opportunities in a wide range of industries and institutions.
With a turnover of 171 billion euros, Germany, for example, was the fourth country in the world with the highest turnover in the chemical industry in 2021. Polymer chemistry accounted for around 20% of total production (source: VCI - Chemical Industry in Figures 2022). Among the top 10 chemical companies with the highest turnover worldwide in 2021 were several representatives from the plastics industry or the plastics sector, e.g. BASF or Covestro (source: vci.de).
The fact that biopolymers are also becoming increasingly important for sustainability reasons can also be observed: In recent years, the production of biopolymers has been increasing - with an upward trend (source: European Bioplastics, nova-Institute (2022)!
So there is a lot to do here! After graduating, you can choose between various options, such as a career in industry, government institutions or research.
Overall, a wide range of careers with above-average career opportunities awaits you after graduation. And best of all: with your expertise, you will help to ensure that we can use innovative and sustainable products made from polymers and plastics in the future.
Below is a brief overview of some of the sectors and organisations in which you can work.
Industry and free enterprise
In research and product development, you typically work in a wide variety of industries, because polymers are used almost everywhere these days: Polymers are used almost everywhere these days. Be it in the automotive or textile industry, medical technology or the electrical industry. And in all these areas, specialists with knowledge of polymer chemistry and plastics technology are needed. For example, they can work on the development of new manufacturing processes for plastic products to make them even more efficient and environmentally friendly . You can help to produce high-quality and durable plastic parts for the automotive industry or develop new lightweight materials for aviation and mobility. Or you could work in quality assurance and ensure that the plastic parts produced meet the high requirements of customers and industry standards.
Universities, state institutions and testing centres
The Applied Polymer Science degree programme opens up career opportunities for graduates not only in industry, but also in state institutions such as universities, research institutes and materials testing institutes. As a graduate of this degree programme, you can, for example, work in teaching and pass on your knowledge to future generations or work in materials testing to ensure that products meet legal requirements and are safe. Your polymer chemistry expertise is therefore also in demand in these areas and offers you interesting opportunities for a successful career outside of industry.
Research and development at universities
Do you want to pursue your research ambitions and start a scientific career? The "Applied Polymer Science" degree programme will also prepare you for this. Whether new bio-based and biodegradable materials, the utilisation of renewable raw materials or residual materials in the sense of a circular economy, or the development of new materials and products: The Institute for Applied Polymer Chemistry (IAP) at FH Aachen is pursuing many interesting research projects in the field of polymer chemistry.
With your Master's degree, you can also start a doctorate - externally or as a co-operative doctorate together with FH Aachen. If you have any questions, please contact us, we will be happy to support you in your academic career!
