Program Overview

Program Overview

The Soft Matter Science and Engineering program, offered by the School of Emergent Soft Matter, focuses on fundamental scientific issues of soft matter in chemistry and chemical engineering. The program extends to advanced functional materials and high-performance hybrid materials, aligning with global scientific frontiers. The goal is to empower students to engage in real-world innovation through foundational and applied research in soft matter science.

Doctoral Research Interests

The program covers a range of doctoral research interests, including:

1. Soft Matter Physics
2. Soft Matter Chemistry
3. Soft Matter Engineering
4. Soft Matter Technology

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of the following courses:

1. Soft Machines (2 credits, 16 hours)
2. Neutron, X-rays and Light Scattering Methods Applied to Soft Matter (2 credits, 32 hours)
3. Soft Matter Physics II (1 credit, 16 hours)
4. Soft Matter Chemistry I (1 credit, 16 hours)
5. Preparation and Characterization of Nano-Biomaterials (2 credits, 32 hours)
6. Chemistry in life (1 credit, 16 hours)
7. Soft Matter Chemistry III (1 credit, 16 hours)
8. Structure and characterization of soft matter III (1 credit, 16 hours)
9. Bio-based materials and Biomimetic materials (2 credits, 32 hours)
10. Soft Matter Physics I (1 credit, 16 hours)
11. Structure and Characterization of Soft Matter II (1 credit, 16 hours)
12. Structure and characterization of soft matter I (1 credit, 16 hours)
13. Soft Matter Engineering (2 credits, 32 hours)
14. Structure characterization of soft matter IV (1 credit, 16 hours)
15. Soft Matter Physics III (1 credit, 16 hours)
16. Bioinorganic Chemistry (1 credit, 16 hours)
17. Science and Engineering of Composite Materials (2 credits, 32 hours)
18. Soft Matter Physics IV (1 credit, 16 hours)
19. Soft Matter Chemistry II (1 credit, 16 hours)
20. Theory of Transmission Electron Microscopy (1 credit, 16 hours)
21. Carbon Nanomaterials (1 credit, 16 hours)
22. Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy and Computational Imaging (2 credits, 32 hours)
23. Scientific Writing and Academic Integrity

Duration

• MEng: 3 years
• Ph.D: 4 years

Start Date

The program starts in September 2026.

Student Outcomes

The postgraduate program has achieved an employment rate of over 98%, with graduates primarily pursuing careers in manufacturing, IT services, educational institutions, and related fields.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and under the age of 35. They are required to attend an examination/interview organized by the School of Emergent Soft Matter.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fee:
  • Master Program: 32,000 CNY/year
  • PhD Program: 40,000 CNY/year
• Scholarships:
  • Chinese Government Scholarship (application deadline: October 1 February of the following year)
  • Guangdong Provincial Government Scholarship (new students, application deadline: June 30)
  • SCUT Outstanding International Student Scholarship (new students, application deadline: June 30)
• Application Fee: 450 RMB

Note

The above information is for international students. Scholarship deadlines may be updated according to the latest annual notice.