Studying materials science at university
Example course modules
- Structure of materials
- Properties of materials
- Transforming materials
- Electronic properties of materials
- Engineering applications of materials
- Characterisation of materials
- Crystallography
- Mathematics of materials science
- Mechanical properties
Who studies this subject
What you need to get on a course
Subjects you need
A-levels (or equivalent) usually required
- Maths
- Physics
Useful to have
- Chemistry
Application checklist
Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.
- January application
- October application
- Personal statement
- Portfolio
- Interview
- Entry test
- Work experience
- Audition
Personal statement advice
Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!
Personal statement tips and advice
Career prospects
Six months after graduating
- Business, research and administrative professionals
Longer term career paths
Jobs where this degree is useful
- Materials engineer
- Metallurgist
- Product/process development scientist
Other real-life job examples
- Biomedical engineer
- Higher education lecturer
- Manufacturing systems engineer
What employers like about this subject
A materials science course teaches subject knowledge as well as a number of skills which appeal to employers across a broad range of sectors and industries. Studying for a materials science/technology degree provides you with a strong set of transferable skills. These include numerical, analytical, problem-solving and independent-thinking skills. Materials-based graduate positions often require you to work in teams made up many different departments as well as consulting clients; this requires strong diplomacy and communication skills in order to put your ideas across properly.
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