Materials science and engineering - Subject Guide

Materials science and engineering specialisms can focus on areas like nanomaterials and nanotechnology, biological materials for use in medicine and healthcare, ceramics and glasses for high temperature performance, electronic materials for use in the communication industry, or metallurgy and alloy development for all types of use.

There’s a vast landscape of materials needed for an even wider range of uses, and specialisms are plentiful. Some of these include: 

• Surface engineering: Involves modifying the surface properties of materials to enhance performance, durability, and functionality. This greatly influences vehicular design and the development of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic objects. 

• Nanomaterials and nanotechnology: Focuses on manipulating materials at the nanoscale to create new structures and devices whose miniaturisation gives them unique capabilities, revolutionising fields like electronics, medicine, and energy. 

• Composite materials: This field works to combine two or more materials to produce a material with superior properties, such as strength, stiffness, and lightness. There are many uses for these materials in aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.  

• Biomaterials and biomedical engineering: Develops materials for medical devices, implants, and tissue engineering, aiming for compatibility, biodegradability, and functionality. Advancements in healthcare are driven by innovation in biomaterial engineering. 

• Alloy design: Metal alloys can achieve specific mechanical, thermal, and chemical capabilities for use in diverse applications within transportation, construction, and electronics industries. Enhancing performance and reliability of alloyed materials can lead to advances in product longevity and sustainability. 

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• Crystallography 

• Phase transformations 

• Thermal properties of materials 

• Optical properties of materials 

• Magnetic properties of materials 

• Materials characterisation techniques 

• Composite materials 

• Ceramics and glasses 

• Polymer engineering 

• Electronic materials and semiconductor devices 

You can expect to learn a range of subject-specific skills essential for tackling complex materials challenges. You’ll learn to analyse large quantities of data and read different types of charts and graphs, and conduct stress analysis tests, reliability studies and quality control on material products.

You’ll learn how to design materials for specific applications. You’ll be able to analyse material microstructure and understand material properties on both micro and macroscopic levels.

Additionally, you'll foster problem-solving abilities to address emerging challenges in fields like renewable energy, healthcare, and electronics, making you a valuable asset to employers in the materials science and engineering field. 

Generalised skills you’ll learn which will be transferable skills for many different areas of employment include: 

• Critical thinking 

• Quantitive analysis skills 

• Data modelling skills 

• Problem solving 

In the UK, professional accreditation is typically provided by institutions such as the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). Achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through IOM3 gives you certified credibility to uphold the high standards of the material science and engineering profession, and signals to future collaborators and employer that you hold advanced knowledge and experience in the field. 

Materials science is relied upon by many other forms of engineering and industry, and there’s an overlap with many of the quantitative skills, and areas of scientific understanding. This means that you might also be interested in the following degree subjects, which can be viable alternatives to pursuing a materials science and engineering qualification: 

• Mechanical engineering 

• Mathematics 

• Petroleum engineering  

• Civil engineering 

• Electrical engineering 

• Environmental engineering 

• Physics 

With a degree in materials science and engineering, you can embark on a diverse array of career paths. You may find opportunities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, healthcare, and renewable energy, and you’ll be capable of taking on roles as an engineer, researcher, product developer, surveyor, manager or consultant.

You might work on designing new materials with enhanced properties, improving manufacturing processes, or ensuring product reliability and performance. The interdisciplinary nature of materials science equips you for innovation and impact in various sectors worldwide. 

Possible career roles: 

• Failure analysis engineer 

• Sustainability manager 

• Medical device designer 

• Forensic analyst 

• Automotive materials engineer 

• Ceramic engineer 

• Polymer engineer 

• Quality control consultant 

• Nanomaterials researcher 

• Semiconductor engineer 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in materials science and engineering, or a related subject. 

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