Materials science and engineering
A degree in materials science and engineering can take you into many cross-sector careers such as aerospace, automotive engineering, sustainable development industries or healthcare
Job options
Jobs directly related to your degree include:
- Aerospace engineerÌý
- Automotive engineerÌý
- CAD technicianÌý
- Design engineerÌý
- Energy engineerÌý
- Materials engineerÌý
- MetallurgistÌý
- Product/process development scientistÌý
- Research scientist (physical sciences)Ìý
- Technical sales engineerÌý
- Textile technologistÌý
Jobs where your degree would be useful include:
- Analytical chemistÌý
- Biomedical engineer
- Geotechnical engineerÌý
- Higher education lecturerÌý
- Management consultantÌý
- Manufacturing systems engineerÌý
- Patent examinerÌý
- Project managerÌý
- Quality managerÌý
- Sustainability consultantÌý
Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.
Work experience
Employers value relevant work experience. Some degrees offer a year out in industry, giving you the opportunity to apply your academic learning and problem-solving skills in the workplace. As well as gaining practical, hands-on experience, you also have the opportunity to network with potential employers and start to develop relevant industry contacts for when you've graduated.Ìý
Some of the large companies also advertise work placements or summer internships on their websites or through careers service websites. You could also try to arrange some work experience or work shadowing yourself by contacting companies you're interested in.Ìý
Getting involved in your university's clubs or societies can also help you develop project management and teamworking skills, alongside other placement-based experience.Ìý
Student membership of  gives you access to information, training and networking opportunities, as well as competitions and awards.Ìý
Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.Ìý
Typical employers
Materials science and engineering graduates are employed in a range of sectors, including:Ìý
- aerospaceÌý
- armed forces and defenceÌý
- automotiveÌý
- healthcareÌý
- manufacturingÌý
- nuclear industryÌý
- oil and gasÌý
- pharmaceuticalsÌý
- scientific research and developmentÌý
- sports equipmentÌý
- sustainable development industriesÌý
- telecommunicationsÌý
- transportÌý
- utilities.Ìý
More job opportunities are being created thanks to developments in the field of nanotechnology and in the use of biomedical materials, high-performance textiles, composites and sustainable materials.Ìý
Technical problem-solving skills are valued across many industries, so materials science and engineering graduates can pursue careers in a range of sectors. These sectors include finance (e.g. accountancy, banking, stockbroking and consultancy), media and internet, advertising, marketing, management consultancy, patent law, the Civil Service and general administration.Ìý
Find information on employers in engineering and manufacturing, energy and utilities, science and pharmaceuticals and other job sectors.
Skills for your CV
Studying materials science and engineering gives you a thorough understanding of the scientific structures, processes, properties and performance of materials. You can choose modules that relate to your areas of interest and in some courses, you’ll develop new materials tailored to specific solutions.Ìý
You also develop a strong set of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include:Ìý
- analytical skills and the ability to solve problems in a creative wayÌý
- a high standard of numeracyÌý
- IT competency and computer-modelling experienceÌý
- research and report-writing skillsÌý
- creative and innovative thinkingÌý
- project management, time management, planning and organisational skillsÌý
- commercial awareness and business skills such as procurementÌý
- strong teamworking and communication skills developed through delivering presentations and engaging in group projects - particularly useful for many materials-based roles, which involve consulting, advising clients or colleagues.Ìý
Further study
Further study at Masters or PhD level is a popular option for materials science and engineering graduates. It allows you to acquire specialist knowledge in a particular sector, such as offshore operations or the aerospace industry, or a particular material, for example, composites or glass.Ìý
The IOM3 accredits several postgraduate courses, which are available across the UK. To see what's available search for courses through the .ÌýÌý
You could also undertake short training courses in relevant software, such as Finite Element Analysis modelling.ÌýÌý
If you wish to move outside the materials field, you could do further study or training in areas such as law, finance or teaching.Ìý
For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees a²Ô»å search postgraduate courses in materials science and engineering.Ìý
What do materials science and engineering graduates do?
The skills developed during a materials science degree mean graduates go into a range of jobs, including working as engineering professionals (27%), programmers and software development professionals (8%), finance and investment analysts and advisers (4%), production and process engineers (4%), management consultants and business analysts (3%), business sales executives (3%), IT professionals (3%), IT business analysts, architects and systems designers (3%) and mechanical engineers.
Destination | Percentage |
---|---|
Employed | 57.2 |
Further study | 24.6 |
Working and studying | 7.6 |
Unemployed | 3.5 |
Other | 7.2 |
Type of work | Percentage |
---|---|
Engineering | 40.9 |
Business, HR and finance | 12.1 |
IT | 11.4 |
Other professionals | 5.2 |
Other | 30.4 |
Find out what other graduates are doing after finishing their degrees in
Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA.