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 engineer 
• Automotive engineer 
• CAD technician 
• Design engineer 
• Energy engineer 
• Materials engineer 
• Metallurgist 
• Product/process development scientist 
• Research scientist (physical sciences) 
• Technical sales engineer 
• Textile technologist 

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Analytical chemist 
• Biomedical engineer
• Geotechnical engineer 
• Higher education lecturer 
• Management consultant 
• Manufacturing systems engineer 
• Patent examiner 
• Project manager 
• Quality manager 
• Sustainability consultant 

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. 

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. 

Getting involved in your university's clubs or societies can also help you develop project management and teamworking skills, alongside other placement-based experience. 

Student membership of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) gives you access to information, training and networking opportunities, as well as competitions and awards. 

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships. 

Typical employers

Materials science and engineering graduates are employed in a range of sectors, including: 

• aerospace 
• armed forces and defence 
• automotive 
• healthcare 
• manufacturing 
• nuclear industry 
• oil and gas 
• pharmaceuticals 
• scientific research and development 
• sports equipment 
• sustainable development industries 
• telecommunications 
• transport 
• utilities. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

You also develop a strong set of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. These include: 

• analytical skills and the ability to solve problems in a creative way 
• a high standard of numeracy 
• IT competency and computer-modelling experience 
• research and report-writing skills 
• creative and innovative thinking 
• project management, time management, planning and organisational skills 
• commercial awareness and business skills such as procurement 
• 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. 

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. 

The IOM3 accredits several postgraduate courses, which are available across the UK. To see what's available search for courses through the Engineering Council.  

You could also undertake short training courses in relevant software, such as Finite Element Analysis modelling.  

If you wish to move outside the materials field, you could do further study or training in areas such as law, finance or teaching. 

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see Masters degrees and search postgraduate courses in materials science and engineering. 

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.

Find out what other graduates are doing after finishing their degrees in What do graduates do?

Graduate Outcomes survey data from HESA.