Why study Materials Science?
Help transform the future
From cars to bridges, clothing to medicines — materials shape everyday life. A degree in materials science equips you to make a real-world impact across diverse industries.
- Drive innovation: Create stronger, smarter materials for nano-robots, jet engines, and more.
- Promote sustainability: Design new environmentally friendly, commercially viable alternative materials.
- Impact lives: Develop materials that enhance safety and improve lives, from bullet-proof vests to artificial tendons.
Discover materials science
Explore materials science and engineering and the skills required to work in the sector.
How you’ll learn
Teaching
Teaching is delivered in a variety of ways to ensure students have a rich and well-rounded learning experience. In a typical week you’ll have a mix of in person lectures, small group tutorials, seminars, workshops, lab sessions, as well as some online teaching.
Self study
Outside of your timetabled teaching time, you’ll undertake group work, individual preparatory or set work, as well as any additional reading or research required from lectures.
Peer support
Our Peer-assisted study scheme (PASS) is a fantastic resource for first-year students. You’ll be assigned a PASS mentor who will lead weekly small group sessions with you and their other mentees, to help guide and support you in working through the questions and problems set in that week’s tutorial.
Study options
Tailor your degree
There are many different combinations for those interested in materials science here at Manchester.
- Integrated master’s:
As well as our 3 year bachelor’s course, you can study for an extra year and graduate with an integrated master’s level qualification, an MEng. - Specialisms:
If you have an interest in a particular area, then we've got you covered! You can also take a materials science course that specialises in metallurgy, nanomaterials, biomaterials, polymers or textiles. - Foundation year:
If you want to study materials science but don’t have the required entry qualifications, our Integrated Foundation Year could be a good option for you.
Careers
What will you do with a degree in materials science?
A degree in materials science from Manchester opens up far more than just careers in science, engineering, and manufacturing. Our graduates go on to make an impact in areas like patent law, consultancy, teaching, and accountancy – applying their technical and analytical skills in ways they never expected.
Wherever you want to go, a materials science degree could be your first step towards something exceptional.
Where our students go
Some recent graduates have gone on to work for:
- Rolls Royce
- Jaguar Land Rover
- BP
- 3M
- Airbus
- Smith and Nephew
- ... and many more.
Accreditation
All our undergraduate courses are accredited by the Engineering Council and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
Upon graduating with an accredited integrated MEng in engineering, or a BSc (with Honours) plus an accredited Master’s degree, students will have fulfilled the educational requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining is a global network for the materials cycle, promoting sustainability and greater circularity in the extraction, processing and use of natural resources.
Courses
Find the right course for you
There are options available to you if you want to study materials science at Manchester.
How to apply
Start your journey to an undergraduate degree in materials science
If you’re interested in applying to the Materials Science degree at Manchester, here’s what you need to know.
Contact us
Have any questions? Get in touch
Materials Science enquiries
General undergraduate enquiries
- Tel: +44 (0)161 275 2077
- Email: study@manchester.ac.uk