As a skilled materials science and engineering graduate, you'll be able to choose from careers in many sectors and will be at the forefront of technological developments

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

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

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Biomedical engineer
• Geotechnical engineer
• Higher education lecturer
• Manufacturing systems engineer
• Patent examiner
• Project manager
• Quality manager
• Secondary school teacher

Work experience

Industrial placements are valuable and you should take up the option of completing one on your course, if it's offered, or arrange one independently.

Practical experience will enable you to apply your academic learning, demonstrate your interest in the discipline and prove that you're committed to a career in this field.

Voluntary work (fundraising, organising events, community outreach) or getting involved in university life (clubs, societies, your students' union) will help you to develop key skills, such as project management and multidisciplinary working.

Typical employers

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

• aerospace
• armed forces and defence
• automotive
• manufacturing
• nuclear industry
• oil and gas
• pharmaceuticals
• telecommunications
• 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.

Skills for your CV

Studying materials science and engineering gives you a good understanding of scientific structures and you'll be able to choose modules that relate to your areas of interest.

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

• analytical and problem-solving skills
• a high standard of numeracy
• IT competency and computer-modelling experience
• research and report-writing skills
• creative and independent thinking
• time management, planning and organisational skills
• commercial awareness and business skills
• strong oral 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.