Material Engineer / Scientist

2

Hi, just found out some uni are offering courses on material science/engineering. Could you share if you know anything about what a typical material engineer/scientist do and how popular it is in the UK? Thank you!

Reply 1

University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Official Rep

15

Original post by WT007

Hi, just found out some uni are offering courses on material science/engineering. Could you share if you know anything about what a typical material engineer/scientist do and how popular it is in the UK? Thank you!

Hi @WT007

Material science and engineering is a vital field that focuses on understanding and developing materials to meet specific engineering needs. Material engineers and scientists typically engage in designing new materials, analyzing their properties, and conducting research to innovate and enhance performance across various applications, such as aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. They also ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards through quality control processes. In the UK, this discipline is gaining recognition due to the increasing demand for innovative materials in technology and sustainability. While it may not be as widely known as mechanical or civil engineering, it offers excellent career prospects, especially in sectors emphasizing advanced materials and green technologies, making it a rewarding choice for those interested in diverse applications and problem-solving.

Ethan (Product Design Engineering)

Reply 2

Dandelion.soup

5

Original post by WT007

Hi, just found out some uni are offering courses on material science/engineering. Could you share if you know anything about what a typical material engineer/scientist do and how popular it is in the UK? Thank you!

Hi,
I'm studying materials at Uni of Manchester atm and its essentially applied physics/chem but with a whole lot of range to it beyond those. My course cover metals, polymer science and nanotech amongst others but the big appeal of it to me is the range, I know people who want to go into aerospace, to biomaterials, to solar panels etc. Its a really good subject if you're interested in how science can be made useful and kind of sits between science and engineering in that way.
In terms of popularity its quite up and coming and there's quite a lot of demand in the UK as well a fair amount of international demand (lots of Chinese interest). Careers-wise the focus is on studying materials and their properties and evaluating or tuning those for a required application.
Hope that helps!

Reply 3

walp013

7

Original post by Dandelion.soup

Hi,
I'm studying materials at Uni of Manchester atm and its essentially applied physics/chem but with a whole lot of range to it beyond those. My course cover metals, polymer science and nanotech amongst others but the big appeal of it to me is the range, I know people who want to go into aerospace, to biomaterials, to solar panels etc. Its a really good subject if you're interested in how science can be made useful and kind of sits between science and engineering in that way.
In terms of popularity its quite up and coming and there's quite a lot of demand in the UK as well a fair amount of international demand (lots of Chinese interest). Careers-wise the focus is on studying materials and their properties and evaluating or tuning those for a required application.
Hope that helps!

hi, do you know what the job prospects are like for graduates in matsci/engineering?

Reply 4

Dandelion.soup

5

Original post by walp013

hi, do you know what the job prospects are like for graduates in matsci/engineering?

Not totally sure tbh, I'm still a UG and in the north of england so obvs not as many here, but an engineering or science degree will serve you well generally. Especially at a Bachellor's, many engineering degrees are interchangeable and will work well for you so ultimately it's what you enjoy. I would say as well, matsci is great for range, and a really good chance to see a diverse selection of subject areas if that's what interests you.
Many of the jobs are in an industrial/manufacturing context or to do with composites and nanomaterials if the research side is up your alley.

Material Engineer / Scientist

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