3 world leaders in materials science and engineering

Ever imagined electric cars charging in minutes or powerful computers accelerating medical breakthroughs? An advanced degree in Materials Science and Engineering empowers you to shape this exciting future. From creating next-generation batteries for electric vehicles to pioneering quantum computer components, you’ll be at the forefront of innovation. Even harnessing clean energy through materials that convert sunlight, air, and water into fuels becomes a possibility. 

With the industrial landscape rapidly evolving, materials science and engineering expertise will be paramount for a wider range of organisations. To be a part of this revolution, consider a master’s programme at one of these leading universities. These universities are renowned for producing career-ready graduates with the skills to build the world of tomorrow.

Source: Cornell University

Cornell University

Cornell University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) pushes the boundaries of materials that shape technology and society, advancing everything from renewable energy to life-saving medical devices and cutting-edge consumer electronics. MSE is a vital part of Cornell Engineering, which has a more than 150-year legacy of fostering a unique and productive environment for innovation. In addition to expanding their career opportunities, forward-thinking students can become a part of this unique academic community and its robust alumni network by completing MSE’s Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree programme.

The Cornell MSE M.Eng. is an exclusive, professional degree programme that propels graduates to the forefront of their chosen fields. While in the programme, students have access to unique research resources and opportunities. For example, the programme is closely affiliated with the Cornell Nanoscale Science and Technology Facility, which specialises in micro and nanofabrication with the tools and expertise to create and characterise a variety of materials, and the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, a high-energy X-ray source that allows for exceptional characterisation of materials for a range of academic and industrial needs.

Typically completed in two to three semesters, the MSE M.Eng. degree equips students with the expertise and practical skills to excel in their careers. The curriculum includes cutting-edge topics alongside industry engagement for real-world experience, hands-on research projects for practical application of knowledge, and individually tailored course selection to meet each student’s specific goals. With research groups spanning biomaterials, semiconductors, energy storage, computations, and simulations, Cornell’s MSE department offers an exciting array of courses that enable extensive exploration of opportunities in materials.

Cornell’s MSE M.Eng. is customisable so students can select courses that align with their interests while working with a faculty advisor to craft a curriculum that optimises their potential. The programme involves six to eight graduate-level courses, with the flexibility to explore electives offered by other Cornell departments. A final capstone project provides an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with faculty and industry partners or to participate in an entrepreneurship-focused course to define their project.

Resources for career exploration, development, and planning inspire and empower M.Eng. students to create lifelong career success and satisfaction. The programme partners with the Cornell Team and Leadership Center to ensure that students are actively and meaningfully developing professional and leadership skills throughout their time in the programme. Professional development seminars provide essential skills like networking, emotional intelligence, and salary negotiation. Employers visit campus for career fairs and information sessions and to conduct interviews as well. Learn more about Cornell’s M.Eng. in Materials Science and Engineering.

The MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (IOM3). Source: Imperial College London/Facebook

Imperial College London

With a 72% student satisfaction score in the National Student Survey 2023, Imperial College London is ranked first among fellow London Russell Group universities for student satisfaction with teaching and second-placed among all Russell Group institutions nationally for teaching. It ranks third in the UK and sixth globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024, all of which can explain how it can attract talented students from over 125 countries. 

The Department of Materials — which offers the MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering — performs well on league tables as well. It ranks third in the UK for Materials Technology by the Complete University Guide 2025.

This professionally accredited programme provides a strong foundation in materials science and engineering principles. Fusing coursework and original research, it allows you to dive fully into core areas like Characterisation of the Structure of Materials, Theory and Simulation of Materials, and The Art of Research. You can also explore specialised topics through elective modules in Engineering Alloys, Nanomaterials, and Biomaterials, tailoring studies to your interests.

A key strength of the programme lies in its research focus. You can work on real-world projects with established research groups, gaining valuable experience designing, implementing, and evaluating solutions to engineering problems. The programme has an exciting specialisation in Materials for the Energy Transition as well, equipping graduates with the expertise to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Imperial College London’s world-class facilities further enhance the learning experience.  MSc candidates have access to the cutting-edge Advanced Characterisation Facility Suite, allowing them to develop their research projects under the guidance of experienced professors.

Materials Science at the National University of Singapore ranks among the world’s top according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Source: National University of Singapore/Facebook

National University of Singapore

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is a leading research university renowned for its transformative education and impactful research. NUS cultivates “dreamers, trailblazers, and changemakers of tomorrow” by providing a rigorous and globally focused Asian learning experience. Consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, NUS offers a broad range of programmes that prepare students to address global challenges.

NUS has a Materials Science Engineering (MSE) department which offers related programmes that are recognised among the global top 10 according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Materials Science and Engineering play a crucial role in shaping society by enabling the creation and application of new materials. Throughout history, advancements in materials have driven breakthroughs in various fields, from aeronautical engineering to biomedicine. In Asia, NUS is behind many of these developments and stands out as a premier Materials Science Engineering department in the region, recognised for its cutting-edge research and dedication to pushing the boundaries of this vital field.

For aspiring materials scientists, the department offers a Master of Science (MSc) in Materials Science and Engineering. The curriculum features a wide range of courses and specialisation options, catering to diverse interests. In fact, it has introduced a new specialisation — Advanced Materials for Energy and Sustainability (AME) — reflecting the growing importance of this field in both industry and research. Students seeking hands-on experience can participate in a project course, conducting supervised research within the faculty’s labs. 

“MSE taught me what things are and why they behave as what they do,” says Yanan Wang, Class of 2019. “Having a macroscopic vision with a microscopic approach is crucial to push innovation and technological boundaries.”

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International