4 universities producing employable Materials Science and Engineering graduates

Material science and engineering play a crucial role in shaping our modern world. For instance, in the aerospace industry, advanced knowledge in material science allows engineers to design aircraft that are both lightweight and durable, improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. In the medical field, materials engineers create biocompatible implants that can replace damaged bones or organs, leading to better patient outcomes.

By mastering the science behind materials, engineers are not only solving today’s challenges but also paving the way for future breakthroughs. Moreover, with an average of 1,500 openings for materials engineers projected each year over the decade, there are plenty of opportunities. 

This growth reflects the increasing reliance on advanced materials in industries ranging from electronics to renewable energy. As companies look to innovate and remain competitive, material scientists and engineers will be essential in developing sustainable solutions, optimising manufacturing processes, and creating cutting-edge products.

To be part of this movement, consider a master’s programme from one of these leading universities.

National University of Singapore

Ranked 8th worldwide and 1st in Asia by the 2025 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, the National University of Singapore (NUS) stands at the forefront of innovation and intellectual growth. Known for shaping the “dreamers, trailblazers, and changemakers of tomorrow,” it’s come a long way from its humble beginnings in 1905. What started as a modest medical school with just 23 students has evolved into Singapore’s flagship university, comprising 16 colleges, faculties, and schools dedicated to serving both the country and society.

Driving technological breakthroughs is the Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) department, which is ranked among the top 10 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024. Faculty within it are focused on the creation and application of materials across diverse fields such as chemical, mechanical, aeronautical, energy, and biomedical engineering. Those keen on learning from them and lending a helping hand in their laboratories can opt to pursue the department’s Master of Science (MSc) in Materials Science and Engineering. 

To cater to varying interests, the programme features a wide selection of courses and specialisation options, including two newly introduced routes: Advanced Materials for Energy and Sustainability (AME) and Artificial Intelligence for Functional Materials. These additions reflect the growing significance of sustainable materials in both industry and research. Students more interested in hands-on learning benefit from laboratory experience through project courses that entail conducting supervised research.

All lessons are conducted in the heart of Singapore, which boasts a vibrant fusion of Western and Asian cultures. This cultural crossroads provides an enriching environment for students, with a dynamic mix of languages, cuisines, and festivals celebrating the best of both worlds. International students leaving home for the first time will be happy to know the country is among the safest in the world, with a low crime rate, efficient public services, and a strong community spirit. As an aviation hub, it is also perfectly positioned for those keen on exploring. 

Learn more about the National University of Singapore.

UC Berkeley’s MSE curriculum takes students through the timeless fundamentals while introducing modern-day approaches to materials. Source: UC Berkeley/Facebook

UC Berkeley

US News ranks UC Berkeley’s Engineering graduate programmes third in the nation. “Our campus is one of the best places in the world to discover and develop your academic passions,” says Carol Christ, Chancellor. “Our faculty — filled with dedicated teachers, thinkers, innovators, and explorers — is second to none. An exemplary team of staff members, committed to excellence in every facet of the university’s operations, works hard to support our academic mission.​ Our graduate students — whom you will know as mentors, researchers, and teachers — are among the best. And your classmates will be by your side to partner with you and challenge you throughout your intellectual journey.” 

The Materials Science and Engineering department is focused on innovation for the future. There are five main research areas: biomaterials, chemical and electrochemical materials, computational materials, electronic, magnetic and optical materials, and structural materials. The department also boasts many cutting-edge research facilities, both on campus and at partner institutions. These include the Nanofabrication Lab, the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), The Molecular Foundry (The National Centre for Electron Microscopy), and more. 

The MSE curriculum takes students through the timeless fundamentals while introducing modern-day approaches to material problems. Guided by world-renowned educators, students undertake coursework and are part of faculty-led research groups. Students may choose to be part of one of the school’s main research areas or opt for a sub-discipline tailored specifically to them. Those with a more competitive nature should keep an eye out for the MSE awards, which are selected by the department based on nominations gathered from MSE students, faculty, and staff.

Most DPhil graduates from the University of Oxford find employment, as an Oxford DPhil is highly valued globally. Source: University of Oxford/Facebook

University of Oxford

The Department of Materials at the University of Oxford offers an inspiring and dynamic environment for those pursuing a research degree. Ranked among the top Materials departments in the world, it provides students with access to cutting-edge research across various areas of materials science, from atomic-scale characterisation to industrial-scale processing.

The department is home to a vibrant community of scholars, including 33 academic staff, 13 Senior Research Fellows, and around 240 research students from diverse scientific backgrounds. These students come from fields such as Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Mathematics, Earth Sciences, and Biology, adding to the richness of the department’s intellectual environment.

Students pursuing a DPhil in Materials typically spend three-and-a-half to four years engaged in full-time study under the guidance of experienced faculty members. The department offers many exciting DPhil projects, including groundbreaking work on materials for nuclear fusion reactors and solid-state batteries.

Oxford’s Materials Department is deeply involved in research that extends over most branches of materials science, as well as aspects of solid-state physics and chemistry. Research topics include advanced technological materials such as metals, composites, semiconductors, superconductors, polymers, biomaterials, and ceramics, often in close collaboration with industry.

The department’s excellence was recognised in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), where 71% of its research was rated as “World-leading,” and 90% of its research impact received the highest possible rating.

At ETH Zürich, students can personalise their master’s degree programme in materials to suit their interests. Source: ETH Zürich/Facebook

ETH Zürich

ETH Zürich needs no introduction when it comes to academic excellence. It is ranked seventh among the world’s top universities by the latest QS World University Rankings and sits at the 11th spot in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024. A university primarily devoted to the sciences, it has produced 22 Nobel laureates among its alumni, including Albert Einstein.

Under the Department of Materials, the institution has a Master Materials Science and Engineering that exposes students to cutting-edge research and diverse expertise in Materials and related fields.

While core courses solidify a foundation in material structures, properties, and characterisation, a diverse range of electives allows you to specialise in areas like energy technology or delve into broader scientific fields through courses offered by other departments.  Plus, ETH Zurich’s “Science in Perspective” programme ensures well-rounded graduates by incorporating humanities, social sciences, and political science coursework.

Hands-on learning is paramount at ETH Zurich. You will gain practical experience through an eight-week research project, a six-month master’s thesis, and a 12-week industrial internship. This combination equips you with the ability to tackle a wide range of research and development challenges upon graduation. From developing innovative materials for next-generation products to leading interdisciplinary teams, graduates of the master’s programme are prepared to make significant contributions in various scientific and engineering fields.

This full-time, English-language programme is ideal for students with engineering or science backgrounds that include a foundation in materials science. 

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