Materials science

Material science sector focuses on the discovery, development, and application of materials with specific properties to meet technological and industrial needs. It is the meeting point between physics, chemistry and engineering.

Many of the professional applications of materials science are tied to the “materials paradigm” – the interplay between a material’s structure, the processing used to make it, and the resulting material properties. These sit alongside the performance of that material, and the methods you can use to analyse it. These different aspects of the subject inform the ways in which it can be used in the workplace. The majority of challenges that new and developing technologies face often boil down to materials science problems. The field is rapidly evolving, particularly in areas like sustainable materials, energy storage, and additive manufacturing (3D printing), offering diverse career opportunities for graduates in both research and applied roles.

Explore job roles

Materials Science has applications in product manufacture, textile design, energy generation, healthcare and nanomaterials, to name a few. Additionally, you can work in sustainability roles, developing environmentally friendly materials and solutions. With your expertise, you are also well-suited for technical consulting, advising on material selection and application, or even pursuing advanced research in academia or industry, driving future technological advancements.

Graduate roles typically require a 2:1 degree or higher in materials science, engineering, chemistry, or a related STEM field, along with practical lab experience and knowledge of material properties and processing techniques. Employers also value strong analytical and teamwork skills, with additional advantages for those who have completed internships, used modelling tools, or have awareness of sustainability and industry regulations.

Use the job profiles below to find out about, skills, entry routes and experience

Building skills and experience

Use the job profiles above to check which skills are normally needed for the roles you are interested in.

Use our transferable skills pages to explore ways to gain the top skills employers are looking for

  • Consider undertaking a placement and/or a summer internship. Employers value graduates with real industry experience, and it can also help you understand your future career preferences better. You can find different opportunities on CareerConnect and Gradcracker.
  • Expand your professional network. Use LinkedIn Alumni Tool to network with industry professionals. The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) also provides access to information, training and networking opportunities with student membership.
  • Look out for industry-inspired projects, modules and assignments on your course. Through these, you can apply your skills and knowledge in practice.
  • Try to arrange some work shadowing or work experience yourself by contacting companies you are interested in and building a speculative application.
  • Join societies such as the Materials Society through the University of Manchester Students’ Union. This experience can help you build transferable skills and get some leadership experience.

Finding and applying for jobs

Because the development of new materials drives innovation in products and applications, there are institutions which exist to explore the boundaries of innovative material properties. Some of these are academic (based in universities) and may therefore require you to study for a higher degree (Master’s, PhD). Others have partnerships in the private sector, and are likely to employ a range of science, engineering and creative professionals.

Find vacancies

  • LinkedIn Alumni Tool(Note that you need to be signed into LinkedIn to see this) - Use keywords to find out information about UoM alumni, including companies where UoM Materials Science graduates now work.
  • GradcrackerVacancy site specialising in STEM opportunities, which can be filtered to show Materials Science vacancies.
  • National Composites Centre (NCC)Overview of composites within industry and sectors within this.
  • AzomUK materials company directory
  • Coatings Careers HubRun by the British Coatings Federation (BCF), the UK’s trade association representing the interests of the decorative, industrial and powder coatings, printing inks and wallcovering manufacturers. The hub brings together career opportunities at member companies of the BCF which includes permanent and temporary vacancies, sandwich and summer placements for students, graduate schemes, and apprenticeships.
  • Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)Often lists job opportunities in the materials sector and can provide networking opportunities.
  • Polymer jobsA jobs board specifically for the Plastics industry

Further resources

Research and innovation
Professional bodies
  • The Society of Glass Technology (SGT) The SGT is a specialist body for professionals working with glass and related materials. It offers technical meetings, publications, and networking opportunities for those in the glass industry or research.
  • The Plastics Industry Association (formerly the British Plastics Federation)This organisation represents professionals working in the plastics industry, including those involved in polymer materials science. It provides industry insights, networking, and resources related to plastics materials.
  • The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)The UK’s professional body for chemical scientists with a worldwide community. Providing networking opportunities, careers information and membership benefits.
  • The Institute of Physics (IOP)The professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland, with an active role in promoting co-operation in physics around the world.

Next steps

When planning your next steps, you may have additional questions or want to explore certain aspects in more detail: