Materials Science and Engineering

Materials science and engineering is the discipline that investigates how the properties of materials can be understood, controlled, and engineered to create better products and enable new technologies. From the lightweight alloys in aircraft and the ceramics in jet engines to the semiconductors in smartphones, the biomaterials used in medical implants, and the emerging world of flexible electronics and solar cells, advances in materials underpin almost every area of technological progress. The discipline draws on physics, chemistry, and engineering to understand the relationship between the structure of matter and its macroscopic properties.

At Swansea this four-year full-time degree includes a year abroad that gives you the opportunity to study in a different academic and industrial environment, broadening your perspective on the field and building international experience that is valued by global employers. You will study the fundamental principles of materials behaviour, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties, alongside the processing techniques used to manufacture and manipulate materials at scale. The programme covers metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and electronic materials, giving you a versatile grounding in the full range of material types.

Swansea's strong research reputation in materials science and its connections to Welsh manufacturing industry enrich the programme with professional relevance.

Graduates from materials science and engineering go on to careers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, biomedical devices, construction, and materials research. The ability to select, design, and optimise materials for specific applications is central to product development across many industries, and graduates are valued in both technical and management roles. Many graduates also continue to postgraduate study or pursue Chartered Engineer status through the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.