The availability of innovative materials and specialists in materials science is of increasing importance in a world where there are continual developments in aircraft design, cars, electronic medical and sports equipment and domestic appliances and much more. The demand for materials science experts who understand advanced processing techniques and the latest computer based design procedures is high and is set to rise in the future. There has never been a better time to study a graduate materials science program and with environmental pressures growing in today's world, a materials graduate should find that employment prospects are very bright. Studying a graduate materials science course will expose you to the latest technology and cutting-edge research that will put you at the forefront of this discipline.

An Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) review of materials, conducted in 2002, considers that "crucial to the pace of progress is the development of fundamental knowledge and understanding of materials science and technology which is often a prerequisite in determining the pace and range of technological change. The underlying importance of materials science…is illustrated by the wide range of industries which it underpins, from electronics to construction, transport to healthcare; all are reliant on a fundamental understanding of the structure, properties and performance of materials."

Career Opportunities

There is a wide range of career options in the field of materials science. Graduates in materials science go onto a variety of industrial sectors such as aerospace, automotive, marine, chemical processing, communications, electronic, food processing, motorsport, medical, nuclear, nanotechnology, power generation and sports activities. Further up the career ladder, once you have become a materials expert, you can expect to be working in a large team with responsibilities in research, or in development, design, analysis, modelling, quality, engineering, manufacturing, production and management.

Why Study a Graduate Materials Course?

The decision to study a graduate materials science course can be based on a number of factors but the following reasons are most common:

• Students are interested in a career in materials and seek specific training in a specialist area for gaining a competitive edge in industry.

• Students have a first degree in a numerate, engineering or scientific discipline and wish to focus more on materials as a conversion course, but in so doing broaden their education.

• Students have a genuine interest in materials but do not wish to embark on a 3 year research program.

• Students seek or are offered continued professional development by their employer to assist with their current or future work direction.

Which Course?

Graduate materials science programs are taught or are research-based. Taught programs are studied through a combination of lectures, tutorials, case studies, laboratory demonstration and workshops, which are at least partially assessed by examination or assignment. These materials courses will often have an individual research project and/or occasionally a group project. In general, for research programs, the majority of the course is conducted through a self-directed project, with a minor component of formal training.

Materials sciences courses at graduate level are mainly delivered through three levels of taught program: postgraduate certificate (PG Cert), postgraduate diploma (PG Dip), and Master's, where those in science are usually designated MSc.

An additional course which is similar to the MSc, is the taught MRes (Master's in research) degree, which combines training in research techniques with taught courses in the subject area. Taught courses are usually once year (in the UK) or 2-3 years if studied part-time.

In Europe, there are opportunities to study a two-year full-time graduate materials science course which is often taught in English and can incorporate a research element. If you study a graduate materials science program in Europe then you may spend time at two or three partner institutions, experiencing life and work in different European societies. You will spend one year studying for a Masters degree as part of your program of studies at a partner institution which will count towards the qualification of the home university or college.

How to Choose a Good Materials Science Course

There are a multitude of graduate materials science programs to choose from in the UK and beyond. It is important that you do a lot of research to find the right course and the right study destination for you. Below are a few guidelines to follow when deciding which graduate materials science course is best suited to your areas of interest and career aspirations.

• Just under half the graduate materials courses in the UK focus on specialist areas such as textiles, paper, leather, forestry, nanotechnology, electronics and engineering. A similar proportion specialise in specific materials such as composites, polymers, metals, ceramics also corrosion, recycling technology and materials modelling. This leaves a smaller proportion of courses that address a broad range of the materials spectrum.

• The quality and reputation of the university or college is an important factor to consider. However, at graduate level, it is prudent to look more specifically at the department, school or faculty that your materials science course falls under as the quality of teaching and research may exceed that of the university as a whole. Similarly, a university or college with a good overall reputation may have a weak materials science department so make sure you get advice from other students, advisers and employers first.

• The course structure is another consideration to be made. Graduate materials courses will vary in their weightings of the taught component to research activity. Taught Master's courses may be focussed on providing graduates who are technical specialists ready for careers in industry. Some graduate programs offer elements in management providing more general materials knowledge and expertise as well as personal transferable skill.

• Thinking ahead to employment after graduation is essential. Look for a good relationship between the university or college with industry. Projects in collaboration with industry provide opportunities for you to interact and network with prospective employers and possibly gain assistance with finance through sponsorship opportunities. Explore the employment uptake of former materials science graduates.

• You should also investigate the resources and support offered at your university or college.

• Check to see if the staff involved in the teaching or supervision of your course are actively involved in materials research and/or consultancy with industry. This should indicate a high level of quality research and therefore teaching. Prolific research activity in the department should also mean that you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Good luck applying for your graduate materials science course. Remember the above points when selecting your course and institution. By studying a graduate program in materials science you establishing the foundations for a long-lasting and dynamic career.

 

With thanks to:
Susan Impey
Cranfield University