Materials Science and Engineering MEng, BEng

Course overview

Discover where science and engineering collide – and learn how to forge the materials of tomorrow at a leading university for materials technology.

Aerospace, communications, medicine, energy generation materials, high-performance clothing – even down to your TV – are just a few of the areas materials science and engineering touch.

The engineers in this field are the people who’re discovering and developing the new materials that have significantly impacted – and will continue to impact – the world.

They’re at the forefront of the global challenges we’re facing, meaning they’re highly sought after across a huge range of industries. And you could be one of them.

By studying this course, we’ll equip you with the concepts that underpin materials science from an engineering, physics and chemistry perspective.

You’ll be taught by expert academics from three separate Schools to ensure you’re covering the whole scope of materials science and engineering.

The skills you’ll learn at Leeds will open the door to so many career opportunities in this fast-moving field.

The support you get is really good. My personal tutor, I meet with every couple of weeks, or I can just go to see her whenever, really. And we just have a bit of a chat. It’s nice to know there’s someone definitely looking out for you.

Molly Jewers, Materials Science and Engineering MEng, BEng

Why study at Leeds

• Globally-renowned research: This feeds directly into your course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in everything from advanced engineering materials to sustainable systems and innovative manufacturing.
• Expert teaching from researchers in industry: Learn from academics who are at the forefront of industry, many of whom are members of the Bragg Centre for Materials Research and affiliated to the Sir Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials
• Facilities across three Schools: Because the course is taught by three Schools, you’ll have access to specialist facilities in Chemical Engineering, Physics and Chemistry.
• Upskill with an extra Masters year: Your fourth year will take your skills to the next level with an industry-based project in materials. You can choose your own topic in everything from electronic materials to ferroelectric ceramics.
• Gain real-world experience: Our industrial work placements have given previous students the chance to work at – and build professional relationships with – organisations such as BAE Systems, Unilever and Mercedes F1 Team.
• Study abroad: Gain invaluable life experience and advance your personal development with our exciting study abroad programmes, spanning universities worldwide.

Related course with industry experience

Want to give your CV that competitive edge? Take a look at our degree that includes an industrial placement year, giving you the opportunity to build key professional skills and gain invaluable work experience that could set you apart in the jobs market when you graduate.

Benefits of an integrated Masters

Learn more about what an integrated Masters is and how it can benefit your studies and boost your career.

Accreditation

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course has been accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council as contributing to the requirements for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining

Engineering Council

Course details and modules

This degree is a multidisciplinary course that covers a broad spectrum of topics, combining teaching from across our Schools of Chemical and Process Engineering, Physics and Astronomy and Chemistry.

Alongside the fundamentals in materials science and engineering, we also deliver the latest concepts and thinking, providing education in growing areas relevant to the societal needs of today.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read Materials Science and Engineering MEng, BEng in the course catalogue.

Year 1

During your first year, you’ll explore the fundamental principles that underpin materials science and engineering. You’ll learn the basics of materials structure-property relationships and be introduced to the ideas of materials characterisation. You’ll then practise and apply these skills hands-on in the laboratory, where you’ll perform a number of materials-related experiments. Year 1 lets you develop the core chemistry, physics and mathematical knowledge that underpins material science, along with essential research skills including analysing data and communicating your findings.

Compulsory modules

Professional Engineering Skills (20 credits)

Develop the skills of a professional engineer by undertaking a range of activities that focus on teamwork, communication, data analysis, engineering ethics and project management.

Engineering Mathematics (10 credits)

This module will provide you with the fundamental mathematical methods to solve engineering problems.

Materials Science and Engineering (20 credits)

Learn about the classes and properties of materials and their selection and processing for a range of applications.

Practical Materials Science 1 (10 credits)

Build your practical skills working in both chemistry and physics laboratories, undertaking a range of experiments which you’ll then present as scientific reports in different formats. You’ll become familiar with the equipment and develop essential laboratory techniques, along with other transferable skills in scientific literacy and data analysis.

Chemistry of the Material World (10 credits)

This module will provide you with a broad foundation of knowledge in physical and inorganic chemistry. You’ll build an understanding of the kinetics and thermodynamics of chemical reactions, whilst covering molecular levels and their origin alongside transition metal chemistry for materials. By the end of the module, you’ll be able to appreciate how these ideas fit into modern society and apply these concepts to a range of problems through workshops and tutorials.

Introduction to Modern Chemistry (20 credits)

This module will provide a concise introduction to modern chemistry with an initial focus on a qualitative appreciation of electronic structure and how it determines the chemical and structural properties of matter. You’ll also get an introduction to chemical kinetics and thermodynamics, organic structures and mechanisms and the chemistry of transition metal-ligand complexes.

Core Physics 1 (JH) Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Solid State Physics (30 credits)

Explore the fundamental physical theories and associated mathematical concepts that underpin the topics of mechanics, special relativity, thermodynamics and solid-state physics. You'll also cover thermodynamics. Examples and applications will be used to allow you to build your understanding and application of this branch of physics, which governs the behaviour of the universe we live in.

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll develop your knowledge of how materials are processed to achieve a desired performance while continuing to build upon your understanding of the underlying chemistry and physics relating to materials science, supplemented with advanced mathematical skills. You’ll also learn how to measure and characterise a material to understand the link between its structure and properties. Essential health and safety skills for working in industry, such as safety law, hazards and risks, accident investigations and environmental impact will be learnt.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Engineering Mathematics and Numerical Methods (20 credits)

You’ll learn mathematical techniques required for modelling engineering phenomena and use numerical methods to solve complex problems.

Process Safety and Environmental Engineering (20 credits)

Learn about the broader responsibilities of practicing engineers by developing further the core competencies of safety, engineering ethics and sustainability.

Materials Synthesis and Characterisation (20 credits)

Develop a sound understanding of the physical and chemical principles which underpin both the synthesis of materials and their characterisation. You'll learn how to select an appropriate range of advanced materials characterisation techniques, analysing the data generated by these to determine whether the processing route has resulted in the desired materials composition and microstructure.

Chemistry of Materials and Practical Materials Science 2 (20 credits)

Half of this module addresses inorganic solid-state structures, materials and how they are synthesised, characterised and understood. You’ll address important characterisation and structure determination techniques using illustrative examples that highlight the importance and diversity of materials applications to be found in everyday life.

In the other half of the module, you’ll work in the teaching laboratories, undertaking a range of experiments which you’ll present as scientific reports in a variety of formats.

Fundamental Chemistry for Materials Science (20 credits)

Gain an understanding of a selection of fundamental areas in chemistry that underpin solid-state chemistry, soft matter chemistry and organic polymer synthesis and applications. These will include thermodynamics, energy levels and quantum chemistry, molecular symmetry and spectroscopy, and aspects of organic and polymer chemistry.

Core Physics 2 (JH) – Statistical Mechanics and Condensed Matter (20 credits)

Learn fundamental physical theories and associated mathematical concepts that underpin the topics of statistical mechanics and condensed matter. This includes using the density of states to explain some of the differences between metals, semiconductors and insulators, deriving the free-electron density of states, performing straight-forward calculations based on the free-electron theory, explaining how a periodic potential modifies the free-electron dispersion relation, solving problems on the transport properties of semiconductors, and calculating the magnetic properties (consistent with the syllabus) of paramagnets and ferromagnets.

Year 3

Your third year builds on detailed knowledge and applies it to real-world problems. You’ll have the opportunity to explore hard and soft materials (e.g. metals, ceramics, polymers and composites) across functional properties such as electrical, magnetic, optical and biological.

You’ll also undertake a group project to design a materials process, which includes the consideration of raw materials, health and safety, environmental impact, as well as a detailed technical assessment.

Additionally, you’ll independently produce designs for components within the processing operation, before concluding with a second group report detailing your processing plant’s site plan and financial viability. Professional standards are heavily reinforced during this project, with an emphasis on skills for management, sustainability, meetings, presenting, communication and working with a “commissioning body”.

Compulsory modules

Materials and Process Selection Design Project (40 credits)

Apply the principles of engineering materials design via the selection of appropriate materials and secondary materials processing routes for a given engineering function and application. You’ll work both in a group and individually, using materials selection software to complete the project work.

Materials for the Built Society (20 credits)

You’ll cover the science and engineering of materials such as steel, aluminium alloys, cement, plastics and silicon. The aim of this module is to develop a working knowledge of the science and engineering of materials that underpin the built society.

Materials for the Energy Transition (20 credits)

Explore the materials selection and processing for grid-scale energy generation technologies that will help enable the UK to reach its NetZero carbon emissions by 2050.

Chemistry and Application of Materials (20 credits)

This module addresses three areas of contemporary materials chemistry:

• Inorganic solid-state materials, and the role different structural features have in defining the properties and applications of different materials.
• Soft matter: Amphiphiles, mechanisms and thermodynamics of self-assembly, critical micelle concentration, polymer solutions, phase separation.
• Polymer Chemistry: Synthesis, analysis, and commercial application of polymers and polymeric materials.

There will be a focus on illustrative examples of materials that highlight structure-property relationships.

Magnetism in Condensed Matter (20 credits)

Magnetic materials underpin much of modern technology and thus our everyday lives, from electric motors to data storage, sensors and computing. An understanding of magnetism in condensed matter requires knowledge in several areas of physics to be brought together, including classical and quantum mechanics, statistical physics and condensed matter physics. The first half of this modules focuses on the theory of ferromagnetism, while the second half uncovers the physics behind the applications, such as permanent magnets and spin electronics.

Year 4

The major part of the fourth year of the MEng programme is the capstone project, in which you may choose to undertake your own piece of materials research working closely with one of our leading academics in our state-of-the-art research laboratories. You can choose from a wide range of topics based on your own interests, including areas such as optical and electronic materials, piezoelectric and ferroelectric ceramics, metals and alloys and biomaterials.This year focuses on developing advanced, in-depth knowledge and a sophisticated understanding of materials-related topics.

Please note: as we’re reviewing our curriculum, specific modules are not currently available and will be added as soon as they have been confirmed. They will include research-led teaching on advanced materials from across the three Schools.

Project work

Every year of your course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further, as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience. You can apply to either undertake a one-year industrial work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Summer internships

During your time at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for a paid summer internship, giving you the chance to get involved in research projects to advance your professional skills in research and experimentation.

Want to find out more? Check out what our recent students got up to on their summer internships.

Learning and teaching

You’ll benefit from our integrated style of learning and teaching. Laboratory classes, project work, and industrial visits allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real-life work situations. Together they will equip you with in-depth knowledge and key practical skills that will put you in a good position to compete in materials science and engineering-related careers.

You'll have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You'll have frequent academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically five students), as well as one-to-one meetings each semester.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Most modules are assessed by more than one component. These components can include written examinations held at the end of each year, in-class and online tests, assignments, and coursework in the form of reports, projects, presentations and posters.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including Mathematics and either Physics or Chemistry.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Extended Project Qualification, International Project Qualification and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate: Grade A plus ABB at A-level including A in Mathematics and B in either Physics or Chemistry.

GCSE: English Language grade 4 (C) or higher, or an equivalent English language qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English instead of GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABC including an A in Mathematics and a B in Physics or Chemistry and a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

Foundation years

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year.

We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.

You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.

On successful completion of your foundation year, you will be able to progress onto your chosen course.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and Math qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Further information on the support available for mature students can be found at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/mature-students.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each section.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £10,050

International: To be confirmed

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790. 

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

The government has confirmed that the fee for 2027/28 will be £10,050. 

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

The UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) operates the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), which applies to certain foreign students who want to study in specific sensitive technology-related fields in the UK.

If you are an international applicant, you may need an ATAS certificate to study this course. For more information, including how to apply for your ATAS certificate (if required), please see our ATAS guidance and the ATAS information at GOV.UK.

To apply for an ATAS certificate, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH10-03-07 and the descriptor is: Materials Science. Your supervisor will be Dr Andy Brown.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

School of Chemical and Process Engineering
School of Physics and Astronomy
School of Chemistry

Contact us

School of Chemical and Process Engineering Undergraduate Admissions

Email: ugchemical@leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

With rapidly growing and advancing industries, there is an increasing demand for qualified materials scientists and engineers for existing production processes and for the creation and improvement of brand-new materials.

This is why employment opportunities in this field can be far-reaching, with the potential to take you all over the world.

The breadth of knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, communication, research and IT skills, taught on the course, are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Plus, the additional integrated Masters year gives you more advanced skills that prepare you to confidently enter your career in industry.

Where this degree could take you

Qualifying with a degree in materials science and engineering from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries, including:

• Aerospace
• Sustainable materials
• Pharmaceuticals and fast-moving consumer goods
• Armed forces and defence
• Biomedical engineering
• Consumer goods manufacturing
• Sports equipment
• Telecommunications
• Transport

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video‑interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title upon completion, which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills and build confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course.

A work placement can be a great investment in your future:

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas.
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field.
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice.
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry.
• Improve your employability.
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions.
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities.

When it comes to a career in engineering, work experience is key, and a placement is the perfect opportunity to build this experience, as well as expanding your contact base and building up a project portfolio. All these assets will look incredibly attractive when employers are looking at your CV.

Mathew Wassell, Electronic and Electrical Engineering BEng

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation.

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.

If your application is successful, during placement, you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout.

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:

• Arm
• Lloyds Banking Group
• Bluesmith
• DRS Software
• Robotas
• Johnson Matthey
• Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Limited (Mercedes F1 Team)
• Jaguar Land Rover
• The Technology Partnership (TTP)
• Unilever
• Acerne Tech Solution Limited
• BAE Systems – Naval Ships

We can’t guarantee a work placement. The job market is competitive, and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.