How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You'll normally need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a subject, like:
- materials engineering
- materials science or technology
- applied chemistry
- applied physics
You could also take a degree course specialising in one group of materials or their commercial use, for example:
- metallurgy
- biomaterials
- polymer science
- sports engineering
If you have a related degree, for example, structural engineering, you may be able to take a postgraduate course in materials science and engineering.
You can search for materials science and engineering courses, accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, on the Engineering Council website.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You could apply for a degree apprenticeship to begin your materials engineering career. Examples include:
- Materials Science Technologist Level 6
- Space Systems Engineer Level 6
- Materials Process Engineer Level 7
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Career tips
Choosing to do an accredited course or a degree apprenticeship can help towards registration for incorporated or chartered engineer status with a professional body. This is a way to demonstrate your professional competence and expertise as your career progresses.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in materials science and engineering from Discover Materials and the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.