Materials Science and Engineering

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.
Student profile: Molly Jewers
“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.

• 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.

• Flexible options: You can transfer to the four-year integrated Masters (MEng, BEng) degree at the end of your second year.

Rankings and awards
Top 100 in the world, QS World University Rankings 2026
Top 10 for Materials Technology, The Times and the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026

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

Career support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
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.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Materials, Minerals and Mining, Institute of
• Engineering Council