Study materials science and engineering

The Master of Materials Science and Engineering offers students the opportunity to participate in both coursework and research. Using state-of-the-art infrastructure available at the world-renowned Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) at the University of Newcastle, students will undertake research related to the design and discovery of new materials, such as advanced materials, nanomaterials, functional materials, biomaterials, drug carriers, photovoltaics, soft materials and useful metal alloys.

This program will develop and train the next generation of material scientists and engineers, not only for Australia, but also as a significant source of intellectual talent for the global materials economy.

Students will gain an understanding of how the processing of a material influences its structure, properties and performance. They will learn to apply this knowledge to address challenging issues in a variety of fields, including education, vehicles, cosmetics, medicine, pharmacy, petroleum, steel, electronics, information technology, energy and environmental technologies, forensic engineering, and space science.

Why study with us?

  • Study with a team of world-leading materials science experts in the Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) – learn how to develop advanced nanostructures for various applications across the energy, environment and health sectors.
  • Learn from leading experts best in the field - including GICAN Global Innovation Chair and Director, Professor Ajayan Vinu.
  • Project-based learning - students will have opportunities to engage with industry sponsored projects at the GICAN centre, as a part of their 1-year research project. This prepares our students for high pace industrial research and gain insights into the industrial work environment.
  • Up skill for broader employment opportunities – this program was created specifically to address the needs and demands of both individuals and industry.
  • Unique program offering – our program has been designed with new courses currently not offered by other major universities across Australia.
  • Flexible study options – At the University of Newcastle, you can choose to study full-time or part-time to suit your professional and personal needs.

Ranked 1 in Australia ? for learning facilities and resources
Industry sponsored projects at the GICAN centre

What you will study

Take advantage of state-of-the-art infrastructure at the University’s Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) to focus on the design and discovery of new materials such as advanced nanomaterials, functional materials, biomaterials, drug carriers, photovoltaics, electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors, electro catalytic materials, photocatalytic materials, soft materials and useful metal alloys.

The unique program involves a broad range of disciplines such as chemistry, solid-state physics, ceramics, metallurgy, polymer science, engineering, computing, biology, pharmacy, energy and environmental technologies.

2024 Program Handbook

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

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My Degree Planner

Use our degree planner to see what your study journey through the Master of Materials Science and Engineering might look like.

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Career

Career opportunities

Materials science and engineering expertise is in high demand across a range of industries and job roles including:

  • Defence
  • Medical technology
  • Environmental services
  • Catalysis
  • Petrochemical
  • Adsorption and separation
  • Metallurgist
  • Mining and minerals
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Chemical engineering
  • Clean fuels
  • Energy technology (solar cells, batteries, super-capacitors and fuel cells)
  • Data analyst (financial and information).

Practical experience

As part of our project-based learning practice, students will have opportunities to engage with industry sponsored projects at the GICAN centre, as a part of their 1 year research project. This prepares our students for high pace industrial research.

All students will have an opportunity to do hands on learning with various cutting- edge instruments currently used in industrial research.

Our students also have opportunities to meet industry managers and CEOs during industry seminars as a part of their course work and gain insights into the industrial work environment. Students may also have the opportunity to visit companies in the industry to watch and learn about industrial research and the production environment.

Application info

Applying for Master of Materials Science and Engineering

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Applications to study are now open. Submit your application now..

Apply to study in Australia

Both students and education agents can submit applications online. This is our preferred way of application. You can save your application after you have started, and come back to it later.

Before you get started

To ensure that the process goes smoothly for you, you should complete the following steps before applying:

  1. Review the program that you wish to apply for. Note the admission criteria, admission instructions, requirements & structure and any additional information listed.
  2. Review the program fees and costs.
  3. Check whether your postgraduate program has a Semester or a Trimester closing date. Please view the application closing date.
  4. If you are from a non-English-speaking background, you need to satisfy the University's English language requirements and ensure that you can provide evidence of your English proficiency if required.

You will be considered for entry based on criteria such as your undergraduate studies and/or equivalent prior learning and/or relevant work experience.

Postgraduate application process

Other things to consider

Make sure you double check the special entry requirements, assumed knowledge or recommended studies for the degree:

  • Applicants with a Bachelor Degree (AQF level 7) in a related Science and/or Engineering discipline area will be assessed by the Faculty.
  • If admitted into the program, applicants completing the General Pathway may be eligible for up to 40 units of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) reducing the program to 120 units.
  • Applicants completing the Research Specialisation will not be eligible for the 40 units of RPL and must complete the 160 unit program.
  • Applicants with a Bachelor Honours Degree/Graduate Certificate/Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8), Master Degree (AQF Level 9) in a related Science and/or Engineering discipline area will be assessed by the Faculty on a case-by-case basis. Exact RPL can only be determined on application.

You can look at Uni prep for options to brush up on knowledge before you start.

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