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

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

You'll need:

• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• maths knowledge
• knowledge of physics
• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
• analytical thinking skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a materials engineer, you could:

• research new ways to combine materials
• analyse test data, using computer modelling software
• develop prototypes for new products
• design manufacturing processes that use new materials
• investigate the reasons behind component or structural failures
• supervise a team of technicians

You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a laboratory or in an office.