Materials science/technology : Career areas

A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates indicates that six months after finishing their course 62% of materials science graduates were in employment in the UK or overseas. A further 4% were combining further study and work.

Of those entering employment, around 10% went into professional engineering-based roles. A further 15% branched out into the art and design sectors and 10% took management roles in the private and public sector.

The popular route for many materials graduates choosing to remain within engineering is to join a structured training programme that will support progression to chartered engineer status.

The skills developed during a materials science degree mean graduates are suited to many numerate roles, project management, technical sales positions, the law profession (specialising in industrial law) or even design-based positions.

Where are the jobs?

Opportunities for materials graduates are available in the manufacturing sector related to materials science and engineering. As well as materials companies (e.g. paints, steel), employers may be in oil and gas, aerospace, utilities, pharmaceuticals, the nuclear industry, the armed forces and defence. Opportunities are also available in teaching and research.

There are also many emerging and growth areas where materials graduates can find career openings, including nanotechnology, biomedical materials, high performance textiles, composites and the development of sustainable materials.

Opportunities are also available in a wide range of other industries such as finance (e.g. accountancy, banking, stockbroking and consultancy), publishing, advertising, the civil service and general administration.

For an insight into potential employment areas see:

• engineering - a diverse sector encompassing many different fields and roles, including consultancy, management, sales and research and development, as well as pure engineering roles;
• energy and utilities - in the UK, these sectors include oil, gas and petroleum, nuclear power, coal, renewable energies, waste management and water industries;
• manufacturing - a diverse sector that includes aerospace, chemicals, electronics and food and drink.

See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.

Statistics are collected every year by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, with the data being collected within just six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do?  and your degree...what next?