Materials science/technology : Career areas

Six months after graduation 36% of materials science graduates are in full-time employment. A further 13% are combining further study and work.

Of those entering employment, around 15% go into professional engineering-based roles. A further 16% take on roles in research, analysis and development and another 22% take on other technical roles.

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

For further information on possibilities in other employment areas, see job sectors. 

Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within 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?