Materials science/technology : Your skills

A materials science/technology degree course covers a combination of engineering, scientific and mathematical disciplines. It may be studied as a single honours degree or as a joint/combined subject with a range of other subjects.

During the course you gain an understanding of manufacturing, processing and the fabrication of materials, their properties and performance in different environments, and learn to design using different materials to meet particular specifications.

Studying for a materials science/technology degree also provides you with a strong set of transferable skills valued by employers. These include:

• analytical and problem-solving skills;
• a high standard of numeracy;
• IT competency and computer-modelling experience;
• research and report-writing skills;
• creative and independent thinking;
• time management, planning and organisational skills;
• commercial awareness and business skills.

Presentations and group projects help to develop strong oral communication skills, including the ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely, to persuade and negotiate with others and to build interpersonal relationships. These are key skills for many materials-based roles, which often involve consulting, advising clients or colleagues and working in cross-functional teams.

You also study your academic subject in context, providing you with an understanding of the challenges currently facing the science and engineering sectors, including issues concerning the environment, sustainability, cost saving and competition from overseas production.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.