Bachelor (Honours)
Materials engineers are involved in every aspect of technology, from designing new materials for use in electronic circuits, electric vehicles, water purification systems, medical implants, and green energy generation and storage, to developing sustainable processes and...
Materials engineers are involved in every aspect of technology, from designing new materials for use in electronic circuits, electric vehicles, water purification systems, medical implants, and green energy generation and storage, to developing sustainable processes and recyclable eco-friendly products. As we move forward in the 21st century, healthy living, sustainability, and environmental responsibility are becoming increasingly important considerations in materials development and application.
The UNSW School of Materials Science and Engineering is perfectly positioned to lead the rapid drive towards the next generation of materials and sustainable processes that will improve our environment, health, standard of living, national security, and economic prosperity. We have recently redesigned our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree in Materials Science and Engineering to create one of the most contemporary degrees of its kind in Australia, with a strong emphasis on societal impact. This revised program is available to students commencing their studies in 2024.
The program begins by concentrating on fundamental science and engineering principles, providing you with a solid understanding of the relationship between the structure, properties, and performance of metallic, ceramic, polymeric, composite, nano-structured, and bio- & nature-inspired materials. As you progress, you will explore how these materials can be transformed into eco-friendly products and useful devices through sustainable manufacturing processes.
In the latter stages of your degree, the focus shifts towards the principles involved in designing, selecting, and processing materials for use in applications that positively impact society. Ultimately, the new degree program is designed to cultivate the necessary professional and socially aware mindset required for a successful career as a materials engineer.
This degree program integrates a combination of state-of-the-art lectures, practical hands-on laboratory work, and research and design projects. Additionally, it incorporates components of professional communication, computing, data analytics, engineering management, materials life cycle assessment, and industry training.
Study with the best
Materials Science at UNSW is ranked equal 30th in the world and 1st in Australia.* The School of Materials Science and Engineering is uniquely positioned to train the next generation of materials engineering graduates with a passion for making a positive difference to the world. The School's team of leading educators and state-of-the-art teaching, computing, materials processing, characterisation, and property testing facilities provides you with a world-class education and industrial training environment that prepares you for a significant and fulfilling professional career.
Leverage our industry partnerships
We have a number of partnerships and collaborations with leading industry names including Cochlear, Boral, CSIRO, BHP, Hitachi Chemical Limited, OneSteel and Weir Minerals. Our strong industry links provide you with great opportunities to develop valuable relationships with Australian and international materials engineering enterprises.
Connect with world class research centres, hubs, and institutes
UNSW is home to advanced developments in the fields of materials science and engineering, biomedical engineering, and sustainable materials processing, and many of our staff are affiliated with one or more of the following centres, hubs, and institutes:
*QS World University Rankings by Subject
At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
For students commencing in 2025 and 2026: Mathematics Extension 1, Physics however additional subject of Chemistry is highly recommended.
For students commencing in 2027: Mathematics Extension 1, Physics and Chemistry
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
| Qualifications | Direct entry requirement |
|---|---|
|
International ATAR
|
80
|
| UNSW Foundation Studies GPA |
7.3
|
|
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
|
10
All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1. |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
|
29
Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au |
|
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
|
1170
Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies. |
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
A Bachelor of Engineering degree in Materials Science and Engineering offers diverse career opportunities, including:
These types of career paths are just the beginning, as the field of materials science and engineering is constantly evolving to meet a wide range of societal and environmental demands.
This double degree is accredited by Engineers Australia, the largest professional body for engineers in the country. By becoming a member of Engineers Australia, you will have access to a network of over 100,000 professionals and enjoy the benefits of being connected to the biggest advocate for your future profession.
"I was drawn to the interdisciplinary possibilities of Materials Science. Bridging science and engineering, the subject matter had a good coverage of both the theory of why and how materials have the properties they do, and practical applications in industry. Being both a scientist and engineer meant working with a diverse group of students and academics, so I had a fantastic time at uni! In the later years, the close-knit community at MSE really shone through, especially the support we gave each other during our honours thesis research projects."
Holstein Wong
Business Development Manager, Emesent
"I chose materials science because it was a unique field of study that bordered on both science and engineering. There are aspects of materials science which draw heavily on fundamental chemistry, biology and physics, and another side which is focused on real life applications of materials technology. Being one of the top 50 universities in the world, I could not think of a better place than UNSW to begin my career as a materials scientist."
Alan Xu
Materials Scientist at ANSTO & Adjunct Lecturer at UNSW