Materials Science

Explore the world of metals, polymers, ceramics, composites and semiconductors. From levitating trains to electronic paper, there are some exciting developments underway in the world of Materials Science that you could be a part of!
materials science subject

Why study Materials Science?

Materials Science focuses on understanding the intrinsic structure of a material and the control of its structure through processing. It studies the relationship of the engineering properties of the three main classes of materials (metals, polymers and ceramics) as well as composites and semiconductors.

Materials Scientists are in high demand internationally – particularly within the thriving polymer/plastics, metals, ceramics and composites industries. Your detailed understanding of material properties will help you to make important decisions on how to develop new materials and which materials should be used for specific products or applications.

The wider Waikato region contains the highest density of materials-based companies in New Zealand, so as a University of Waikato Materials Science graduate you could also have a number of local employment opportunities available to you.  You'll also gain the skills and knowledge to contribute to creating an engineering-based knowledge economy in New Zealand.

As a Materials Science student at the University of Waikato, you will benefit from teaching that is research-led, provided by experts from across the materials spectrum who are internationally renowned for their research in light metals and composites.

Facilities

The University of Waikato is home to a suite of well-equipped laboratories. You will have access to some of the latest scanning electron microscopy and advanced characterisation equipment – used to analyse and assess the structure of materials.

Career Opportunities

  • Materials Scientist
  • Materials Production Scientist/Consultant
  • Materials Failure Analyst
  • Sustainable Development Scientist/Consultant
  • Corrosion Consultant
  • Metallurgical Manufacturing Scientist/Consultant
  • Ceramic Manufacturing Scientist/Consultant
  • Composites Manufacturing Scientist/Consultant
  • Wood Manufacturing Scientist/Consultant
  • Research Scientist

Scholarships and Prizes

Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships

Materials Science papers

Contact us

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm

School of Science

School of Science, The University of Waikato, Gate 8, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton, New Zealand