Materials Science
Materials Science at Oxford University combines physics, chemistry, and engineering to explore materials’ structure, properties, and applications. Students study metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors, nanomaterials, and biomaterials, while developing innovative materials and advanced manufacturing techniques. The course covers emerging fields like nanotechnology, energy storage, quantum computing, and medical technologies, supported by world-class labs and expert teaching. Students gain optional language skills, entrepreneurial training, and complete a fourth-year full-time research project, building problem-solving, project management, and communication skills highly valued by employers in academia, industry, and technology sectors.
Course Overview
- UCAS code: FJ22
- Entry requirements: A*AA (A* in Maths, Physics, or Chemistry)
- Course duration: 4 years (MEng)
Subject Requirements
- Required subjects: Maths and Physics
- Recommended subjects: Chemistry
- Helpful subjects: Further Maths, Design and Technology (Product Design)
Other Course Requirements
- Admissions tests: PAT
- Written work: Not required
Admissions Statistics*
- Interviewed: 69%
- Offer rate: 24%
- Annual intake: 40
Work Placements & International Experience
Students are encouraged to participate in optional summer projects in industry or research laboratories. Recent international placements have taken students to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Tokyo. Additionally, some Easter holidays feature optional industrial tours abroad, with past destinations including Germany, Singapore, France, China, and Sweden, providing valuable global exposure and hands-on experience.
A Typical Week
In Years 1 and 2, students typically divide their time between around ten lectures per week, two tutorials or classes, and two to three afternoons of practical sessions. Preparing for each tutorial or class usually takes six to eight hours.
Year 3 begins with a two-week team design project, followed by roughly eight lectures and two tutorials/classes per week during the first two terms, while the final term is primarily reserved for revision.
Year 4 focuses on an extended supervised research project spanning three terms.
Lectures in Years 1 and 2 are often attended by the full year group of about 40 undergraduates. Year 3 Options lectures usually involve smaller groups of undergraduates alongside a few research students. Year 1 supporting classes and tutorials generally have 2–4 students per tutor, while Mathematics tutorial groups in Years 1 and 2 typically consist of up to six students. Year 3 Options tutorial groups are slightly larger, with 8–12 students per group.
Most teaching is delivered by Professors and Associate Professors, many of whom are internationally recognised experts in their fields, while some sessions may be taught by postdoctoral researchers or postgraduate students.
For further details on the teaching structure throughout the academic year, visit the [Academic Year page].
Course structure
Year 1 Courses and Assessment
Students will study a comprehensive set of core and optional topics, including:
Physical Foundations of Materials
Structure and Mechanical Properties of Materials
Transforming Materials
Mathematics for Materials Science
Computing for Materials Science (MATLAB)
Crystallography Classes
Practical Laboratory Work
Foreign Language (optional)
Assessment: First University Examinations consist of four written papers, supplemented by continual assessment components equivalent to a fifth paper, ensuring a balanced evaluation of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Year 2
Students in the Materials Science programme will engage with a wide range of core and optional subjects, including:
Lifecycle, Processing, and Engineering of Materials
Electronic Properties of Materials
Mechanical Properties of Materials
Structure and Thermodynamics of Materials
Foreign Language (optional)
Supplementary Subject (optional)
Mathematics for Materials Science
Practical Laboratory Course
Entrepreneurship Course
Industrial Visits and Guest Talks
Communication Skills Development
This diverse curriculum ensures students gain a strong theoretical foundation while also developing practical, professional, and transferable skills that are highly valued in research, industry, and global careers.
Year 3 Courses and Assessment
In the Materials Science programme, students explore a mix of core and optional modules designed to build deep expertise and practical skills:
Materials Options Courses 1
Materials Options Courses 2
Team Design Project
Introduction to Materials Modelling Module
Characterisation of Materials or Atomistic Modelling Module
Industrial Visits and Industry Talks
Examples of current options courses can be found on the [Materials Science website].
At the start of Year 3, students may choose to transfer to a 3-year BA in Materials Science, completing their degree at the end of Year 3. Note that the BA pathway is not accredited—further details are available on the Materials Science website.
Assessment: Final University Examinations, Part I, include six written papers along with continual assessment components equivalent to an additional two papers, ensuring both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding are rigorously evaluated.
Year 4 Research and Assessment
In the final year, students undertake a full-time research project, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge Materials Science. The project also develops essential skills in:
Project Management
Ethics and Sustainability
Presentation Skills
Optional Foreign Language Study
Progression to Part II requires students to achieve a minimum of 50% in Part I assessments.
A wide range of project titles is available on the [Materials Science website], reflecting current research trends and industry needs.
Assessment: Final University Examinations, Part II, are equivalent to four papers and include:
Submission and evaluation of the project dissertation
An oral examination of the dissertation, testing understanding, analysis, and communication of research outcomes
Academic Requirements
| Qualification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| A-levels | AAA, including Mathematics and Physics, with an A in either Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry |
| Advanced Highers | AA/AAB, including Mathematics and Physics |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 40 points including core, with 766 at Higher Level (Mathematics and Physics mandatory, 7 in either Mathematics, Physics, or Chemistry) |
| Other Equivalent Qualifications | Details on other UK and international qualifications are available on the Oxford website. Grades are assessed in context wherever possible. |
Further guidance on how contextual data is used is available [here].
Subject Requirements
Essential: Candidates must be studying Mathematics and Physics at A-level or equivalent. GCSE-level Chemistry (or equivalent) is also required.
Recommended: Studying Chemistry at A-level or equivalent is highly desirable. If not taken to this level, AS-level Chemistry is strongly advised.
Helpful: Further Mathematics (FM) is useful but not mandatory. For students taking Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and FM at A-level, the conditional offer typically requires AAA in the first three subjects (A in any) with the expectation to continue FM. Equivalent arrangements apply for students taking a different fourth subject.
Science Practical Requirements: If any science A-level includes a practical component, passing it is expected.
English Language: Applicants whose first language is not English may need to meet Oxford’s English language requirements.
Foundation Year Option: Students unable to meet these grade requirements but with a strong interest in Materials Science may apply for the Materials Science with Foundation Year. More details are available on the Foundation Year course pages.
Applying
All candidates must follow the standard Oxford application procedure as outlined on the [Applying to Oxford pages].
Admissions Test:
Test: Physics Admissions Test (PAT)
Test Dates: 22 & 23 October 2025
Registration Window: 18 June – 19 September 2025 (6pm BST)
Booking Window: 18 August – 26 September 2025 (6pm BST)
All applicants must take the PAT. Detailed guidance on registration, test preparation, and tips can be found on the [PAT test page].
Written Work: No written work is required when applying for Materials Science.
Tutor Expectations: Tutors look for strong problem-solving skills, analytical reasoning, and a genuine interest in Materials Science.
Careers
Graduates of Materials Science at Oxford apply their technical expertise across a wide range of industries. Many work in manufacturing, taking on roles in research and development, engineering, and management, while others pursue careers in finance, consultancy, and IT. A strong proportion of alumni continue with advanced research degrees at leading universities in the UK and internationally. As Katherine, an Oxford Materials graduate, recalls: “After university, I joined Rolls-Royce, working on aeroplanes, boats, and power stations, moving between engineering roles around the globe every three months,” highlighting the diverse and dynamic career paths this degree enables.
Fees
For full-time Home undergraduate students, Oxford University charges tuition fees at the government-set cap, currently £9,535 for 2025/26, used here as a guide for courses starting in 2026. Fees are subject to annual adjustments, with final confirmation issued once the government publishes updated figures. Annual course fees for 2026 entry are: Home students: £9,535; Overseas students: £62,820. Detailed guidance on eligibility for fee status is available on the [fee status webpage], and further information on tuition and anticipated increases can be found on the University’s course fees page.
Living Costs
Living costs at Oxford can often be lower than expected, thanks to extensive college support and access to world-class facilities. For students starting in 2026, monthly living expenses are estimated between £1,405 and £2,105 while in Oxford. The academic year is divided into three eight-week terms, so most students spend just over six months in Oxford, though budgeting for a nine-month period is recommended to cover essential costs during vacations. For more details, see the University’s [living costs webpage].
Financial Support
Home Students
Eligible Home students (UK, Irish nationals, and others with UK citizens’ rights) can access a tuition fee loan from the UK government to cover course fees in full for their first undergraduate degree, meaning no upfront payment is required.
From 2026, Oxford offers one of the most generous bursary packages in the UK for students from households with an income of around £50,000 or less, with additional support for those from households earning £32,500 or less. The UK government also provides living cost support for eligible Home students and those with settled status.
*From 1 August 2021, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals with UK citizens’ rights (pre-settled/settled status or Irish citizens under the Common Travel Area) are eligible for UK student finance. The type and amount of support depend on residency status.
[See further details]
Islands Students (Channel Islands and Isle of Man)
Financial support differs from that of students from the rest of the UK. For guidance, check your local funding agency:
[States of Jersey]
[States of Guernsey]
[Isle of Man]
Overseas Students
International students can explore funding options via the Other Scholarships section on the [Oxford Bursaries and Scholarships page].
Important Note: Students who have already completed an undergraduate degree will be classified as Equivalent or Lower Qualification (ELQ) students and are not eligible for UK government or Oxford funding.