The Master of Materials Science and Engineering offers students the opportunity to participate in both coursework and research. Using state-of-the-art infrastructure available at the world-renowned Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) at the University of Newcastle, students will undertake research related to the design and discovery of new materials, such as advanced materials, nanomaterials, functional materials, biomaterials, drug carriers, photovoltaics, soft materials and useful metal alloys.

This program will develop and train the next generation of material scientists and engineers, not only for Australia, but also as a significant source of intellectual talent for the global materials economy.

Students will gain an understanding of how the processing of a material influences its structure, properties and performance. They will learn to apply this knowledge to address challenging issues in a variety of fields, including education, vehicles, cosmetics, medicine, pharmacy, petroleum, steel, electronics, information technology, energy and environmental technologies, forensic engineering, and space science.

Why study with us?

• Study with a team of world-leading materials science experts in the Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) – learn how to develop advanced nanostructures for various applications across the energy, environment and health sectors.
• Learn from leading experts best in the field - including GICAN Global Innovation Chair and Director, Professor Ajayan Vinu.
• Project-based learning - students will have opportunities to engage with industry sponsored projects at the GICAN centre, as a part of their 1-year research project. This prepares our students for high pace industrial research and gain insights into the industrial work environment.
• Up skill for broader employment opportunities – this program was created specifically to address the needs and demands of both individuals and industry.
• Unique program offering – our program has been designed with new courses currently not offered by other major universities across Australia.
• Flexible study options – At the University of Newcastle, you can choose to study full-time or part-time to suit your professional and personal needs.

Take advantage of state-of-the-art infrastructure at the University’s Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) to focus on the design and discovery of new materials such as advanced nanomaterials, functional materials, biomaterials, drug carriers, photovoltaics, electrode materials for batteries and supercapacitors, electro catalytic materials, photocatalytic materials, soft materials and useful metal alloys.

The unique program involves a broad range of disciplines such as chemistry, solid-state physics, ceramics, metallurgy, polymer science, engineering, computing, biology, pharmacy, energy and environmental technologies.

2024 Program Handbook:

Refer to the program handbook for details of the complete program structure, course requirements and availability.

View program handbook

Materials science and engineering expertise is in high demand across a range of industries and job roles including:

• Defence
• Medical technology
• Environmental services
• Catalysis
• Petrochemical
• Adsorption and separation
• Metallurgist
• Mining and minerals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemical engineering
• Clean fuels
• Energy technology (solar cells, batteries, super-capacitors and fuel cells)
• Data analyst (financial and information).

Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (AQF level 7) in a related Science and/or Engineering discipline area will be assessed by the Faculty. If admitted into the program, applicants completing

TOEFL paper-based test score of 550; TOEFL internet based score of 79;

IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5;

PTE GSE score of 58;

Cambridge English: Advanced score of 58.