Materials

Materials Science at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of the structure, properties, processing, and applications of materials. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to contribute innovatively to industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, and biomedical sectors. Over the duration of the program, students explore a wide range of materials including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and emerging materials like nanomaterials and biomaterials. The curriculum emphasizes fundamental principles of physics, chemistry, and engineering, providing a solid foundation for understanding how materials behave under different conditions and how they can be engineered for specific applications. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, gain hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques, and develop critical analytical skills essential for materials characterization and design. The program also covers topics in sustainable materials, corrosion, materials failure, and the development of innovative solutions for modern challenges. Throughout their studies, students benefit from Oxford’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty who are leaders in their fields. The course promotes a problem-solving approach, fostering a mindset geared toward innovation and scientific discovery. Graduates from the Oxford Materials Science program are well-prepared for careers in research and development, academia, industry, or further postgraduate study. The program’s rigorous academic structure, combined with its emphasis on practical skills and interdisciplinary understanding, ensures that students are equipped to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of materials technology and address global challenges related to resource sustainability and material performance.

The MSc by Research in Materials is normally carried out in two years of full-time study under the supervision of an experienced member of staff. It is examined at the end of the programme by means of a written thesis and an oral examination. A wide range of exciting projects is available. In common with other UK universities the first year is a probationary year, soon after which, subject to satisfactory progress, students normally transfer to full MSc by Research status. Details of research degree programmes, including training opportunities (academic courses, research-specific skills and generic transferable career skills) and progression requirements, can be found in the current version of the graduate course handbook.

Research interests of the department extend over most branches of materials science, as well as some aspects of solid state physics and chemistry: they include the study of a wide range of materials of relevance in advanced technological applications, including metals and alloys, composites, semi- and super-conductors, polymers, biomaterials, ceramics and materials for quantum information processing.

Much of the research is carried out in close collaboration with industry. World-leading research takes place on:  

• characterisation of materials, where there is emphasis on electron microscopy and related techniques
• processing and manufacturing of materials
• modelling of materials, where there is attention to both structures and processes
• properties of materials
• energy materials, including those for batteries, nuclear fusion and photovoltaics
• quantum information processing, which includes groups working on experimental studies, theory and modelling.

Each of the department's research groups works within one or more of the following broad themes and research projects available to applicants for the MSc by Research in Materials are listed under these themes:

• energy materials
• structural and nuclear materials
• ceramics and composites
• applied superconductivity
• device materials (including semiconductors and NEMS)
• polymers and biomaterials
• nanomaterials
• processing and manufacturing
• characterisation of materials
• computational materials modelling
• quantum information processing (experimental studies, theory, and modelling).

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a suitable science subject; normally this subject would be one of materials science, chemistry, physics or mathematics, but could include other subjects depending on the area of research chosen.

For candidates offering a UK bachelor's degree or UK integrated undergraduate master's degree, normally an overall grade of at least 60% is required. As examples of international equivalents to this requirement: for the US system a GPA of 3.3 to 3.4 out of 4.0 on a four-year bachelor's programme is normally regarded as equivalent and for the Chinese system an overall degree mark of 82% on a four-year bachelor's degree programme is normally regarded as equivalent.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants for the department's research degrees have at least an overall mark of 65% in a UK bachelor's degree with Honours, or equivalent. International equivalents to this requirement: for the US system a GPA of 3.6 out of 4.0 on a four-year Bachelor's programme is normally regarded as equivalent and for the Chinese system an overall degree mark of 85% on a four-year bachelor's degree programme is normally regarded as equivalent.

Normally the required qualification(s) must be achieved by the date of commencement of the research programme for which you have applied.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: 400 words, accompanied by a list of preferred projects and supervisors
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Standard level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

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Funding options for the Materials Science program at the University of Oxford include a range of scholarships, studentships, and bursaries designed to support international and domestic students financially. The university offers numerous funding opportunities, such as the Clarendon Fund, which is highly competitive and available to both graduate and undergraduate students pursuing material-related degrees. Additionally, applicants can apply for specific departmental scholarships or external funding sources, including government-sponsored scholarships like those from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and international organizations.

Students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities through the university's dedicated funding database and departmental websites. The university also provides information about possible loans and part-time work opportunities during the course to assist students with their living costs. It is important for prospective students to note that funding deadlines vary, and early application is often recommended to maximize chances of securing financial support.

The university’s financial aid packages are designed to help cover tuition fees and living expenses, and some scholarships are renewable for the duration of the program provided academic performance criteria are met. Additionally, the university offers guidance and support to applicants seeking external funding sources, including government grants and private foundations.

Students enrolled in the Materials Science program can also consider research council funding if they are pursuing a research-based degree. In such cases, funding applications are typically submitted through the university’s graduate admissions process or directly to funding agencies. Students should consult the official university website and the Department of Materials for the most up-to-date and detailed information about the specific funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. Overall, prospective students are encouraged to plan their finances early and thoroughly explore all available funding sources to ensure they can fully focus on their academic pursuits during their studies at Oxford.

The Materials Science undergraduate programme at the University of Oxford provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental and applied aspects of materials. This multidisciplinary course explores the structure, properties, and performance of a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, preparing students for careers in research, industry, or academia. The programme integrates theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory skills, emphasizing the relationship between material structure at the atomic or molecular level and its macroscopic properties. Throughout the course, students engage with topics such as materials fabrication, characterization techniques, phase transformations, mechanical behavior, and sustainable materials development. The course is designed to foster critical thinking, experimental competence, and innovation, enabling graduates to address modern engineering and scientific challenges. The Oxford curriculum benefits from world-class facilities and close collaboration with industry, ensuring that students receive a cutting-edge education aligned with current technological advancements. Students also have opportunities to undertake research projects and internships, gaining hands-on experience and professional skills. The programme typically spans three or four years, culminating in a BA or BSc degree, with options for specialization in areas such as biomaterials, electronic materials, or structural materials. The academic environment at Oxford encourages intellectual curiosity, independent learning, and collaboration, supported by expert faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and a vibrant academic community. Graduates of the Materials Science programme are well-positioned to contribute to the development of new materials for use in healthcare, energy, aerospace, electronics, and environmental solutions, among other fields.