Materials engineering

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

MATERIALS ENGINEERING

A ground-breaking field of research and a thriving job market for aspiring engineers

How to apply

What is Materials engineering?

Materials engineering is all about making new materials and improving existing ones. It’s about making things stronger, lighter and more functional, sustainable and cost-effective. It underpins much of engineering – if we want to make things, we need to have materials with the right properties.

As a materials engineer, your expertise will be sought after in the emerging fields of additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, biomedical materials, electronic materials, recycling and energy generation, the development of lightweight metal alloys and in traditional industries such asmetallurgy, mining and infrastructure engineering.

Why study Materials engineering at Monash University?

Demand for materials engineers continues to outstrip supply, with Monash graduates receiving an exceptional response in the employment market. Consistently ranked amongst the best in the world, Monash offers a world-class educational experience for aspiring materials engineers.

#32

in the world and #1 in Australia for Materials Science engineering

81.4%

of graduates secure full-time employment within 4 months of graduating

Recognition

This engineering degree is accredited by Engineers Australia

Your pathway to success

From your first day to your final lecture, you’ll have everything you need to be prepared for a successful career.

Industry based learning

Monash Engineering offers world class industry internships and programs that put you at the top of the employability market.

World-class facilities

Some of the facilities and research centres that will enhance your learning experience include the Woodside building for Technology and Design, Monash Makerspace, Monash Centre for Additive Manufacturing (MCAM) and Woodside FutureLab.

Join a student team

You can join one of the many student teams like Monash Forge, Precious Plastics, Monash Nova Rover or Engineers Without Borders and form lasting friendships, get hands on experience and put your classroom learning into practice.

Your future Materials engineering career prospects

When you graduate as a materials engineer, you will work across a range of exciting industries including aerospace, biomedical, mining, future manufacturing, 3D printing and recycling. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in top companies including:

  • Tesla
  • AECOM
  • CSIRO
  • Deloitte
  • NASA
  • Department of Defence
  • Glaxo Smith Kline
  • KPMG
  • Dyson
  • Woodside
  • BASF
  • Exxonmobile
  • GHD
  • Telstra
  • BlueScope
  • Ford
  • Environment Protection Authority

What you will learn in Materials engineering

You will explore topics such as crystallography, thermodynamics, biological engineering and solid mechanics.

Look at the applications of materials, concentrating on the unique properties of specific material groups (e.g. polymers/plastics, ceramics, metals, metal alloys), as well as surface properties such as corrosion and adhesion.

Undertake specific studies of the use of real materials in engineering. Materials design and professional skills are also a key emphasis in your final year – as is the major practical research project.

Expand your skills with an engineering minor

Complement your engineering specialisation with a minor and tailor your studies to explore your interests and expand your career opportunities. Choose from:

Artificial intelligence in engineering

Civil engineering

Computational engineering

Intelligent manufacturing

Internet of Things (IoT)

Environmental engineering

Electric vehicle technology

Medical technology

Micro and nano technologies

Mining engineering

Networks for connectivity

Power and energy systems engineering

Renewable energy engineering

Semiconductor

Sensory Systems in Industry 4.0

Smart manufacturing

Sustainable energy transition

Sustainable engineering

Telecommunications infrastructure

Transport

Artificial intelligence in engineering

Artificial intelligence is used by engineers to develop driverless vehicles, meaningful human machine interaction and image recognition. Create new designs involving robotics, deep learning, computer vision and autonomous vehicles. [Available at Clayton & Malaysia]

Civil engineering

Civil engineers design and improve systems and processes that allow humans and nature to coexist with minimal impact. They design and build high capacity transportation systems; construct large commercial and industrial complexes; water supply and pollution control systems; and repair or replace roads, bridges and other structures. [Available at Clayton]

Computational engineering

Computational engineering is a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field that simulates the physical world using computers to solve engineering design problems, develop new technologies and shape the world we live in. Biomedical devices, submarines and wind turbines are just a few examples where computer models are used to predict how new designs will behave in reality. [Available at Clayton]

Intelligent manufacturing

Involves applying creative problem-solving techniques to various manufacturing processes to produce any specific components required to build a product or a functional system at any scale. This minor provides the foundation for future engineers to create new products, technologies and automation techniques catering to the demands of the fast-paced world. [Available at Malaysia]

The Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) minor dives into the fast-growing world of interconnected systems that bridge computing, networking, and sensor technologies. Through a mix of hands-on projects and theoretical coursework, you will learn how to design, deploy, and manage IoT solutions across diverse sectors, from smart cities to healthcare and energy systems. [Available at Malaysia]

Environmental engineering

Environmental engineering involves the implementation and management of solutions that are in harmony with the principles of sustainable development. By improving the knowledge on air, water and land quality, environmental engineers help restore the environment and protect our natural world. [Available at Clayton]

Electric vehicle technology

The Electric vehicle technology minor equips you with the essential interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to thrive in the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry. Covering key areas like vehicle design, electric powertrains, battery management, power electronics and autonomous EVs, this minor prepares you to tackle complex challenges like vehicle range and efficiency. By emphasising multifaceted approaches and focusing on the latest technologies and methodologies. [Available at Malaysia]

Medical technology

The Medical Technology minor will allow you to study medical devices ranging through cardiac valves and pacemakers, hip replacements, stents and contact lenses, as well as topics in controlled drug delivery, biosensor devices, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. You will examine the interactions between engineered devices and biological systems, and learn to negotiate design, economic and regulatory constraints in developing new technologies and translating them into clinical practice. [Available at Clayton]

Micro and nano technologies

Micro and nano technologies form the basis of any modern miniaturised system including electronic devices, sensors and actuators in smartphones and vehicles and diagnostic systems, biomedical devices and devices for environmental monitoring. Explore how the design properties of nanostructured materials may be exploited for everyday applications, ranging from food packaging and sunscreens, to sensors and energy-related areas. [Available at Clayton]

Mining engineering

Mining engineering involves environmentally-safe extraction and processing of natural minerals from the earth. Mining engineers supply critical materials like copper, iron, lithium and gold, that are essential for modern society and the world’s economy. Automation and digital technologies are modernising the mining industry and transforming mining careers. [Available at Clayton]

Networks for connectivity

The Networks for connectivity offers an opportunity to delve into the design and performance of smart networks and associated technologies. This includes exploration of communications protocols, multimedia, and optimisation techniques for enhancing network performance. [Available at Clayton]

Power and energy systems engineering

Power and energy systems engineering will enable you to explore power and energy systems, covering aspects from generation and transmission to distribution and low-voltage levels, including power customers. [Available at Clayton]

Renewable energy engineering

Renewable energy engineering focuses on the fundamental conversion of solar radiation, wind, hydro, and bioenergy resources into electricity by designing, building and operating energy plants such as wind farms, solar farms and hydro power facilities. Renewable energy engineers run the large-scale energy system incorporating renewables, and provide expert advice in the development of energy policy. [Available at Clayton]

Semiconductor

The semiconductor minor allows you to explore the principles and applications of semiconductor technology, the backbone of modern electronics. Through a blend of theoretical coursework and hands-on lab experiences, you'll gain a deep understanding of the design, fabrication, and characterisation of semiconductor devices. Develop expertise in cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, positioning yourself to tackle complex challenges in this field. [Available at Malaysia]

Sensory Systems in Industry 4.0

Sensory Systems in Industry 4.0 allow you to acquire the necessary knowledge and techniques to understand the analogue world, and its significance in processing and interaction within modern industries. Gain an understanding of advanced sensory systems, associated programming techniques and autonomous systems, to succeed in Industry 4.0, which integrates emerging technologies from the Internet of Things, cloud computing, machine learning, AI and more. [Available at Malaysia]

Smart manufacturing

Smart manufacturing is the core of Industry 4.0 which includes cyber-physical systems, Internet of Things, and augmented reality. This minor equips engineers with the knowledge of modern systems of telecommunication, mechatronics, cyber-physics, and manufacturing for the new era of industry. [Available at Clayton]

Sustainable energy transition

Sustainable energy transition empowers you with the knowledge and skills to address the evolving challenges of energy systems in the pursuit of sustainability. It builds a solid technical foundation and nurtures the innovative mindset essential for advancing your career in the rapidly growing energy sector. [Available at Malaysia]

Sustainable engineering

The Sustainable engineering minor provides the knowledge and skills to understand the interplay between the environment and human activities. A growing multidisciplinary field of engineering, you’ll be introduced to life-cycle analysis, sustainability in the built environments including passive and active technologies, and the political, social and environmental background to materials usage. [Available at Clayton]

Telecommunications infrastructure

The Telecommunications Infrastructure minor will enable you to delve into communication technologies, encompassing wireless (5G), optical and future-generation technologies, routing and switching principles, and telecommunications protocols. [Available at Clayton]

Transport

Transport is an essential component of the sustainability, economic and social outcomes of cities. How can we shape the transport system to reduce emissions, have a positive impact on cities, and embrace cutting-edge technologies? This minor will provide students with the skills to tackle the complex challenges of modern, sustainable transport systems. [Available at Clayton]

Earn two degrees with only one extra year of study

Combining engineering with another degree gives you a distinct set of skills and helps you stand out in today’s competitive job market. Combine Materials engineering with:

Architectural Design

Arts

Biomedical Science

Commerce

Computer Science

Design

Information Technology

Laws (Honours)

Pharmaceutical Science

Science

Architectural Design

The building industry needs engineering professionals with strong architectural knowledge. The combination of architectural design with civil engineering is an exploration of creative solutions to a wide variety of engineering and social problems.You’ll graduate with valuable skills for transforming the built environment, from the design of buildings or bridges to renovating existing structures to work more efficiently. The ability to provide solutions through creative thinking and realistic applications will make you attractive to architectural and engineering firms in Australia and overseas.

Arts

Combining an engineering degree with an arts degree provides complementary skills in technology and communications. You’ll develop the transferable skills employers are looking for: communication, teamwork, research and critical thinking. Arts at Monash provides your comprehensive gateway to about 40 areas of study across the arts, humanities and social sciences. With this dual degree you’ll have a portfolio uniquely tailored to meet your interests and aspirations.

Biomedical Science

If you’re eager to explore a career in biological/biomedical engineering, consider a double degree in engineering and biomedical science. Advances in biological sciences and demand for technological solutions are creating opportunities for engineers. In the coming years engineering will be transformed, as it parallels and fuses with developments in biomedical science.

Commerce

Do you dream of making it big in the business world? If so, engineering and commerce is a powerful combination. Many CEOs of major corporations have engineering qualifications. People with sound business skills and a strong technological background are consistently in demand across many industries and organisations.

Computer Science

Computer science provides solutions to the ever-increasing information challenges in the modern world. Industry needs people who can extract and analyse information from the massive datasets generated by engineering processes and devices. Big data is the new challenge and opportunity in engineering practice across industries from construction and manufacturing, to transport and the energy sector. This double degree integrates theoretical and practical skills to solve engineering problems and create innovative solutions across the IT spectrum, from hardware to software.

Design

Have an eye for form and function? Like to build things? Consider combining mechanical engineering with design to become a product design engineer. Product design engineers design and develop manufactured products that are functional, ergonomic, beautiful and well-engineered. This double degree integrates the technical and project management skills of an engineer with the creativity and manufacturing know-how of an industrial designer.

Information Technology

In an age of increasing technological advancements, the synergy between engineering and information technology will only become stronger. IT underpins engineering practice in all disciplines, and industry needs graduates with skills and expertise spanning both. You could do anything from designing a stunning visualisation of engineering data, to building an app for data collection, to setting up the business IT processes to deliver an engineering product via the internet. This double degree combines creative and problem-solving skills to use IT in engineering applications.

Laws (Honours)

An engineering and law degree bridges the gap between technological and legal issues. This double degree combination produces engineers who are sensitive to the legal, corporate and political implications of technology and its applications. As an engineering and law graduate, you’re eligible to practise as a solicitor; alternatively, you might join the legal team of an engineering, manufacturing or technology firm.

Pharmaceutical Science

There’s an increasing demand for pharmaceutical scientists with the expertise to take products from the design and formulation stage through to manufacturing. Chemical engineers can design, run and troubleshoot production facilities, but their training typically excludes the skills to develop pharmaceutical and related products. Similarly, formulation scientists can invent and test products such as pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics, but they lack the know-how to manage the product process beyond the laboratory stage.This double degree combines chemical engineering and pharmaceutical science to produce professionals capable of covering the full spectrum of the pharmaceutical product design and development process.

Science

Engineering is concerned with the application of science, however many engineers are fascinated by scientific investigation and eager to enhance their understanding of the pure sciences. You may choose to combine engineering with food science or technology, or explore the fundamentals of the cosmos through astrophysics. Or you may be interested in the most fascinating machine of all – the human body.

Hear from our engineering students

Jefferson Lam

I hope that my research, inspired by plants and their structures, will guide the next generation of solar panels, so they are more efficient, affordable, lightweight and durable. By probing into the surface structure of plant leaves and discovering how they handle light so efficiently while also being weather resistant, we can begin to replicate similar structures onto solar panels. I dream that one day I’ll look out my window and see solar panels on rooftops, cars, and building facades, all thanks to my research efforts.”

Read Jefferson's story

Jefferson Lam

PhD Student (Materials Science and Engineering)

Bachelor of Materials Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Science

Ezio Rizzardo Polymer Scholarship, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering

Latest Materials engineering news

Ready to apply?

4 years full-time/ 8 years part-time

Starts: February/July

Clayton campus

You’re almost there. Find out all you need to know about making an application, including entry requirements, course structure, fees, scholarships, double degree options and more.

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