Materials Engineering

Materials engineers work to create and refine new materials that will allow us to change the world. They use their deep knowledge of how materials work to improve things – modifying an existing material, creating an entirely new material, or optimise the way a material is made – and then see the results.

Materials Engineering might be for you if you:

• Are inquisitive
• Enjoy understanding the world
• Like studying chemistry, mathematics and physics

Real world research:

• We are working with the European Space Agency to develop a 3D printer that works in microgravity. In future this could be used to make new metal parts on board the International Space Station!
• Working with industry and academic partners across Europe we are developing a new, more efficient manufacturing process for rare earth magnetic materials. These materials are used in many everyday objects such as mobile phones and hard drive drives.

Useful links:

• This Matters – Critical Materials
• Discover Materials Engineering at Birmingham
• ‘Stuff Matters’ – College of Engineering at Physical Sciences Christmas Lecture with Prof Mark Miodownik