Master of Materials Technology
Join the forefront of materials innovation.
Domestic
International
Broaden your knowledge of the design, selection, use and performance of modern materials. This program will put you at the forefront of innovation, enabling you to develop materials that are lighter, greener and stronger.
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Award
Master of Materials Technology
Commencing Terms
Term 1, Term 2, Term 3
Duration (Full Time)
2 Year(s)
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Everything we use is made of materials, yet only a handful of these materials occur naturally. All the rest have been microscopically engineered originally by nature, but increasingly by materials engineers/scientists. The Master of Materials Technology is the leading Australian postgraduate degree for those looking to pursue a career in this field.
Your study will include both a coursework component (75%) and a research component (25%). This degree covers a broad spectrum of materials science and engineering, emphasising the application of the basic sciences to the understanding of the structure, properties and processing of materials. This program is suitable for graduates with science, engineering, technology or related backgrounds.
Key features
- Flexible study options
This program focuses on materials processing, design, technology and industry management. You’ll choose elective courses from a wide range of topics - from process metallurgy and phase transformations to thermodynamics, kinetics and polymer science. This degree also includes a component of experimental or design project work and an original research project in a specialisation of your choice.
- Our unique course offering
UNSW’s School of Materials Science and Engineering is the only school in Australia that offers professional courses in ceramic engineering, metallurgical engineering and materials engineering.
- Wide range of career opportunities
Careers in materials science can range from developing new integrated circuits, transport vehicles, battery devices and medical implants, through to sustainable materials processing and the development of new materials for green energy generation.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Learn with the best
UNSW’s School of Materials Science and Engineering is leading the way in innovative research and education. The School is extremely well equipped with a wide range of advanced computing, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, X-ray and optical and electron microscopy facilities.
- We’re of the top 50 universities in the world for Materials Science (#38).*
- We’re ranked 1st in Australia for research output in Chemistry and Physical Sciences.*
Leverage our industry partnerships
We have a number of partnerships and collaborations with leading industry names such as Boral, CSIRO, Hitachi Chemical Limited, OneSteel and Weir Minerals. Our strong industry partnerships provide you with great opportunities to develop valuable relationships with Australian materials engineering enterprises.
Connect with industry-leading research centres
UNSW is home to advanced developments in the field through its highly regarded research centres including the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology, Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute and ARC Centre of Excellence for Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
**Nature Index Institution Outputs 1 Dec 2019 – 30 Nov 2020
Program Code
8717
CRICOS Code
085912A
Campus
Kensington
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
96
Indicative Enrolments
133
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
For entry into this degree, you must have one of the following:
- a four-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 in a cognate science or engineering discipline (e.g., materials science and engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, mineral engineering and mechanical engineering)
- a bachelor’s degree with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 50-65 in a cognate science or engineering discipline and approximately five years’ professional experience in a relevant field such as in the materials processing or testing industry
- an honours degree at a recognised university
- a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in the materials sciences with a minimum WAM of 65.
Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experience not listed above may apply for admission to this program. You will need to demonstrate that you have achieved the same knowledge and skills through your formal or informal learning as the qualifications listed for entry into this program.
Those applying for admission from a cognate field and/or with an honours degree may receive Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). Those entering from a non-cognate bachelor’s degree or other degrees will only be eligible for credit where it is directly relevant to materials technology.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For entry into this degree, you must have one of the following:
- a four-year bachelor’s degree with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 in a cognate science or engineering discipline (e.g., materials science and engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, mineral engineering and mechanical engineering)
- a bachelor’s degree with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 50-65 in a cognate science or engineering discipline and approximately five years’ professional experience in a relevant field such as in the materials processing or testing industry
- an honours degree at a recognised university
- a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in the materials sciences with a minimum WAM of 65.
Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experience not listed above may apply for admission to this program. You will need to demonstrate that you have achieved the same knowledge and skills through your formal or informal learning as the qualifications listed for entry into this program.
Those applying for admission from a cognate field and/or with an honours degree may receive Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). Those entering from a non-cognate bachelor’s degree or other degrees will only be eligible for credit where it is directly relevant to materials technology.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
This degree covers a broad spectrum of materials science and engineering, emphasising the application of the basic sciences to the understanding of the structure, properties and processing of materials.
Full program structure
The Master of Materials Technology can be completed in one to two years of full-time study. The length of your program will depend on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The program is made up of 12 courses total, including four core courses and eight electives. You’ll also complete a compulsory supervised research project.
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You must take MATS6114 Research Project A twice and MATS6113 Research Project once to satisfy the research component of this program.
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You’ll choose eight courses from the following list of electives.
- Engineering in Process Metallurgy
- Phase Transformations
- Process Metallurgy Advanced
- Fracture Mechanics and Failure Analysis
- Polymer Science and Engineering 2
- Recycling of Materials
- Sustainable Materials Engineering
- Advanced Functional Materials
- Advanced Alloys
- Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria
- Kinetics and Phase Transformations
- Physical Properties of Materials
- Chemical Properties of Materials
- Mechanical Properties of Materials
- Thermal Properties of Ceramics
- Functional Properties of Materials
- Polymer Materials Science
- Computational Materials Science
- Processes in Materials Engineering
- Characterisation of Materials
Future careers
Materials processing is at the heart of fabrication and design for every commercial-scale product that is manufactured. Materials scientists design and oversee a huge range of industrial functions that are used to develop new products and to improve on product design. Professionals in this field research the processes that go into developing the physical properties of materials that make up finished products.
Sustainability in materials processing
Sustainable processing engineers help to reduce our ever-growing pollution problems by developing and modifying new materials that replace non-biodegradable materials. Sustainable materials processing, particularly of our mineral resources, is vital to the long-term future of Australia and the international industry.
Career opportunities
Materials science and engineering qualifications open up career opportunities in many industries all over the world. You could work in a range of areas, including:
- fundamental scientific research
- manufacturing and materials processing
- quality control
- safety
- business and finance
- the environmental impact of materials
- the commercialisation of materials technologies.
The Master of Materials Technology will also prepare you for a career in emerging fields such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, and electronic and advanced materials.
Our alumni
“As a postgraduate student, the coursework in the material field taught me a lot of advanced scientific technology. The various assessments evaluate the students from different aspects, such as individual effort, team cooperation and oral presentation. Due to these assessments, my capability has been dramatically improved. I learnt to browse information online more comprehensively, to work as a team more efficiently, and also to present a speech in public more logically and confidently. I really appreciate my experience at UNSW, which will bring me a huge triumph in my life, and I will strongly encourage any potential researchers to join UNSW and achieve your goals.”
Runkai Liu
PhD Candidate
“A materials science researcher requires profound knowledge related to chemistry, physics or biology, and having rich experimental experience is also indispensable. It is a great pleasure for me that I had the chance to finish the MMT program at UNSW, which helped me develop the professional skills, knowledge and steadfast determination I needed for my career, allowing me to become a better materials science researcher.”
Xiaojun Ren
PhD Student in MSE, UNSW
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$31,920*
2023 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$64,400*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
2023 Indicative First Year Fee
$45,100*
2023 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$91,555*
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
My degree helped me develop the professional skills and knowledge I needed for my career.
