Best UK Universities for Materials Science 2025 | QS Rankings

About Materials Science

Materials Science studies the properties, structure, and performance of materials used in engineering and technology. In the UK, materials science programs combine physics, chemistry, and engineering principles to develop new materials for advanced applications, preparing students for careers in materials research and development.

UK universities offering materials science degrees provide comprehensive education covering materials characterization, nanotechnology, biomaterials, polymers, ceramics, and metals. Programs often include laboratory research, advanced microscopy techniques, and industry collaborations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for materials innovation and development.

The QS World University Rankings 2025 for Materials Science evaluates institutions based on academic reputation, employer reputation, research citations, and the H-index—providing a comprehensive view of each university's standing in this competitive field.

Career Prospects

Graduates in Materials Science have excellent career prospects in the UK's advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. With increasing demand for new materials in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical industries, materials scientists are highly sought after.

Popular career paths include:

Materials Engineer and Product Development Scientist
Research and Development Scientist (Materials)
Quality Control Manager and Materials Testing Specialist
Process Engineer and Manufacturing Specialist
Failure Analysis Engineer and Forensic Materials Scientist
Nanomaterials Scientist and Nanotechnology Specialist
Biomaterials Engineer and Medical Device Developer
Technical Sales Manager and Materials Consultant

The average starting salary for materials science graduates in the UK ranges from £24,000-£30,000, with experienced materials engineers often earning £50,000+ annually. The field offers excellent opportunities for research, innovation, and international collaboration in materials development.

The UK's materials science sector continues to grow, driven by advances in nanotechnology, sustainable materials, and the need for high-performance materials across all industries.

University	QS
University of Cambridge	3
Imperial College London	8
University of Oxford	9
The University of Manchester	18
University of Sheffield	51-100
University of Birmingham	51-100
University of Leeds	51-100
University of Southampton	51-100
University College London	51-100
University of Bristol	51-100
Loughborough University	51-100
University of Nottingham	101-150
University of Edinburgh	101-150
King's College London	101-150
Newcastle University	101-150
Swansea University	101-150
University of Glasgow	101-150
Cardiff University	151-200
Queen Mary University of London	151-200
University of Warwick	151-200
University of Liverpool	151-200
University of Bath	151-200
Durham University	201-250
Queen’s University Belfast	201-250
University of Exeter	201-250

University

University of Cambridge

Imperial College London

University of Oxford

The University of Manchester

University of Sheffield

51-100

University of Birmingham

51-100

University of Leeds

51-100

University of Southampton