From Molecules to Materials to (Engineering) Masterpieces
Self-healing concrete wall
Eco-friendly bio-based wall paint
Memory alloy braces
Wearable health tracking sensor
Nitrogeninfused PEBA sport shoes
Transparent conducting oxide display
Scratch-resistant smart watch screen
What is Materials Science and Engineering?
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field focused on understanding, designing, and developing materials that make up the physical world. It combines principles from physics, chemistry, engineering, and other disciplines to study the relationships between the structure, characteristics, and performance of materials.
Nanocrystalline smart windows
Solar reflective paint
Why MSE Matters?
MSE is crucial because materials are the foundation of virtually every technology and product in modern society. By understanding, designing, and optimising materials, MSE enables advancements across countless industries, from healthcare to energy, transportation, and electronics.
From developing high-temperature alloys for jet engines to flexible materials for wearable electronics or shape-memory polymers for minimally invasive surgeries, MSE bridges the gap between science and engineering, enabling innovation in technologies by tailoring material properties for specific needs.
MSE in Daily Applications and High-Level Research
MSE is deeply embedded in our daily lives and advances our understanding of materials at the atomic and molecular levels, addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges in:
Quantum materials
Nanotechnology
Eco-friendly lithiumion battery powered eBike
Energy materials
Smart and functional materials
Biomaterials and regenerative medicine
What Makes Us Different
Learn from a Nobel Laureate and Other World-Renowned Experts
Our faculty includes world-renowned experts like Professor Sir Konstantin “Kostya” Sergeevich Novoselov, a Nobel Prize winner in Physics (2010) for his groundbreaking work on graphene. Professor Novoselov is the first Nobel Laureate to join a Singaporean university. Associate Professor Benjamin Tee’s electronic “skin” simulates the human sensory system, exemplifying the innovative spirit of MSE and bringing hope to patients requiring prosthetic limbs.
Personalised Learning
MSE fosters a closely knit community. With a large pool of academic staff, it provides one-onone mentoring, helping to maintain a balanced female-to-male ratio. MSE undergraduates are free to tailor their studies to their own goals and interests, whether in research, industry or entrepreneurship. They are encouraged to broaden their horizons through exchange programmes at our overseas colleges or partner universities.
Personalised Mentorship
Our personalised mentorship meets individual students’ unique needs, goals, and aspirations. Mentors provide customised advice on academic choices, career planning, and personal development through one-on-one interactions. This targeted support empowers students to excel academically and professionally, fostering confidence and self-growth.
Support from Department
Our department offers extensive support to undergraduate students through mentorship, mental health resources, and peer support networks, fostering academic and personal growth. We collaborate with leading overseas universities to organise workshops, seminars, and networking events, building professional skills and connections. We also provide access to research opportunities, internships, and industry projects, preparing students for future success. Additionally, we offer the MSE Study Award to support high-achieving students.
Nobel Laureate - Prof Sir Konstantin Novoselov
Academic Journey
Year 1
Students begin their journey by establishing a solid foundation in engineering, mathematics and science, complemented by an introduction to data analytics and project management. Engagement in MSE student club activities broadens networks and provides insights into the field, enhancing the campus experience.
Year 2
Year 3
Opportunities for international exposure are available through student exchange programmes at prestigious universities worldwide. For those interested in entrepreneurship, the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) programme offers insights into the startup culture. Industrial attachments and vacation internships provide practical exposure to the materials industries, enriching students’ understanding and experience.
The curriculum deepens with core principles of Materials Science and Engineering courses, including an introduction to artificial intelligence. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Programme (UROP) is available for students interested in exploring research opportunities early in their academic career.
Year 4
Students apply their comprehensive knowledge of materials to address industrial challenges. The Final Year Project offers a range of research opportunities, allowing students to explore advanced topics. Hands-on experience in materials processing and exploration of machine learning’s impact on materials development equip students with innovative skills in the field.
Programme Overview
The MSE programme at NUS is a four-year undergraduate programme that combines a solid foundation in solid-state physics and chemistry with practical aspects of materials design and engineering. Besides theoretical training, experimental work forms a crucial component of the MSE curriculum, paving the way for students to specialise in their desired career paths in research, industry practice or technopreneurship.
Build Your Own Degree
MSE students have the option to expand their expertise through double degrees, second majors or minors in a variety of disciplines:
• BEng Double Degree in MSE with Business Administration
• BEng in MSE and Doctor of Medicine (eight-year programme with Duke-NUS)
• Double major in MSE with Innovation & Design
• Minor programmes are available in Data Engineering, Optics and Semiconductors, Mathematics, Cultural Studies, Technopreneurship, Analytical Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Artificial Intelligence and more.
Ian Sim Ee En
Bachelor of Engineering (Materials Science and Engineering),
Class of 2024
Student at Duke-NUS Medical School
The programme also offers extensive overseas and industrial opportunities, including:
• Student Exchange Programme (SEP)
• International Summer (& Winter) Programmes (i-SP)
• NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC)
• Other Global Internship experiences
NUS offers financial aid such as bursaries, awards and loans.
For more information on MSE Study Award, scan this QR code.
Our Six Specialisations
MSE is one of the most diverse and flexible disciplines within engineering and science. Below are some of our six specialisations:
Biomedical Materials
This specialisation combines Material Science and Engineering, with Biomedical applications, providing expertise for development and innovation used in medical and healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence in MSE
This specialisation focuses on integrating AI techniques with Materials Science for enhanced discovery and innovation, and equips students with the skills to use AI and data science to drive breakthroughs in materials discovery, design, and optimisation.
Robotics
This specialisation focuses on the integration of advanced and intelligent materials to enhance robotic systems and equips students with the skills to design and develop robots to be smarter and capable of interacting effectively with humans in diverse settings.
Materials for Renewable Energy and Sustainability
This specialisation focuses on developing materials that enable sustainable energy solutions and address environmental challenges, and prepares students to contribute to sustainable energy solutions, focusing on the development of innovative materials for clean energy, waste reduction, and environmental protection.
Career Opportunities:
The multidisciplinary nature of Materials Science and Engineering enables professionals to work at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, addressing challenges across a broad spectrum of industries.
Health Professionals Sector
Nanostructured Materials and Nanotechnology
This specialisation focuses on the design, fabrication, and application of nanomaterials for advanced technologies, and prepares students to innovate in nanotechnology, with applications spanning energy, electronics, materials science, and more.
Microelectronics and Quantum Materials
This specialisation focuses on the materials and technologies driving advancements in microelectronics and quantum computing, and prepares students for careers in cuttingedge technologies, including microelectronics, quantum computing, and photonics, with a focus on advanced materials and fabrication techniques.
Materials For Renewable Energy and Sustainability Sector
Nanostructured
Materials & Nanotechnology Sector
Soft Robotics
Sector
Functional Intelligent
Materials Sector
Biomedical
Materials Sector
Microelectronic & Quantum
Materials Sector
Startups & Smart
Nation Sector
Aerospace Sector
Admission Requirements
Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level
A pass in H2 Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Polytechnic Diploma
An accredited diploma.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
A pass in HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches.
NUS High School Diploma
A good major GPA in Mathematics.
International Qualifications
Applicants presenting international qualifications may apply with equivalent high school results.
