BEng Materials Science and Engineering
September 2025
Full-time
Three or four years
Suzhou
School of Science
XJTLU undergraduate students earn two degrees: an XJTLU degree recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education and a globally respected University of Liverpool degree.
Knowledge and Skills
By graduation, BEng Materials Science and Engineering students will have the following knowledge and skills:
- Core principles of materials science, including synthesis, structure, properties, and performance relationships;
- Understanding of mechanical, thermal, and electrical behaviour of materials and degradation mechanisms;
- Skills in sustainable materials design and eco-friendly manufacturing principles;
- Proficiency in AI-driven materials discovery and computational modelling;
- Expertise in advanced materials for aerospace, energy, health care, and emerging technologies;
- Hands-on experimentation, material characterisation, and data analysis capabilities;
- Critical thinking to balance cost, performance, and sustainability in engineering solutions; and
- Teamwork, leadership, and adaptability to technological advancements.
In today’s technologically advanced world, almost all high-tech innovations and major developments are inseparably linked to the discovery and use of new materials. Materials science and engineering has become one of the most popular disciplines in the world because it leads to interesting, highly paid and rewarding careers. It is an interdisciplinary field that studies the design and development of new and innovative materials, drawing on the fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, maths and engineering to solve real-world problems that greatly benefit our society. Our programme provides the basis for helping students develop key skills in numeracy, communication, analysis, and solving a wide array of engineering problems. These skills make them highly competent, well-trained and very much in-demand professionals by leading manufacturing industries in China and across the globe.
Dr Tianhong Gu
Programme Director
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. XJTLU students are advised to log in to the e-Bridge Portal to view the effectuated module structure.
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers a wide range of courses in the first year, including English for academic purposes (EAP), mathematics and physics, and humanities and social sciences. Click to learn more.
- Introduction to Materials
- Engineering Mathematics
- Introductory Inorganic Chemistry for Non-Chemists
- Introductory Organic Chemistry for Non-Chemists
- Programming Skills for Engineers
- Key Skills for Chemistry and Materials Science
- Physics for Chemistry
- Solid and Structures
- Introduction to AI in Materials Science
- Introductory Physical Chemistry for Non-Chemists
- Numerical Methods
- Introduction to Solid State Physics
- Materials for Engineering
- Materials Processing
- Fracture Mechanics
- Measurements in Chemistry
- Surface Chemistry and Functional Materials
- Semiconductor Materials
- Advanced AI in Materials Science
- Materials for Engineering
- Energy Materials
- Biomaterials
- Polymer Materials
- Computational Chemistry
- Critical Thinking and Applied Skills in Science Research
- Final Year Project
Careers
Graduates of the BEng Materials Science and Engineering programme are equipped to drive innovation in cutting-edge fields such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and biomaterials development. They pursue roles as materials engineers designing high-performance alloys for aerospace, computational scientists using AI to accelerate materials discovery, or sustainability specialists optimising eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Opportunities span industries like energy (battery technology, solar cells), health care (biocompatible implants), and high-tech (semiconductors, additive manufacturing). With interdisciplinary training in chemistry, physics, and AI, graduates address global challenges in sustainability, resource efficiency, and next-generation technologies, shaping careers in academia, industry, and policy.
Overview
The field of materials science and engineering is playing a critical and growing role in the development of modern technology. The BEng Materials Science and Engineering programme aims to equip students with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required to excel as innovative engineers in the dynamic field of materials science. It fosters a deep understanding of the relationships between material synthesis, processing, structure, properties, and performance, grounded in core engineering principles and jobs in high demand in today’s rapidly evolving world. Graduates will be prepared to address global engineering challenges, contribute to sustainable technological advancements, and meet the increased demands of modern and exciting industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, AI-driven intelligent manufacturing, and health care.