Postgraduate | 2026

Master of Engineering (Materials)

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes

Duration

2 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

MAEMT

Study as

Full-time

Indicative fees

$52,300

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115912D

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirement and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Higher education study

A completed bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree or equivalent in a field relevant to the chosen engineering specialisation from an Australian higher education institution.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia - GPA 7.0 Scale	N/A

Why Master of Engineering (Materials)?

Materials engineers help drive technological progress in virtually every industry. Their understanding of material properties and behaviours enables them to create materials that meet specific performance criteria – for medical, defence, manufacturing, energy or aerospace purposes.

Whether you’re a chemical engineer looking to extend your skills or an engineer wanting to cross-train in an additional discipline, our Master of Engineering (Materials) will provide all the necessary skills for your future career.

Combining advanced theory with countless opportunities to hone your skills in professional settings, you’ll graduate with everything you need to take your engineering career to the next level. 

Overview

Our Master of Engineering (Materials) is crafted to challenge and extend your capabilities, helping you elevate your electrical engineering career to the next level.

With our elective-driven degree structure, you can tailor your studies to your specific chemical engineering interests and career goals. Whether that’s quantum materials, advanced engineering of biomaterials, 2D materials, optical engineering, you’ll have a range of courses to choose from.

Core courses in engineering management and data analytics will enable you to deepen and formalise your project management expertise. Through capstone design and major research projects, you’ll put your learning into practice. Study hands-on courses and collaborate with industry in up to 450 hours of professional placement.

These experiences collectively ensure that you will graduate with the advanced technical and professional skills necessary to make an impact in your future career.

Key features

Study courses in advanced material science, quantum materials, optical engineering, biomaterials and more.  
Undertake specialised elective courses aligned to your specific interests and future career goals. 
Apply your skills in industry settings through 450 hours of professional experience.
Grow your project management skillset through courses in engineering management and data analytics.  
Build your research skills through capstone design and research projects. 
Complete your studies at a pace that suits you with our stackable qualifications.

What you'll learn

The Master of Engineering (Materials) is structured with both a foundation and extension year – allowing you to receive credit for the first year depending on your previous experience and qualifications. You’ll then start your studies in second year.

The first year of this degree covers essential materials engineering knowledge, with courses available in:

Computation for materials engineering
Fundamentals of materials
Material science and engineering
Materials characterisation
Research methods and statistics.

Complete courses in engineering data analytics and engineering management and learn how to extract valuable insights, improve decision-making and be an effective leader in a range of engineering-based industries.

Build relationships and connections with professionals in relevant fields. You’ll complete up to 450 hours of placement in a professional industry placement from your first year – gaining important hands-on skills.

In second year, you’ll take advanced courses, tailored to your specific interests and career goals. Courses are available in a wide range of areas, such as:

Advanced engineering of biomaterials
Advanced optical engineering of materials
Engineering communication and critical thinking
Engineering of 2D materials
Engineering of semiconductor materials
Materials engineering for catalysis
Materials engineering for energy
Process plant safety and risk assessment
Project management fundamentals
Quantum materials
Safety and risk in materials engineering.

Finalise your studies by completing both a major research and capstone project in plant equipment design. Be guided by supportive academics who are experts in their field.

Assessments for this degree include reports, essays and assignments, examinations, industry-relevant research projects and team-based projects.

You’ll be able to complete majority of first year common courses at either our Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes Campus with some potential cross-campus study required. Throughout your degree, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities across both campus locations to enhance your overall learning experience.

Specialisations

The Master of Engineering is also available with specialisations in the following:

Biopharmaceutical
Engineering Management
Maritime

What courses you'll study

Complete 96 units comprising:

54 units for all Core courses, and
42 units for Electives

Complete 54 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Materials Characterisation	Course code ENGP6022	Units 6
Course name Computation for Materials Engineering	Course code ENGP6023	Units 6
Course name Fundamentals of Materials	Course code ENGP6024	Units 6
Course name Research Methods and Statistics	Course code STAT5009	Units 6
Course name Masters Engineering Research Project - Part A	Course code ENGI6025	Units 0
Course name Masters Engineering Research Project - Part B	Course code ENGI6026	Units 24
Course name Material Science & Engineering	Course code ENGP5010	Units 6

Complete 42 units comprising:

42 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Communication & Critical Thinking	Course code ENGI5028	Units 6
Course name Engineering of 2D Materials	Course code ENGP6025	Units 6
Course name Engineering of Optical Materials	Course code ENGP6026	Units 6
Course name Materials Engineering for Catalysis	Course code ENGP6027	Units 6
Course name Materials Engineering for Energy	Course code ENGP6028	Units 6
Course name Engineering Solid-State Devices	Course code ENGP6029	Units 6
Course name Advanced Engineering of Biomaterials	Course code ENGP6034	Units 6
Course name Project Management Fundamentals	Course code PROJ5000	Units 6

Career outcomes

Materials engineers help drive technological progress in virtually every industry that produces or relies upon physical products to achieve business and organisation objectives.

Their understanding of material properties and behaviours enables them to develop materials that meet specific performance criteria – whether that’s for medical, defence, manufacturing, energy or aerospace applications.  

You could develop an advanced composite material, reducing weight and improving fuel efficiency of spacecraft. Maybe you’ll help advance bioprinting technologies to develop 3D printed organs for patient’s requiring life-saving transplants. Or perhaps you’ll undertake breakthrough work in environmental remediation, utilising nanomaterials to help break down pollutants and toxic substances in air and water.   

Whatever your area of interest, career paths are available in a wide range of sectors including: 

Aerospace and defence
Agriculture
Automotive
Biomedical and healthcare
Construction and infrastructure
Electronics and semiconductors
Energy and utilities
Environmental sustainability
Food and beverage packaging
Manufacturing
Mining and metallurgy
Nanotechnology
Sports and recreation
Telecommunications
Textiles and apparel.

Industry Trends

Materials engineers possess a unique skillset. Their ability to develop materials to meet specific performance requirements makes them highly sought-after by a variety of industries. Additionally, rapid advancements in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology – alongside increased changing industrial needs and an interest in sustainability – is also contributing to this demand. Projects focused on biodegradable and recycled materials, additive manufacturing, high-performance, biocompatible and smart materials all rely on the expertise of materials engineers.

Accreditation

Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: