MESSAGE FROM HOD
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Since its inception as the Materials Science Programme in 1992 with just four academic staffs, the department has grown tremendously, both in size and impact. Today, with 45 dedicated faculty members, state-of-the-art facilities spanning over 4,000 m², and SGD 83 million in active research funding, MSE continues to lead advancements in materials science education and research.
Our department has evolved alongside the rapid changes in technology and industry demands. From pioneering undergraduate and graduate specialisations in Biomedical Materials, Nanotechnology, and Renewable Energy, to launching cutting-edge research initiatives in Quantum Materials, AI-driven Material Discovery, and Advanced Energy Storage Solutions, MSE remains at the forefront of innovation. Notably, our research has been recognized on a global scale, with NUS consistently ranked among the top 10 worldwide in Materials Science, with our students being ranked 1st in Asia for employability.
At MSE, we are committed to supporting our students in reaching their aspirations. Through a robust curriculum, hands-on research opportunities, and strong industry collaborations, we equip them with the skills needed to thrive in diverse career paths—be it in cutting-edge research, high-tech industries, or entrepreneurial ventures. With our expanding teaching and research facilities, our students and faculty members continue to push the boundaries of materials science.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to advancing materials research for societal impact and shaping our students to be the engineers and scientists who will drive tomorrow’s technological breakthroughs. I invite you to explore our vibrant community and join us in shaping the future of materials science and engineering.
Welcome to MSE at NUS.
Yours Sincerely,
Junmin Xue
HoD of NUS Materials Science and Engineering
REASONS TO JOIN MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
CLOSELY KNITTED MSE COMMUNITY
Good teacher to student ratio to to ensure a more personalised learning experience.
LEARN FROM NOBEL LAUREATE AND WORLD EXPERTS
Professor Sir Konstantin “Kosyta” Sergeevich Novoselov is the first Nobel Laureate to join a Singapore university.
1 TO 1 MENTORSHIP
All MSE students are assigned a faculty mentor, whom the student can consult for advice on academic or career matters during the course of their programme.
STRONG SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS' ACTIVITIES AND GOALS
From MSE student club activities to academic goals, MSE@NUS will go the extra miles with them.
BALANCED FEMALE TO MALE RATIO
Material Science and Engineering has received rising attention from female community to reach a highly balanced male to female ratio.
A BROAD PROGRAMME FOR EVERY INTEREST
Still exploring your path? MSE@NUS is a flexible and broad programme adaptable to any career.
EASE YOUR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY WITH MSE STUDY AWARD
MSE Study Award is an annual award to recognize Materials Science and Engineering students for their outstanding academic achievements.
Successful applicants will receive a MSE Study Award of:
- Full coverage of subsidised tuition fees (after MoE Tuition Grant).
- Living allowance of S$5,000 per academic year.
- $4000 Travel Grant (one-off).
- A certification of excellence.
NO BOND
*Terms and conditions apply.
YOUR EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
MSE@NUS personalised and diverse learning experience allows you to tailor your studies based on your own goals and interests, whether in research, industry or entrepreneurship. You are encouraged to broaden your horizons through exchange programmes at our overseas colleges or partner universities.
YEAR 1
You will begin your 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 will broaden your networks and provide insights into the field, enhancing the campus experience.
YEAR 2
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 3
Opportunities for international exposure are available through student exchange programmes at prestigious universities worldwide. If you are 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 your understanding and experience.
YEAR 4
You will apply your comprehensive knowledge of materials to address industrial challenges. The Final Year Project also offers a range of research opportunities, allowing you to explore advanced topics. Hands-on experience in materials processing and exploration of machine learning’s impact on materials development will equip you with innovative skills in the field.
HOW DO WE PREPARE YOU AS A MATERIALS SCIENCE ENGINEER
MSE CORE COURSES (40 UNITS)
THEORETICAL FOUNDATION
- Classification of Materials
- Structures & Mechanical Properties
- Principles of Renewable Energy
- Electronic Properties of Materials
HONING YOUR RESEARCH/PRACTICAL SKILLS
- Introduction to Materials Science Research
- Materials Kinetics & Processing
- Materials Characterisation
(Lectures & Hands-on) - Integrated project
(Design Team or Individual Research)
TRANSITIONING THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE TO APPLICATION
- Materials Selection & Design:
Aerospace to Biomedical Applications - Machine Learning Approaches in
Materials Laboratory
HOW TO BE A SPECIALISED MATERIALS SCIENCE ENGINEER
MSE is one of the most diverse and flexible disciplines within engineering and science. Below are some of our six specialisations:
HOW TO BE A RESILIENCE MATERIALS SCIENCE ENGINEER
Broaden your skillset with a 2nd Major or Minor.
INNOVATION AND DESIGN PROGRAMME
FORENSIC SCIENCE
BUSINESS
ECONOMICS
DATA ANALYTICS
COMPUTING
DREAM, EXPLORE, ACHIEVE!
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 you for future success.
Key contributor to a review article published in Advanced Science*.
*Advanced Science is ranked in the top 1% of Engineering Journals
Published 3 papers on batteries and energy storage materials in international peer-reviewed journals.
HOW MSE@NUS SHAPES YOUR ASPIRATIONS
" MSE@NUS offers many research opportunities with professors engaging in different aspects of materials research. Having these opportunities made available to me helps me in deciding which area of materials science I am interested to pursue in the future, and whether I am cut out for a career in research."
Chin Yi En
(MSE EScholar, Class of 2028)
"I am passionate about exploring how science can be applied to our everyday life and MSE@NUS provides vast opportunities for open-ended learning that encourages creativity and innovation. My aspiration is to leverage my skills to develop practical solutions and meaningful contributions. I believe that MSE@NUS offers a strong foundation for unlocking our full potential."
Hazel Yeo Ming Hwee
(MSE EScholar, Class of 2028)
"MSE@NUS helps to broaden my knowledge on the study and applications of materials in the real-world context, and allows me to discover more possibilities of how I could apply my learnings to different industries. MSE@NUS provides many learning opportunities in addition to the standard syllabus, through frequently sharing invitations to seminars and workshops held by different departments. All of these allow me to build on my aspirations and discover what areas I might be interested in furthering my studies and potentially working professionally in."
Kayla Khoo Khia Hsuen
(MSE EScholar, Class of 2028)
BROAD CAREER POSSIBILITIES
The multidisciplinary nature of Materials Science and Engineering empowers professionals to work at the intersection of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. This versatility allows you to tackle challenges across diverse industries, including healthcare, renewable energy and sustainability, soft robotics, functional intelligent materials, biomedical materials, and microelectronics & quantum materials, among many others.
Navigate your career through our Internship Support, Career Support Group and Networking Events with Alumni.
