BEng Materials Science and Engineering

Entrance Requirements for Direct/Non-JUPAS Applicants

To be considered for admission, you must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements and have studied a science-related discipline at a high school or post-secondary institution,

OR

you have an Associate Degree or Higher Diploma in a relevant discipline such as Applied Science, Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or other technical qualifications.

For details of the programme’s curriculum structure, please visit the ‘Undergraduate Catalogue’.

As the first of its kind in Hong Kong, the Department of Materials Science and Engineering was established to develop internationally competitive and cutting-edge research and provide a professional curriculum that equips graduates to contribute to various materials related sectors in Hong Kong, for the fast-growing high-tech industries.

The Department serves as a collaboration platform for developing cross-disciplinary academic programmes and interdisciplinary research projects with other academic units in the University. Further, it aspires to become a world-leading department in research and professional education with a focus on the following four target areas:

1. Biomaterials
2. Computational materials science 
3. Functional materials
4. Structural materials

The Department also serves as an international platform to encourage collaboration among the leading institutes in the world and to enhance our global research reputation.

BEng Materials Science and Engineering

In the Materials Science and Engineering major, students acquire knowledge that can be used to solve materials problems in engineering processes. Graduates of this major can seek jobs in engineering companies and join the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers as graduate members. They can become professional engineers after receiving the relevant on-the-job training and completing the professional assessment.

材料是技術發展的基礎，隨着各國對核心技術的重點發展，在本地以至國外對材料科學的人才需求將會大增。本課程旨在培育材料科學及工程的專業人才，以配合社會未來在基礎科技的發展。課程包括材料原理、表徵、設計、製造、以及應用等多方面專業範疇，並涵蓋金屬、半導體、生物、建築、能源、納米等重要材料。本課程着重經驗培訓及理論實踐，特設有與公司及科研機構合作的項目。提升學生將來就業機會。相關學歷不但符合香港工程師學會會員的申請資格，修業後亦可申請全額獎學金資助在本地或海外知名學府攻讀相關的碩士或博士課程。

This major aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to meet local and worldwide needs related to materials science and engineering for the government, industrial and commercial sectors.

Graduates of this major will be able to understand the production, fabrication and service performance of structural and functional engineering materials, including conventional bulk materials, advanced thin film and nanostructured materials. Materials engineers usually work in a multi-disciplinary team with other specialists and scientists. Our graduates contribute to the design, manufacturing, maintenance, evaluation, quality assurance, performance and safety enhancement of the composing materials, engineering components, devices, structures and processing plants.

Materials Science and Engineering is an exciting and fascinating subject. Many of the novel materials invented in the past few decades have substantially influenced and dramatically changed the way we live. If you imagine a world without silicon electronics or engineering plastics, you will realise the obvious contribution of materials scientists and engineers in the history of mankind.

Materials Science and Engineering is essential to almost all industrial sectors. Upon graduation, you will be able to work in various areas such as electronics, toys, plastics, metals, ceramics and construction industries and testing laboratories. You may also be employed as a materials engineer, quality control engineer, production engineer, laboratory manager, R&D engineer or engineering salesperson for equipment, machinery and materials.

Our major provides professional training that equips students with the ability to understand engineering and scientific information, and to analyse complex engineering problems using systematic and scientific reasoning. Some of our recent graduates have applied their strengths in logical, technical and critical analysis to pursue successful careers in fields such as finance and business.

When you begin your studies, you will be equipped with fundamental knowledge such as engineering mathematics, computing, physical science, engineering drawing and communication skills. These are the necessary foundations for your progression to materials science and engineering study. You will build on these foundations with more in-depth study of the thermodynamics and kinetics of materials processing.

With a strong physical sciences background, you will then take courses related to the properties of conventional and advanced engineering materials, materials testing and examination techniques and the processing of various modern and advanced materials (such as polymers, composites, ceramics and electronic materials). Stress analysis, deformation and fracture of various materials for engineering applications will also be covered.

You need to plan for your career by choosing electives from a wide range of courses such as Environmental Degradation, Microelectronic Materials, Nanocomposite Materials, Advanced Thin Film, Materials Science Modelling, Failure Analysis, Building Materials, Biomedical Materials, Electronic Packaging, Energy Materials, Nanotechnology and Electroceramics.

Workshop training and design laboratory group project courses will allow you to gain hands-on experience in a simulated industrial environment. Selected students will also join established companies for internship training under the guidance of academic staff during the summer vacation.

Every student is required to work independently on a final year project spanning two semesters before graduation. This project is an independent investigation of a materials science and engineering problem. You might find something new and publish a paper in an international journal together with your supervisor! These integrated learning activities in simulated and real industrial environments are essential to you in becoming a professional engineer upon graduation.

The College of Engineering and the Department offer work placement opportunities through different internship schemes that provide students with full-time job attachments in firms in Hong Kong, the Pearl River Delta region and overseas. Through such placements, students will:

• gain solid experience in a real-world work environment; 
• develop problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills; 
• learn the right attitudes towards work and professionalism; and
• broaden their experience and enhance their employability.

For details, please visit the College’s Co-operative Education website.

To help students broaden their educational horizons, gain language experience, and enhance their awareness of different cultures, the Department, College and University offer over 110 credit-bearing exchange programmes with various partner universities around the world, including Australia, Canada, Europe, the US and others in the Asia-Pacific region.

For details, please visit the University’s outbound exchange programme website.

This major is the first and currently the only Materials Science and Engineering degree accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.

Graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering major are all-round materials engineers who can participate in design, manufacturing and quality assurance teams in high-tech industries.

Department of Materials Science and Engineering
College of Engineering
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Hong Kong Institution of Engineers
Undergraduate Catalogue
CityUHK Scholarships for Hong Kong Talents