Materials engineering is concerned with the selection, processing and development of materials to design and make products. Materials - metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers and composites - give manufactured products their functional and aesthetic qualities. Materials engineers apply their knowledge of materials behaviour to optimise processing and improve the properties of products. They are also involved in controlling the service behaviour of materials; improving the performance of machines and structures. Major technological advances in recent years have extended career opportunities, with developments in light weight composites; high temperature materials; surface treatments; and materials with special electrical, optical and magnetic properties.
This major covers core engineering science, materials design, and properties and use of materials in manufactured articles. It is not available as an extended major, but can be taken with a minor in mechanical engineering, extractive metallurgy or chemical engineering.

Sources of employment range from heavy industry to electronics. Materials engineers are employed in the materials processing and manufacturing industries, including the automobile, white goods, steel, aluminium and polymer industries that create wealth and add value to Australia's mineral resources. Materials engineers are employed in large multinational companies and small to medium enterprises, in research establishments, in public utilities and in consulting engineering firms. There are career paths in design, operation, management, research and consulting in Australia and overseas. The increasing trend in Australia towards encouraging manufacturing industry and the export of value-added products will provide an increasing demand for materials engineers.