The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Materials Science and Engineering, often paired with a Bachelor of Engineering Science, is a rigorous four-to-five-year undergraduate degree that trains students to understand, design, and develop the materials that underpin modern technology and industry. The course explores the structure, properties, processing, and performance of metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and nanomaterials — bridging fundamental science with real-world engineering applications. Students graduate with accreditation-ready qualifications that allow them to practise as professional engineers both in Australia and internationally, under pathways recognised through the Washington Accord and Engineers Australia.

The degree is designed for students who are passionate about applied science, innovation, and solving complex engineering challenges at the material level. It covers a broad spectrum of disciplines — from physics and chemistry fundamentals to engineering design, computational modelling, and sustainability — equipping graduates for roles in industries as diverse as mining, defence, clean energy, aerospace, biomedical devices, and advanced manufacturing. The combined degree with Engineering Science further integrates chemical engineering principles, preparing graduates to take materials from laboratory concept through to market-ready products.

Key employers of graduates in Australia include resources and mining companies, defence contractors, biomedical device manufacturers, aerospace firms, government research organisations such as CSIRO and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), clean energy companies, infrastructure consultancies, and multinational manufacturing corporations. The degree is fully accredited by Engineers Australia, enabling graduates to pursue Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status and Certified Materials Professional (CMatP) designations.

Domestic students are typically required to complete Year 12 (or equivalent) with an ATAR generally ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s, depending on the institution and program. Most universities require prerequisite subjects including Mathematics (Advanced or Extension) and at least one science subject such as Chemistry or Physics at the HSC or equivalent level. Some institutions place greater weight on Extension Mathematics or both Chemistry and Physics, so students are advised to check specific subject prerequisites for each university. Adjustment factors such as regional or educational equity schemes, elite athlete programs, and subject bonus points can improve an applicant's effective selection rank.

International students are required to demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through IELTS (overall band of 6.5 to 7.0, with no individual band below 6.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum total score of around 90–100), or equivalent. International qualifications such as International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplomas, A-Levels, or country-specific secondary credentials are assessed on an equivalency basis. Many programs accept applications from students with completed or partial university study in a related discipline, including through internal faculty transfers.

Adult applicants and those without a formal Year 12 qualification may gain entry through alternative pathways such as a completed TAFE diploma in engineering, a relevant associate degree, or demonstrated professional experience assessed by the institution. Some universities offer a Foundation Year or Transition program for students who do not meet subject prerequisites. There are no specific portfolio or work experience requirements for undergraduate entry; however, relevant experience in a technical or scientific field is viewed favourably during scholarship and selection processes.