Materials science technologist (degree)
Level 6 · DegreeEngineering and manufacturing 4 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Materials science technologists apply scientific understanding of materials - metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites - to solve engineering and manufacturing challenges. This integrated degree apprenticeship combines a BSc with hands-on industry experience in sectors such as aerospace, healthcare devices, and energy. Graduates can move into research, quality, product development, or technical management roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Structure-property relationships across metals, polymers, and ceramics
Materials testing and characterisation techniques
Failure analysis and materials selection methods
Manufacturing processes and their effect on material properties
Data analysis and scientific reporting
Regulatory and quality standards relevant to materials
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Test and characterise material samples in the laboratory
Investigate material failures and write technical reports
Support the selection of materials for new products
Carry out literature reviews and experimental trials
Analyse test data and present results to engineers
Maintain laboratory equipment and records
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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