By studying Materials and Process Engineering at the University of Waikato, you will learn how to add value to raw materials used to manufacture a number of useful products, while minimizing waste.  These products can be as varied as dietary formulae, foods, ceramics that can withstand high temperatures, new metal alloys, pharmaceuticals, laminated boards, functional proteins, and composites.

At the University of Waikato you will have the opportunity to explore the key, over-lapping disciplines of materials engineering and process engineering.

Materials engineers make critical decisions in selecting and developing the best materials for a particular purpose. As a materials engineer you could work on a number of diverse projects, including understanding the properties and uses of wood and steel, designing and constructing new filters for sewage treatment, and providing new materials for the energy industry.

Process engineers make critical decisions in the processes and utilities required to manufacture a product. As a process engineer you could work on converting trees into paper and fibre board, iron sand into steel, effluent into drinkable water and producing solar panels for electricity generation.

An important part of the Materials and Process Engineering programme at the University of Waikato is supported work placements into relevant industries. This gives you the opportunity for paid work experience while exploring first-hand the field of Materials and Process Engineering you could choose for your career.

You'll work on major research design projects, creating products with commercial applications, which are then showcased at our annual Oji Fibre Solutions Engineering Design Show. There is also a focus on developing well-honed communication skills that are such a vital part of the profession.

At Waikato the Materials and Process Engineering programme is fully accredited by Engineering New Zealand (formerly IPENZ); meaning your degree is internationally recognized and you can work just about anywhere in the world