Undergraduate · Oxford Materials Science
Oxford's Materials Science is a four-year MEng that sits between physics, chemistry and engineering. It requires Mathematics and Physics at A level, accepts Chemistry at GCSE but strongly prefers more, sets no test or written work, and ends with an eight-month research project. This guide is written for families planning 2028 entry. Everything cycle-specific in it was last verified for 2027 entry, so treat it as the best guide to preparation and not as the 2028 requirement.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
Taken from Oxford's official Materials Science course page and read on 25 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Oxford's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
The A-level requirement is A*AA including Mathematics and Physics, with an A* in either Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry. For the IB, Oxford asks for 40 points including core points with 766 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and Physics, with 7 at Higher Level in one of Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry.
Applicants must be studying Mathematics and Physics to A level or equivalent. GCSE-level Chemistry or equivalent is also required, and A level Chemistry is highly desirable. Further Mathematics can help but is not required.
Oxford says you do not need to take a written test or submit any written work for this course.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to at least one online interview, expected to take place in December. Tutors know students may not have met Materials Science at school.
The degree awarded is MEng, the course lasts 4 years (UCAS code FJ22), and the fourth year includes an eight-month full-time research project.
Official sources
Read on 25 October 2026 on Oxford's Materials Science course page, which describes 2027 entry. The UCAS deadline and interview dates are cycle-specific and are not stated. The Department's own website, additional project costs and fees were not read.
The course
Oxford describes Materials Science as an interdisciplinary subject spanning the physics and chemistry of matter, engineering applications and industrial manufacturing processes. The programme runs from the foundations of physics and chemistry to the mechanical, electrical, magnetic and optical properties of materials, and the design, manufacture and applications of metals, alloys, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors, superconductors, nanomaterials and biomaterials. It also offers an introduction to entrepreneurship. The fourth year includes an eight-month full-time research project in a research team, usually at Oxford and occasionally at an overseas university or in an industrial laboratory, and Oxford notes that a project outside Oxford may involve additional costs.
Reading the offer
Mathematics and Physics are required; Chemistry is where choices differ.
Applicants must be studying Mathematics and Physics to A level or equivalent. GCSE-level Chemistry or equivalent is also required.
Oxford says it is highly desirable to have Chemistry to A level or equivalent, and strongly recommends at least AS level or equivalent if it is not studied to A level.
For applicants studying Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Further Mathematics, Oxford says the conditional offer will normally require A*AA in the first three, with the A* in any of them, and an expectation that you continue Further Mathematics.
The A* may be in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry. For the IB, the 7 at Higher Level may be in one of those three.
The application
Oxford sets no written test and no written work for this course. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to at least one online interview, expected to take place in December. Oxford says tutors are aware that students may not have encountered Materials Science at school or college, and look for an ability to apply logical reasoning to problems in physical science and an enthusiasm for thinking about new concepts in science and engineering.
Planning for 2028 entry
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Oxford has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Oxford published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Oxford has not yet published it.
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Oxford has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Check Oxford's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
Choose Mathematics and Physics, decide whether Chemistry will be an A level, and practise explaining physical-science reasoning aloud.
Support
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with the University of Oxford or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each programme. No outcome is promised.
Questions
A*AA including Mathematics and Physics, with an A* in Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, or 40 IB points including core points with 766 at Higher Level. This is Oxford's wording for 2027 entry.
Oxford requires GCSE-level Chemistry or equivalent, and says A level Chemistry or equivalent is highly desirable, with AS level strongly recommended if it is not studied to A level.
No. Oxford says you do not need to take a written test for this course.
No. Oxford says you do not need to submit any written work.
No. Oxford says it can be helpful but is not required for admission.
No. They are Oxford's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Oxford publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.
