At the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, we offer students the chance to broaden their knowledge, worldview and skills by integrating the study abroad program developed by the UC Education Abroad Program. The MSE program has pre-approved courses at three distinguished universities in three countries. Students can study for one semester or a full academic year at these universities without delaying their graduation timeline.
Why Study Abroad?
Studying abroad offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, which can expand your perspectives and deepen your understanding of the global community. It challenges your critical thinking and problem-solving skills in new and diverse environments. Additionally, the global experience and cultural awareness you gain are invaluable assets in any career. Plus, you’ll meet new people and enjoy unforgettable experiences!
Planning Your Study Abroad Experience
It’s best to begin planning as early as the spring quarter of your freshman year. Start by getting to know the course requirements and recommended schedules for your degree, spanning from your freshman through senior years.
When to Go
The ideal time to participate is during your junior year. You should begin planning in the spring quarter of your freshman year, as application deadlines typically fall in the late fall quarter and early winter quarter.
Where to Go
You can choose from pre-approved courses at:
- Nanyang Technological University in Singapore
- University of Manchester in the UK
- University of New South Wales in Australia
Financial Support
Financial aid and scholarships are available to help fund your study abroad journey. You can access information about financial support and scholarship opportunities here and here.
Deadlines and Application Process
Details about application deadlines and the process can be found here.
General Education (GE) Courses
If you want to take a GE, you can learn about its petition procedure here.
Questions?
Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to enhance your educational experience and prepare for a global career! Contact Professor Saeidi and the MSE advising team if you have any questions.
Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (NTU)
At Nanyang Technological University in Singapore (NTU), ranked second in materials science and engineering by US News, you can study for one semester or an entire academic year. You can find more information about the university and specific program details here.
Option 1: Semester 1 Only at Nanyang Technological University
You can enroll in the following pre-approved courses at NTU, which will count toward your graduation requirements at UC Davis:
Pre-approved UC Davis course | Partner University course title | Partner University course number | Partner University units | UC Davis units | Units counted towards graduation |
EMS 160 | THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS | MS1016 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 |
EMS 164 | INTRODUCTION TO METALLURGY | MS2016 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
Focused Elective* | ELECTROCHEMICAL CORROSION | MS3013 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 |
Focused Elective* | BIOMATERIALS | MS4013 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 |
EMS 181 | INTRODUCTION TO MANUFACTURING PROCESSES | MS2012 | 3 | - | 4.5 |
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*Note: You may choose only one of the offered focused electives.
The corresponding study plan after returning to UC Davis is as follows:
Junior Year | ||
Fall | Winter | Spring |
- | EMS 162 | EMS 172 |
- | EMS 162L | EMS 172L |
- | UD Comp | EMS 174 |
- | - | EMS 174L |
Senior Year | ||
Fall | Winter | Spring |
EMS 186A | EMS 186B | EMS 186C |
EMS 170 | Applied Math | Focused Elective |
EMS 170L | ENG 190 | GE |
EMS 182 | - | GE |
Option 2: Full Year at NTU
If you opt for a full year at NTU, the course selections for both semesters are outlined below:
Semester 1:
Pre-approved UC Davis course | Partner University course title | Partner University course number | Partner University units | UC Davis units | Units counted towards graduation |
EMS 160 | THERMODYNAMICS OF MATERIALS | MS1016 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 |
EMS 164 | INTRODUCTION TO METALLURGY | MS2016 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
EMS 174 | MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF MATERIALS | MS2015 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 |
EMS 181 | INTRODUCTION TO MANUFACTURING PROCESSES | MS2012 | 3 | - | 4.5 |
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Semester 2:
Pre-approved UC Davis course | Partner University course title | Partner University course number | Partner University units | UC Davis units | Units counted towards graduation |
EMS 162 EMS 162L | ANALYSIS OF MATERIALS | MS3014 | 3 | 4 3 | 4.5 |
Focused Elective | ELECTROCHEMICAL CORROSION | MS3013 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 |
Focused Elective | BIOMATERIALS | MS4013 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 |
EMS 174 | MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF MATERIALS | MS2015 | 3 | 4 | 4.5 |
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The corresponding UC Davis study plan is as follows:
Senior Year | ||
Fall | Winter | Spring |
EMS 186A | EMS 186B | EMS 186C |
EMS 170 | ENG 190 | EMS 172 |
EMS 170L | EMS 162 L | EMS 172 L |
EMS 182 | UD Comp | EMS 174L |
EMS 180 | - | - |
For information on General Education (GE) courses and approval, please visit here. If you're interested in other courses not listed, you can reach out for pre-approval. Ensure that the courses you consider are not restricted by checking the restricted courses for the list that can be found here under coursework.
University of Manchester
At the University of Manchester, you have the option to study for just one semester or for a full year. More details about the university and the program can be found here.
Option 1: Semester 1 at the University of Manchester
The following pre-approved courses at the University of Manchester will count toward your graduation requirements at UC Davis:
Pre-approved UC Davis course | Partner University course title | Partner University course number | Partner University units | UC Davis units | Units counted towards graduation |
EMS 160 | Equilibrium Thermodynamics | MATS15201 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
EMS 162 | Materials Characterisation and Analytical Techniques | MATS31201 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
EMS 164 | Phase Transformations and Microstructure Control | MATS23301 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
Focused Elective | Smart & Nano Materials | MATS23901 | 10 | - | 4 |
Focused Elective | Materials Synthesis and Sustainability | MATS23201 | 10 | - | 4 |
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Your corresponding UC Davis study plan is as follows:
Junior Year | ||
Fall | Winter | Spring |
- | EMS 162 L | EMS 172 |
- | Science elective | EMS 172 L |
- | UD Comp | EMS 174 |
- | Applied Math | EMS 174 L |
Senior Year | ||
Fall | Winter | Spring |
EMS 186A | EMS 186B | EMS 186C |
EMS 170 | EMS 181/183 | Focused Elective |
EMS 170L | EMS 188A | GE |
EMS 180 | ENG 190 | GE |
EMS 182 | Focused Elective |
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Option 2: Full Year at the University of Manchester
If you opt for a full year, your courses for the second semester are as follows:
Pre-approved UC Davis course | Partner University course title | Partner University course number | Partner University units | UC Davis units | Units counted towards graduation |
EMS 172 EMS 172L | Functional Properties | MATS16302 | 10 | 4 3 | 4 |
EMS 174 | Mechanical Behaviour | MATS16102 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
EMS 162 | Structure of Solids | MATS16202 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
Focused Elective | Metallurgy of Engineering Alloys | MATS32102 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
Focused Elective | Corrosion Science & Engineering | MATS32202 | 10 | 4 | 4 |
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The study plan for your senior year at UC Davis will then be:
Senior Year | ||
Fall | Winter | Spring |
EMS 186A | EMS 186B | EMS 186C |
EMS 170 | EMS 181/183 | Science elective |
EMS 170L | EMS 162 L | EMS 174 L |
EMS 180 | ENG 190 | UD Comp |
EMS 182 | - | GE |
These structured options allow you to make the most of your time abroad while staying on track for graduation at UC Davis.
University of New South Wales
At the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia, which operates on a quarter system similar to UC Davis, it's important to note that spots fill up quickly. To ensure timely graduation, it's recommended that students participate in the full-year program at UNSW. Additionally, remember that Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so their summer break coincides with the winter quarter in the U.S. More information about UNSW and program details can be found here.
Term 3 at UNSW (Fall quarter at UC Davis)
Here are the pre-approved courses for Term 3 at UNSW that count toward your UC Davis graduation requirements:
Pre-approved UC Davis course | Partner University course title | Partner University course number | Partner University units | UC Davis units | Units counted towards graduation |
EMS 164 | Diffusion and Kinetics | MATS2006 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
Focused Elective | Engineering in Process Metallurgy | MATS3003 | 6 | - | 6 |
Focused Elective | Fundamentals of Ceramic Processing | MATS3002 | 6 | - | 6 |
Term 1 at UNSW (Winter quarter at UC Davis)
The following courses are available for Term 1 at UNSW:
Pre-approved UC Davis course | Partner University course title | Partner University course number | Partner University units | UC Davis units | Units counted towards graduation |
EMS 162 EMS 162L | Materials Characterisation | MATS2003 | 6 | 4 3 | 6 |
EMS 172 | Physical Properties of Materials | MATS2001 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
EMS 174
| Micromechanisms of Mechanical Behaviour of Metals | MATS3001 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
Term 2 at UNSW (Spring quarter at UC Davis)
Courses for Term 2 at UNSW are as follows:
Pre-approved UC Davis course | Partner University course title | Partner University course number | Partner University units | UC Davis units | Units counted towards graduation |
EMS 160 | Thermodynamics and Phase Equilibria | MATS2008 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
EMS 174
| Mechanical Behaviour of Materials | MATS2004 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
EMS 182 | Fracture Mechanics and Failure Analysis | MATS4004 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
Senior Year at UC Davis (Post Study Abroad)
Your course schedule for the senior year at UC Davis, following your return from UNSW, is:
Senior Year | ||
Fall | Winter | Spring |
EMS 186A | EMS 186B | EMS 186C |
EMS 170 | Applied Math | EMS 172L |
EMS 170L | EMS 181/183 | EMS 174L |
EMS 180 | ENG 190 | GE |
Science elective | GE | UD Comp |