Study Abroad

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: 

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

GE

 

 

 

 

 

GE

 

 

 

 

 

*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

GE

 

 

 

 

 

GE

 

 

 

 

 

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

GE

 

 

 

 

 

GE

 

 

 

 

 

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

GE

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

GE

 

 

 

 

 

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