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Studies & Degrees in Metallurgy

Metallurgy is the science and engineering of metals: how they are extracted from ores and recycled from scrap, how they are refined and alloyed, and how they are cast, rolled, forged and joined into usable products. It also studies why a metal behaves as it does, linking its internal structure to properties such as strength, toughness and resistance to corrosion.

The field is usually divided into extractive metallurgy, which deals with obtaining metals from minerals, and physical metallurgy, which deals with the structure and properties of metals and alloys. Today it is often taught as part of materials science and engineering. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) treats metallurgical engineers as materials engineers who specialise in metals, such as steel and aluminium, usually in alloyed form.

What students learn

A metallurgy degree starts with mathematics, physics and chemistry and then moves to the subject's own core. The study plan of Ingeniería Civil Metalúrgica at the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María in Chile shows the typical range: metallurgical thermodynamics, physical metallurgy, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, flotation, casting, welding, the mechanical behaviour of materials and the simulation of metallurgical processes, with laboratory courses throughout.

Recycling and low-emission production now sit alongside the traditional subjects. At Montanuniversität Leoben in Austria, students learn about the extraction, processing and shaping of metallic materials, casting processes, how to roll, bend, forge and 3D print metals, and how to recycle materials and make production processes resource-efficient.

Qualifications and levels

  • Bachelor's degree. The bachelor's programme in Metallurgy and Metal Recycling at Montanuniversität Leoben lasts six semesters plus one practice semester, carries 210 ECTS credits, awards a BSc and is taught in German.
  • Long professional engineering degrees. In Chile, the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María awards the professional title of Ingeniero Civil Metalúrgico together with the academic degree of Licenciado en Ciencias de la Ingeniería Metalúrgica. Its reference study plan lists twelve semesters, taught at the Casa Central campus in Valparaíso.
  • Master's degree. Specialisation usually comes at this level. Leoben's master's programme offers elective modules in non-ferrous metallurgy, iron and steel metallurgy, foundry technology, forming technology, simulation and industrial management. KU Leuven in Belgium teaches a master's in materials engineering (Master in de ingenieurswetenschappen: materiaalkunde, and a Master of Materials Engineering). The Chilean department also offers a Magíster en Ciencias de la Ingeniería Metalúrgica.
  • Doctorate. According to the BLS, some jobs, such as those in research and development, require a master's degree or a PhD.

In Spain, official bachelor's degrees (grados) have 240 ECTS credits and master's degrees 60, 90 or 120. Metallurgy is commonly studied there inside mining and materials engineering degrees. The Grado en Ingeniería de los Recursos Mineros of the Universidad de Cantabria, for example, prepares graduates to work in mineral and metallurgical concentration plants, among other areas.

Department names show how the subject has moved towards materials. At Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, the degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering began in 1978 and its department is now the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. When comparing programmes, look at the course list, not only the title.

Where to study metallurgy

SpainExchange lists eight schools for this subject, one in each of eight countries: Spain, Nigeria, Belgium, Chile, Venezuela, Russia, Germany and Austria. Examples are Montanuniversität Leoben, the Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María in Valparaíso, the Universidad de Cantabria in Santander and KU Leuven.

The language of instruction follows the country: German in Leoben, Spanish in Chile and Spain. Leoben's bachelor's degree includes a full practice semester, and the BLS notes that employers value practical experience gained through internships.

Careers

Metallurgists work in steel and non-ferrous metal production, foundries, mining and mineral processing, recycling, and the industries that use metal parts, from vehicles to aerospace. Montanuniversität Leoben names metallurgist, plant engineer and production manager as typical roles, and points to closing material cycles and climate-neutral production of metallic materials as the trends that create demand for graduates.

The BLS does not publish separate figures for metallurgists. For materials engineers as a whole it counts 23,800 jobs in the United States in 2025 and projects growth of 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, with about 1,300 openings a year. Entry-level jobs typically require a bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering or another engineering field.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between metallurgy and materials engineering?

Metallurgy deals with metals and alloys. Materials engineering also covers ceramics, polymers, composites and semiconductors, and many universities now teach metallurgy inside a materials programme.

How long does a metallurgy degree take?

It depends on the country. The bachelor's degree at Montanuniversität Leoben has 210 ECTS credits over six semesters plus a practice semester; the Chilean Ingeniería Civil Metalúrgica has a twelve-semester study plan.

In which language is metallurgy taught?

Normally in the language of the country. Leoben's bachelor's programme is taught in German and the programmes in Chile and Spain in Spanish; ask each school about English-taught master's options.

Do I need a master's degree to work as a metallurgist?

Not always. The BLS states that entry-level materials engineering jobs typically require a bachelor's degree, while some research and development jobs require a master's degree or a PhD.