Materials Science and Engineering

Compulsory modules at the beginning of the programme lay the foundations of your studies in materials science or metallurgy. You’ll learn about processing-structure-property relationships, which lie at the heart of the discipline, as well as examining topics such as mechanical, physical and chemical behaviour, phase transformations and how the structure and local chemistry of materials may be characterised. You’ll cover materials and process selection and their role in design, and extend this into the principles and practice of failure analysis.

This prepares the way for three sets of specialist modules: you can decide to specialise in metallurgy, functional and nanomaterials or take a broader materials science approach covering metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and biomaterials. You’ll complete your taught modules either by studying a module in materials modelling (if you already hold an accredited Engineering degree) or participating in an industry-focused interdisciplinary design project.

You will complete your programme with a major individual research project of your own. With guidance from your supervisor, you will work on a topic related to the internationally-leading materials and metallurgical research carried out in the University, or you could propose a topic of your own related to your own professional work or that of an industrial sponsor.

Want to find out more about your modules?
Take a look at the Materials Science and Engineering module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Research Project (MSc) 60 credits
• Phase Transformations and Microstructural Control 15 credits
• Structure-Property Relationships 15 credits
• Materials Selection and Failure Analysis 15 credits
• Materials Structures and Characterisation 15 credits

Optional modules

• Team Design Project 15 credits
• Biomaterials and Applications 15 credits
• Materials Modelling 15 credits
• Metals and Alloys 15 credits
• Materials for Photonic Applications 15 credits
• Materials for Electronic Applications 15 credits
• Ceramics, Polymers and Composites 15 credits
• Nanomaterials 15 credits
• Process Metallurgy 15 credits
• Extractive Metallurgy 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Materials Science and Engineering MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of the discipline through lectures, seminars, tutorials, small group work and project meetings. Independent study is also important to the programme, as you develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments, vivas and projects.