Materials Science for Innovative Engineering (PgDip)

Course Details

The programme runs over three years, part-time, with students taking three compulsory modules introducing them to the fundamentals of materials science and materials characterisation in their first year. The third module is a mini-project where the students apply the knowledge from the other two modules to a materials science problem.

In the second year, the students take three further taught modules covering more advanced topics in materials science. Choices include modules on magnetic and electronic materials, optical and plasmonic materials, and materials modelling and simulation.

The third year is dedicated to a masters research project on a materials science topic. The teaching on the programme is delivered through a dedicated course website, where students engage in online discussions with each other and the teachers, as well as taking quizzes and submitting assignments.

Please note: modules can also be taken individually with certificates awarded upon successful completion of the assessments.

Modules include:

Compulsory modules

Fundamentals of Materials Science (30 CATS)
Materials Characterisation (20 CATS)
Materials Science Case Study (10 CATS)

Specialist modules for PgDip and MSc

Electron Microscopy and Scanning Probe Microscopy (20 CATS)
Magnetic and Electronic Materials (20 CATS)
Materials Modelling and Simulation (20 CATS)
Plasmonic and Optical Materials (20 CATS)
Thin Film Techniques and Sensor Technology (20 CATS)

Please note all modules may not be offered in a given year.

MSc only

Materials Science Research Project (60 CATS)
This module may be undertaken as project with the student’s employer, if a relevant research topic can be identified.

A range of assessment instruments are used including laboratory/simulation-based assignments, individual projects, presentations, written coursework and unseen written exams.

Teaching is entirely web-based and requires no period of attendance.