ObjectivesOur Materials Science and Engineering courses are all about giving you the ability to tackle situations that materials scientists and engineers encounter on an everyday basis. You will learn how to tailor the properties of materials to meet design requirements, using an understanding of their structure, composition and processing. We provide you with a solid basis in the underlying science and we use a hands-on approach and exposure to real situations to give you a good understanding of practical applications. Case studies, design projects, group industrial projects, laboratory work, manufacturing plant visits, tutorials and the five-month MEng paid placement in industry are all designed to aid your development as a scientist and engineer. A key feature of our degrees is their flexibility. We offer courses leading to either BEng or MEng qualifications, involving three or four years of study respectively. You do not need to decide between a BEng or MEng until the end of Year Two, when you will have enough knowledge and experience to make an informed decision. If you already know which area of materials you are most interested in, you may wish to take one of our specialised courses in metals or materials applications for aerospace from Year One. Alternatively, you can follow the broader-based materials degree for three or four years, or decide to specialise in a particular material - such as metals or polymers - from the end of Year Two. Our high level of research funding provides excellent resources that are used by undergraduate students as well as postgraduate students and staff. Financial assistance: The Department offers first-year Entrance Bursaries to students on this course with high entry qualifications.
Entry requirementsEntry requirements GCE/VCE A Levels - typically ABB BTEC National Diploma - 2 Distinctions and 1 Merit Two GCE A Levels plus two GCE AS Levels - Typically AB+BB Scottish Highers - AAAB-ABBB + AB-BB in Advanced Highers Irish Leaving Cert. - AABBB-ABBBB International Baccalaureate - 30-33 points Core Requirements - GCE A Level in two of Maths, Physics and Chemistry, or one at A Level and two at AS Level. Applications from students with A or AS Level Design & Technology or A Level Biology are encouraged. We consider each application on its merits and may tailor our offer to suit your achievements, experience and potential.
Academic titleMEng Materials Science and Engineering
Course descriptionOur students usually select from a range of compulsory and optional modules to add up to 120 credits.
Some departments offer courses that don't feature optional modules whereas other courses are fully flexible.
Important notice :
This is a list of modules that have been offered in the past. We expect similar modules to be offered for courses starting in 2009.
This information is provided for illustration only and you should check with the department directly when applying to confirm module options.
Find out how to contact the department
Typical First Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties 20
Professional and Transferable Skills 20
Functional Materials 1 10
Functional Materials II 10
Introduction to Materials Technology 10
Material Science: Where To/How Fast? I 10
Mathematics 1a (Materials) 10
Mathematics 1b (Materials) 10
Structure and Bonding of Materials 10
Balancing Chemistry 10
Balancing Physics 10
French 1A 10
French 2A 10
French 3A 10
German 1A 10
German 3A 10
Italian 1A 10
Italian 1A 10
Italian 2A 10
Materials in Medicine and Dentistry 10
Spanish 1A 10
Spanish 1A 10
Spanish 2A 10
Spanish 3A 10
Typical Second Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Deformation of Materials 10
Functional Materials III 10
Materials Science: Where to/How fast? - II 10
Materials Selection, Design and Reverse Engineering 10
Mathematics II (Materials) 10
Microstructural Design and Control 10
Polymers and Composites 10
Practicals in Processing and Analysis 10
Principles of Materials Processing 10
Structural Characterisation 10
Structural Chemistry and Crystallography 10
French 1B 10
French 2B 10
French 3B 10
German 1B 10
German 2B 10
German 3B 10
Italian 1B 10
Italian 2B 10
Materials in Medicine and Dentistry 10
Numerical Methods 10
Solid State Materials Chemistry 10
Spanish 1B 10
Spanish 2B 10
Spanish 3B 10
Typical Third Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Industrial Placement 30
Advanced Glasses and Ceramics 10
Advanced Thermodynamics and Kinectics 10
Enterprise, Creativity and Innovation 10
Extended Practicals 10
Failures and Case Study 10
Fracture Mechanics and Heat Transfer 10
Functional Polymers and Surface analysis 10
Solidification and Thermomechanical Processing 10
Surface Degradation and Protection 10
Typical Fourth Year Modules
Module/Unit Credits
Literature Survey and Project 40
Further Engineering Applications 20
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing 10
Advanced Structural and Chemical Analysis 10
Aerospace Structural Metallic Materials 10
Bioimaging 10
Chemistry of Silicate Materials 10
Composite Micromechanics and Strong Reinforcing Fibres 10