Materials Science and Engineering

Program Overview

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Queen Mary University of London's Materials Science and Engineering program equips students with the knowledge and skills to shape the future by improving existing materials and developing new ones. The program offers a blend of lectures, student-centered approaches, and practical experiences, preparing graduates for careers in various fields, including materials engineering, research, and manufacturing. Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, the program ensures that graduates meet the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

Or what an artificial heart valve is made of? If so, this is the degree for you. This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to become experts in materials science and engineering, focusing on shaping the future by improving existing materials and developing new ones.

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Key features of the program:

• First materials department in the UK.
• Learn from a teaching team with extensive research and industrial experience.
• Influence everything from F1 tires to components in aeroplanes and suitcases.
• Home to several journal editors in chief, Fellows of the Royal Society, and Royal Academy of Engineering.
• Graduates are prepared to tackle global issues and pursue careers in various fields like materials engineer, research scientist, patent examiner, and more.

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Program objectives:

• Equip students with a strong foundation in engineering, materials, mathematics, and mechanics.
• Develop practical skills necessary for all engineers.
• Apply learned concepts to design projects addressing key challenges like aging society, clean growth, and future mobility.
• Prepare graduates to tackle global issues and pursue diverse career paths.

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Program Outline:

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Structure:

• BEng: 3 years
• MEng: 4 years
• Optional year abroad or industrial experience available

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Year 0 (Foundation):

• For students requiring additional preparation

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Year 1:

• Focus on core principles
• 10 modules in total, including:
• Engineering Design
• Experimental Design and Practice 1
• Computational and Mathematical Modelling 1
• Materials Engineering
• Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
• Exploring Engineering
• Skills for Engineers

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Year 2:

• Focus on specialist topics
• 10 modules in total, including:
• Phase Transformations
• Structure and Properties of Materials
• Designing for Sustainable Manufacture
• Separation Processes
• Numerical Methods and Data Science in Engineering
• Materials Processing and Manufacturing
• Professional Skills for Engineers

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Year 3:

• Focus on advanced topics
• 9 modules in total, including:
• Integrated Design Project
• Catalysis and Reaction Design
• Biomedical Device Development
• Functional Materials
• Fundamentals of Electrochemical Engineering
• Failure of Materials
• Advanced Professional Skills for Engineers

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Year 4 (MEng only):

• Advanced modules and research projects
• 12 modules in total, including:
• Industry/Research Project
• Advanced Mechanical Modelling of Materials
• Environment, Ethics and Economics in Engineering Design

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Optional modules:

• Several elective modules available in various areas, including nanotechnology, renewable energy, and machine learning.

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Teaching and learning:

• Blend of lectures, student-centered approaches, problem-solving classes, laboratory practicals, and coursework.
• Typically 14-17 hours of formal teaching per week plus additional independent study.
• One hour of class requires one to two hours of independent study.

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Assessment:

• Varies depending on the module, but generally includes:
• Coursework
• Written reports
• Projects
• Presentations
• Group work
• Exams in the summer
• Integrated Design Project (BEng)
• Industry/Research Project (MEng)

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Resources and facilities:

• Materials characterization laboratory
• Mechanical testing laboratory
• NanoVision Centre
• Wet chemistry laboratory
• Maker space
• Computer modelling facilities

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Careers:

• Graduates can pursue careers in various areas, including:
• Materials Engineer
• Research Scientist
• Technical Engineer
• Biomedical Engineer
• Manufacturing Systems Engineer
• Patent Examiner
• Examples of companies hiring graduates:
• Aflex Hose Ltd
• Alcoa
• Arup Group
• Jaguar Land Rover
• National Nuclear Laboratory
• Stone Foundries
• Queen Mary careers team offers support with:
• Choosing a career path
• Finding work experience, internships, and graduate jobs
• CVs, cover letters, and application forms
• Interview coaching

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) under license from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
• This accreditation provides assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).
• An accredited degree may be required by certain employers and is likely to be recognized by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
• Students can participate in the student-centred learning module, which involves engaging and varied tasks such as characterizing materials and building a boat.
• Graduates have access to a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50% of Queen Mary undergraduates.
• The program offers specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through the Advice and Counselling Service.
• Program details may change over time.