Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng

Program Overview

The Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng program at the University of Birmingham is a five-year program designed for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering, with practical industry experience. The program consists of core modules, elective modules, an individual research project, and a year-long industrial placement, preparing graduates for a wide range of career paths in various industries. The program's emphasis on employability skills, coupled with its strong partnerships with key employers, ensures a high level of career readiness.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng degree at the University of Birmingham is a five-year program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering, combined with practical experience in the field. The program aims to equip students with the technical, analytical, and professional skills necessary to lead future change and innovation in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, law, and finance. The program's key objectives include:

• Developing a strong theoretical and practical foundation in materials science and engineering.

• Providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world issues through an industrial placement.

• Enhancing students' employability skills through individual final-year projects and other activities.

Outline:

The Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng program is structured over five years, with a year-long industrial placement between Year 2 and Year 3. The program's content is divided into modules, with a core set of modules in each year, along with optional modules to allow students to specialize in areas of interest.

Year 1:

• Electrical and Magnetic Engineering (20 credits): This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of electricity and magnetism, covering topics such as electric circuits, magnetic fields, and electromagnetic induction.
• Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainability (20 credits): This module explores the relationship between materials, manufacturing processes, and sustainability, examining the environmental impact of materials production and the development of sustainable materials and manufacturing practices.
• Mathematics and Computing for Engineers (20 credits): This module provides students with the mathematical and computational skills necessary for engineering applications, covering topics such as calculus, linear algebra, and numerical methods.
• Mechanics and Structures (20 credits): This module introduces students to the principles of mechanics and structural analysis, covering topics such as stress, strain, and the behavior of materials under load.
• Practical and Design Skills for Materials Science (20 credits): This module develops students' practical skills in materials science, including techniques for materials characterization, processing, and design.
• Thermodynamics Kinetics and Fluids (20 credits): This module covers the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and fluid mechanics, providing students with a theoretical understanding of these concepts and their applications in materials science and engineering.

Year 2:

• Design for Functional Applications 2 (20 credits): This module builds upon the design principles introduced in Year 1, focusing on the design of materials and structures for specific applications, considering factors such as performance, cost, and sustainability.
• Fracture, Fatigue and Degradation (20 credits): This module explores the mechanisms of fracture, fatigue, and degradation in materials, examining the factors that contribute to these phenomena and the methods for preventing or mitigating them.
• Materials Characterisation and Data Analysis (20 credits): This module introduces students to a range of techniques for characterizing materials, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction, and provides training in data analysis and interpretation.
• Modelling Materials Behaviour (20 credits): This module explores the use of computer modeling and simulation to predict the behavior of materials, covering topics such as atomistic modeling, continuum mechanics, and finite element analysis.
• Physical Materials Science (20 credits): This module delves into the fundamental principles of materials science, covering topics such as crystallography, bonding, and phase transformations.
• Polymers, Composites and Ceramics (20 credits): This module focuses on the properties, processing, and applications of polymers, composites, and ceramics, examining the unique characteristics of these materials and their role in modern engineering.

Year 3 (in Industry):

• Industrial Placement: Students undertake a year-long industrial placement between Year 2 and Year 3, gaining practical experience in a real-world setting.
The University assists students in finding suitable internships and provides support and mentorship throughout the placement year.

Year 4:

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Manufacturing (20 credits):
This module explores advanced manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, laser processing, and nanomanufacturing, examining the latest technologies and their impact on materials science and engineering.
• High Performance Materials (20 credits): This module focuses on the development and application of high-performance materials, including advanced alloys, composites, and functional materials, exploring their properties and potential for use in demanding applications.
• Group Project (20 credits): Students work in teams to complete a research project, applying their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.
• Optional Modules (60 credits): Students choose from a range of optional modules, allowing them to specialize in areas of interest.
Examples of optional modules include:
• Advanced Electronic Materials
• Advanced Polymer Systems
• Alloy and Microstructure Design
• Battery Technology and Manufacturing
• Biomaterials
• High Toughness Ceramics
• Intermetallics, Metal Matrix Composites and Ceramic Matrix Composites
• Irradiation Materials Science
• Materials for Sustainable Environment Technology
• Materials Modelling
• Self-Sensing Materials and Advanced Condition Monitoring
• Surface Engineering Technologies

Year 5:

• Core Modules:
• Individual Research Project (100 credits):
Students undertake an individual research project, developing their research skills and contributing to the field of materials science and engineering.
• Synoptic Materials Science (20 credits): This module provides a comprehensive overview of materials science and engineering, integrating the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program.

Assessment:

Assessment in the Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng program is through a combination of written exams and continually assessed coursework. Assessment methods include:

• Continually assessed coursework: This includes assignments, laboratory reports, project reports, and presentations, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a variety of ways.
• Oral presentations: These are used to assess students' communication skills and their ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
• Computer-based tests: These are used to assess students' proficiency in using software tools and their ability to analyze data.

Teaching:

Teaching in the Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng program is delivered through a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures: These provide students with a structured introduction to key concepts and theories.
• Practicals: These provide students with hands-on experience in materials science and engineering, allowing them to develop their practical skills and apply their knowledge to real-world problems.
• Case studies: These provide students with the opportunity to analyze real-world scenarios and apply their knowledge to solve problems.
• Group and individual research projects: These allow students to develop their research skills and contribute to the field of materials science and engineering.
• Seminars and tutorials: These provide students with the opportunity to discuss their understanding of the material, ask questions, and receive feedback from lecturers and peers.
The program is taught by a team of professors, doctors, and postgraduates, providing students with a rich diversity of academic knowledge and experience. Lecturers are experts in their field and passionate about passing on their expertise.

Careers:

Graduates of the Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng program are well-equipped for a wide range of careers in various sectors. Some potential career paths include:

• Aerospace engineer
• Materials tester
• Failure analyst
• Financier
• Lawyer
• Marketing manager
• Materials scientist
• Teacher
The program's strong emphasis on industrial experience and employability skills ensures that graduates are highly sought-after by employers. The University has strong partnerships with key employers, including Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW Group, BP, Tata Steel, Schlumberger, Doncasters Limited, Sandvik, and BAe Systems, who provide projects and work placements for students and regularly recruit graduates.

Other:

The University of Birmingham's School of Metallurgy and Materials is part of the largest center for materials research in the UK. The School's facilities provide students with a state-of-the-art learning environment, including:

• First-class teaching and laboratory facilities
• State-of-the-art study spaces
• Computer suites with the latest educational technologies
The program also offers a range of opportunities for industrial internships and placements during the summer, allowing students to put their skills into practice. The University's Careers Network provides a wealth of resources and support to help students identify and achieve their career aspirations. The Careers Network offers:
• One-to-one advice appointments with careers advisors
• Employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA)
• Work Experience Bursary Scheme
• Birmingham Undergraduate Internship Programme
• Mentoring schemes

For UK/EU Students: £9,250 per year. For International students: £28,560 per year. Fees quoted are for the 2024/25 academic year and are reviewed annually.