Program Overview
The University of Birmingham's Materials Science and Engineering BEng degree offers a comprehensive understanding of materials properties, emphasizing creative problem-solving and equipping students with practical and theoretical skills. Taught by global experts, the program provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge laboratories, preparing graduates for careers in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and finance. With opportunities for industrial experience and a year in industry, the program fosters employability and leadership abilities.
Program Outline
The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop innovative and improved products. The program emphasizes the creative problem-solving aspect of materials science and engineering, encouraging students to combine science, mathematics, and engineering principles to understand the behavior of materials and their applications in various fields. The program is taught by globally recognized experts in the field, providing students with strong theoretical and practical skills in materials science and engineering. The program also boasts leading-edge teaching facilities and laboratories, enhancing the learning experience and providing students with vital employability skills.
Outline:
The Materials Science and Engineering BEng program is a three-year Bachelor of Engineering degree. The program is structured as follows:
Year 1:
- Electrical and Magnetic Engineering: 20 credits
- Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainability: 20 credits
- Mathematics and Computing for Engineers: 20 credits
- Mechanics and Structures: 20 credits
- Practical and Design Skills for Materials Science: 20 credits
- Thermodynamics Kinetics and Fluids: 20 credits
Year 2:
- Design for Functional Applications 2: 20 credits
- Fracture, Fatigue and Degradation: 20 credits
- Materials Characterisation and Data Analysis: 20 credits
- Modelling Materials Behaviour: 20 credits
- Physical Materials Science: 20 credits
- Polymers, Composites and Ceramics: 20 credits
Year 3:
- Core Modules:
- Advanced Manufacturing: 20 credits
- High Performance Materials: 20 credits
- Materials Research Project: 40 credits
- Optional Modules: (Choose 40 credits, all modules 10 credits)
- 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
Assessment:
Assessment is a combination of written exams and continuously assessed coursework. Methods include:
- Written exams: End-of-year exams
- Continuously assessed coursework: Written assignments, oral presentations, computer-based tests, laboratory and project reports Each module is assessed independently, with most containing components of continuous assessment. Some modules are entirely assessed by either examination or coursework.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a diverse group of academics, including professors, doctors, and postgraduates, providing students with a wide range of academic knowledge and experience. Lecturers are experts in their field and passionate about sharing their expertise. The program utilizes an inquiry-based learning approach, encouraging students to become independent and self-motivated learners. Teaching methods include:
- Lectures: Delivering core concepts and theories
- Practicals: Hands-on experience in laboratories
- Case studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios
- Group and individual research projects: Developing research skills and critical thinking
- Development of transferable skills: Enhancing communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities
Careers:
The Materials Science and Engineering BEng degree equips graduates with the technical, analytical, and professional skills needed to lead innovation and change in various sectors, including:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Law
- Finance Graduates are highly employable due to the program's emphasis on practical skills and the opportunities for industrial experience.
Example employers:
- Rolls-Royce
- AeroEngine Controls
- Jaguar Land Rover
- BMW Group
- BP
- Tata Steel
- Schlumberger
- Doncasters Limited
- Sandvik
- BAe Systems
Example careers:
- Aerospace engineer
- Materials tester
- Failure analyst
- Financier
- Lawyer
- Marketing manager
- Materials scientist
- Teacher
Other:
- The department has strong partnerships with key employers, providing projects and work placements for students.
- Students have the opportunity to apply for a year in industry during their degree, typically between Year 2 and Year 3.
- The School is part of the largest center for materials research in the UK.
- The School's facilities include state-of-the-art study spaces and computer suites, utilizing the latest educational technologies.
- The program includes an average of 20-25 hours of contact time per week, comprising laboratory-based activity, lectures, and small-group teaching.
- As students progress through the program, an increasing amount of time is devoted to project-based learning.
Tuition Fees for placement years (where applicable)There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Tuition Fees for Placement Years (where applicable) There is a reduced tuition fee for the academic year spent in industry or whilst studying abroad (where available). Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Home/EU £9,250 International £28,560
