Materials Science and Engineering MSc

Program Overview

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This MSc in Materials Science and Engineering provides a comprehensive grounding in the field, preparing students for careers in industry or research. The program covers core concepts, introduces students to the latest developments, and offers specialization options through a selection of optional modules. Graduates are well-positioned for employment in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, biomedical sciences, energy, and manufacturing.

Program Outline

The program is designed to prepare students for careers in industry or research. The program emphasizes the latest developments in materials science and engineering, and students have the option to specialize in a particular area of interest.

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Objectives:

• To provide a solid grounding in the concepts and theories of materials science and engineering.
• To introduce students to the latest developments in materials science and engineering.
• To prepare students for careers in industry or research.

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Description:

The program is fully accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). Graduates will have the underpinning knowledge for later professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

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Outline:

The program is structured around a combination of core modules and optional modules. Students must complete all core modules and choose a selection of optional modules to specialize in their area of interest.

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Core Modules:

• Science of Materials: This module introduces key concepts involved in materials science, covering general aspects and applications of metallic, polymeric, and inorganic materials.
Topics include chemical bonding, basic crystallography, crystal defects, mechanical properties, phase diagrams, and overviews of metals, alloys, polymers, and inorganic solids. (15 credits)
• Materials Processing and Characterisation: This module introduces experimental methods used to characterize metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites, as well as the processes and technologies involved in their production.
Topics include characterization techniques (diffraction, spectroscopy, thermal analysis) and processing methods (powder, thermomechanical, molding). (15 credits)
• Practical, Modelling and Digital Skills: This module develops skills in three areas: materials characterization laboratory skills, computer use for data handling and analysis (MATLAB), and finite element modeling (FEM) using ANSYS.
It also covers scientific literature searching, technical skills for presenting data, and avoiding plagiarism. (15 credits)
• Heat and Materials with Application: This module presents the underlying theory of heat transfer and diffusion, covering the derivation and solution of engineering problems related to conduction, convection, radiative heat transfer, and diffusion.
It introduces analytical and numerical solutions using the finite difference method. (15 credits)
• Project: Students undertake a research project on a topic agreed with their supervisor.
The project involves a literature survey, laboratory work, and a final report and presentation. (60 credits)

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Optional Modules:

(15 credits)

• Functional and Structural Ceramics: This module covers inorganic and functional materials, focusing on processing, crystal and defect chemistry, electrical transport, magnetic properties, industrial applications, and materials development strategies.
(15 credits) It focuses on the physical metallurgy of these alloys and their implications for processing, microstructure, and performance. (15 credits)

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Group 2:

• Glasses and Cements: This module covers the materials science and technology of glasses and cement/concrete, examining their structures, properties, and manufacturing processes.
(15 credits)
• Metallurgical Processing: This module examines steel production, thermomechanical processing, and plastic forming techniques.
(15 credits)
• Advanced Nuclear Systems: This module explores advanced nuclear concepts, including materials for nuclear energy systems, advanced nuclear systems, nuclear materials performance, radiation damage, and the impact of nuclear accidents.
(15 credits)

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Group 3:

• Sustainable Materials Manufacturing: This module examines methods for carbon reduction in materials industries, including steelmaking, glass production, and cement manufacture.
It explores new production technologies, alternative compositions, life cycle assessment, and industrial symbiosis approaches. (15 credits)
• Deformation, Fracture and Fatigue: This module explores the role of dislocations, microstructural features, and fracture mechanics in the plastic deformation and fracture of metals.
It covers linear elastic fracture mechanics, plastic zones at crack tips, and cyclical fatigue. (15 credits)
• Solid State Chemistry: This module covers functional inorganic materials, their synthesis, structure, properties, and uses in various applications.
It focuses on crystal structures, diffraction and spectroscopic techniques, phase diagrams, and structure-composition-property relations. (15 credits)

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Group 4:

• Energy Generation and Storage: This module examines materials challenges in nuclear and renewable energy generation, hydrogen economy, battery technologies, and energy recovery technologies.
(15 credits)
• Design and Manufacture of Composites: This module covers the design and manufacture of polymer composites, including classical laminate theory, manufacturing routes, defects, machining, testing, and repair.
(15 credits) (15 credits) (15 credits)

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Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of formal examinations, coursework assignments, and a dissertation.

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Teaching:

The program is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, laboratory classes, and project work. Students work alongside students and staff from across the globe, tackling real-world projects.

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Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in a variety of industries, including:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Biomedical sciences
• Energy sector
• Manufacturing
• Research and development

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Other:

• The program is taught by a team of experienced and internationally recognized academics.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art multidisciplinary engineering laboratories.

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Home (2024 annual fee) : £13,000 Overseas (2024 annual fee) : £29,700