Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng

Program Overview

The Materials Science and Engineering with Foundation Year program offers students a pathway to a BEng or MEng degree, building the necessary knowledge and skills for success in engineering. Through a "learn by doing" approach, industry-relevant experience, and a focus on fundamental understanding, graduates are well-equipped with transferable skills for diverse career paths in materials science and engineering.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Materials Science and Engineering with a Foundation Year BEng MEng program is designed for students who lack the typical scientific or mathematical background required for an engineering degree. It offers a foundation year to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge before they embark on the BEng or MEng degree.

Outline:

Foundation Year:

• Advanced Level Chemistry: Covers major concepts from inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, developing a sound basic knowledge of chemistry.
• Elements of Physics: Provides the elements of Physics required for the first year of an engineering course, covering Dynamics/Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Oscillations, Waves, and Optics, and Properties of Matter.
• Foundation Core and Enhanced Mathematics: Builds on the common core curriculum from A level maths, covering enhanced comprehension of topics in pure maths, statistics, probability, and numerical methods.

Year 1 Onwards (BEng or MEng Degree):

• Focus on Fundamental Understanding: The first two years focus on developing a fundamental understanding of materials science and engineering, both in theory and practical application.
• Group Projects: Students engage in complex real-world problems, applying their engineering knowledge and developing transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and project management.
• Diverse Course Content: Modules cover materials properties, materials sustainability, metallurgy, functional materials, composites, biomaterials, nuclear materials, computational modelling techniques, quality management, financial and legal risks.
• Independent Research Project: Students complete an independent research project in their final year, showcasing their technical lab skills and consolidating their learning.

Assessment:

• Combination of Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a combination of exams, tests, coursework, and practical work.
The proportions for each vary depending on the modules chosen.

Teaching:

• Learning by Doing Approach: The program emphasizes a "learn by doing" approach, using industry-standard equipment and practical exercises to develop transferable skills.
• Dedicated Facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including The Diamond, a dedicated engineering teaching facility with lecture theatres, seminar rooms, open plan learning spaces, library services, and specialist engineering laboratories.
• Industry-Relevant Experience: The program includes opportunities for students to work in industry or on projects of direct industrial interest, providing valuable practical experience.

Careers:

• Transferable Skills: The program equips students with a strong set of transferable skills valued by employers across various industries, including analytical and problem-solving skills, time management, planning and organization, research and scientific communication, and teamwork.
• High Demand for Graduates: Graduates are in high demand due to their skills, experience, and ability to tackle society's most pressing materials challenges.
• Diverse Career Paths: Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, healthcare, and energy.

Other:

• Accreditation: The course is fully accredited by the IOM3, meaning it counts towards later professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Industry Links: The program has an Industrial Advisory Board that provides a link between studies and the professional world, ensuring the curriculum aligns with industry needs.
• Research-Led: Students are embedded in research teams, participating in academic research or industry-led collaborations, working at the cutting edge of materials science and engineering.
• Student Support: The University provides excellent learning resources, including 24/7 online access to the library service, study spaces, and computers.

• Home students 2024-25 annual tuition fee: £9,250
• Overseas students 2024-25 annual tuition fee: £29,110