MSc in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering

Course Structure

This course aims to equip students with knowledge and understanding of the key structural properties of different classes of materials. You will gain skills in characterisation of materials, in particular their structural, thermal, morphological and chemical properties.

You will use the principles and underlying theory of a range of characterisation methods, including:

• X-ray diffraction
• Focussed Ion Beam
• Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• Electron Microscopy
• Scanning Probe Microscopies

As well as a range of modelling tools, applicable to a broad spectrum of material types at different length scales.

Expert academics teach our courses through formal lecturing and student-led coursework. Formal teaching extends from October to the end of March, with examinations during the summer term. At the start of the autumn term, students will select a research project and then write a research project plan during the remainder of the term. The research will be carried out after examinations.

In Summer Term, you will also undertake a specially designed research project within an active research area, working alongside our established research groups.

View our MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Programme Specification to learn more.

Learning tools and provision

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities and the unique opportunity to participate in world-leading research through your expected contribution to existing research group projects, which may lead to being published yourself.

You will be able to use the extensive high-performance computing resources available, along with the latest software. Our comprehensive library makes available the latest publications related to our research areas.

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in materials, mechanical/civil/chemical engineering, physics or chemistry. Please note, a first class degree (or equivalent) is strongly preferred. Applicants with relevant industrial experience would also be considered.

• For international qualifications equivalences, please visit our Accepted Qualifications webpage.

An English qualification is also required (except for applicants with a first degree awarded from universities in Australia, Canada, Guyana, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the West Indies.)

• For English Language requirements, please visit our English Language Requirements webpage. 

For the standard course, you’ll choose four optional modules from the list provided.

For our Energy Transition or Theory and Simulation specialisms, please select the specialism tabs above for more information.

Project

The course strongly focuses on independent research, and a substantial research project is embedded in the course.  In the Autumn term, students will select a research project (worth approximately half of the total mark). Following the development of a research plan for the autumn term, students will be able to do full-time research after the exams.

During the project, students will work in an established research group alongside renowned academics and experienced research staff and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and support. Students are expected to make a genuine contribution to live projects and produce original research of a standard sufficient for peer-reviewed publications.

Applications for the MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering program for 2025/26 will open in mid-October 2024. Please visit our Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Study Page for more information about admissions deadlines.

How to apply

Other useful links 

• Registry application guidelines
• Tuition fees
• Academic Eligibility
• English language requirements
• Visas and immigration

Advanced Materials Science and Engineering: Specialising in Materials for the Energy Transition

Advances in materials are key towards delivering affordable, reliable and green energy. This includes materials for solar cells, materials for low-carbon hydrogen production, and other chemicals or materials for nuclear technology.

To specialise in Materials for the Energy Transition, you must select four optional modules from the list below. Your research project should be energy-related.

Required optional modules (choose four):

Optoelectronic Materials
Electroceramics
Surfaces and Interfaces
Nuclear Materials for Reactor Systems
Nuclear Chemical Engineering
Nuclear Reactor Physics
Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics 

*Please be aware that you must choose your degree and desired specialisation during the application process. Once you have accepted an offer or begun your course in October, changing your degree program will not be permitted.

*For 2024/25 entry*
MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering: Specialising in Theory and Simulation of Materials

Theory and simulation of materials play a major role in science and engineering projects. Our work underpins research across the Department of Materials, providing insight into properties and processes. Our world-class methods place us at the forefront of Theory and Simulation research across a wide range of applications, including sustainable technologies, fuels, and thermoelectrics.

To specialise in Theory and Simulation of Materials, you must select all three optional modules listed below, with the fourth module from any other area. Your research project should focus on a topic related to theory and simulation.

Required optional modules:

Modelling Materials with Density Functional Theory
Machine Learning for Materials
Mathematics and Quantum Mechanics 

*Please be aware that you must choose your degree and desired specialisation during the application process. Once you have accepted an offer or begun your course in October, changing your degree program will not be permitted.