Tackle global challenges in a world dependent on advanced materials. Our MSc programme will give you the expertise.
From planes and batteries to hip implants and electronics, you’ll learn how to develop advanced materials for diverse applications. We’ll prepare you for an exciting career as a materials specialist in a range of industries.
Watch the video Transcript Kutay: My name is Kutay, and I am studying Materials Science and Engineering.
I chose Materials Science and Engineering at Birmingham because we have our own dedicated Metallurgy and Materials building, amazing laboratories with expert teachers in them.
We have great student life, amazing campus life, and it's just such a welcoming, friendly environment for everyone across the world.
My favourite aspect so far has been how approachable the professors and tutors were.
It's really easy to communicate with them, approach them, talk with them, and get advice from them academically - or even personally.
It's just a great student/tutor relationship overall.
Industry-wise, we have great opportunities, and we have our own dedicated Career Fair, which helps us greatly to get interaction with industry.
Before coming here, I was actually coming from another background, however the course itself actually starts from ground zero, and I had no concerns or problems when I actually started the course.
Everything is looking perfect. Even if you aren't a materials scientist at undergrad, it's totally fine to be here.
"My favourite part about the MSc was the final project. Firstly, there was lots of choice, and secondly, it was very well organised. We were able to use all the instruments and it was easy to get trained. I received helpful feedback from my supervisor on every part of the process very quickly. The taught modules were also a good experience for me. They covered many different parts of materials science and allowed us to develop our understanding of the subject. Although some of the modules could be challenging, we enjoyed the challenge! After completing the MSc, I stayed on in The School of Metallurgy & Materials to do a PhD. After finishing the PhD, I moved into industry where I am using the skills and knowledge from the MSc."
Talk to our students Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course structure This course consists of 180 credits distributed over 1 year. Two thirds of the content (120 credits) consists of taught modules. One third of the content (60 credits) is the individual research project, which is carried out in the summer.
You'll begin this term by completing compulsory modules in Advanced Metallurgy and Manufacturing (20 credits), Non-metallic Materials (20 credits) and Research and Communication Skills (20 credits).
These core modules will ensure you gain the adequate background to tackle most aspects of Materials Science and Engineering, and ensure you develop key professional and research skills. you'll learn the fundamentals of materials science, and how materials can be analysed and studied.
This term you'll focus on areas you wish to specialise in through your choice of wide range of 1- credit optional modules. During this term you'll also begin work with your project supervisor on your research project.
This term is completely dedicated to your 60 credit research project. This can be carried out in a broad range of topics related to Materials Science and Engineering in any of the Research Groups within the School of Metallurgy and Materials.
We will provide the research supervisor and will arrange for all necessary facilities and resources.
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To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
If you are unsure if you meet our entry requirements, you can also contact the admissions department to discuss whether your application would be considered.
English language requirements If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.