Sustainable materials development is both an evolving scientific discipline and global need. Join a cutting edge course of study and join scientists tackling the world's most critical challenges.
Develop the skills needed to design advanced sustainable materials and prepare for roles in industries working to reduce environmental impact and forge a more sustainable future.
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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.
This semester focuses on developing a fundamental knowledge of Circular Economy and Life Cycle Assessment. These modules will underpin the material to be taught in term 2 and the research projects.
In addition, you'll have a research skills module that will develop your skills in developing literature reviews and critiquing different presentation styles.
You'll also have the opportunity to participate in some engaging assessments including Dragon's Den pitches.
This term delves deeper into recent progress within sustainable materials research, with a choice of modules covering materials designed for energy generation and storage, net shape manufacturing, sensors and composites, and other significant areas.
You'll also undertake a project management module, preparing you for the research project in the summer as well as equipping you with many of the skills you will need to manage projects in the workplace.
The summer is dedicated to your research project. You'll work closely with an academic supervisor and their research group on a pioneering research project.
This could be experimental, and lab based, theory based, involve modelling, or be a mixture of all three elements. This project will be concluded by the start of September with marks and feedback delivered by the end of September.
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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.