Program Overview

MEng Materials Science and Engineering with Polymers

Overview

The MEng Materials Science and Engineering with Polymers is a four-year degree that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering, with a focus on polymers. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to pursue successful careers in both industrial and research environments.

Aims

• Provide a broad and balanced curriculum in Materials Science, meeting the requirements for accreditation with the professional body, in order to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to pursue successful careers in both industrial and research environments.
• Provide a teaching environment in which undergraduate students can interact with academic staff at the forefront of research in Materials Science and Engineering, through advanced course units and project work.
• Foster subject-specific and transferable skills, including experience of materials processing and characterisation methods, oral and written communication, group work and IT skills.
• Provide students with effective academic and pastoral support, to cater for students from a wide range of educational backgrounds and enable all students to achieve their full potential.
• Monitor, review and enhance educational provision to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of student progression and to current developments in research and industry.

Special Features

• Excellent facilities and links with industry
• Project work opportunities
• Accreditation by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)

Course Content

Year 1

• Mathematics 1G1
• Mathematics 1G2
• Physics of Materials
• Equilibrium Thermodynamics
• Microstructures of Materials
• Computing & Communication
• Preliminary Chemistry Materials
• Mechanical Behaviour
• Structure of Crystalline Solids
• Functional Properties
• Materials - Shaping the World
• Preliminary Physics

Year 2

• Mechanics of Materials
• Materials Synthesis and Sustainability
• Phase Transformations and Microstructure Control
• Materials Processing
• Deformation Mechanisms
• Functional Behaviour
• Design, Management and Team Project
• Biomaterials & Biological Interactions
• Smart & Nano Materials
• Engineering Alloys in Service
• Performance Polymers, Fibres and Textiles

Year 3

• Modelling and Data Tools for Materials Scientists
• Materials Characterisation and Analytical Techniques
• Composite & Advanced Materials
• Advanced Manufacturing Processes and Microfabrication
• Functional Materials & Devices
• Structural Integrity
• Team Research Project
• Polymer Synthesis & Characterisation
• Multiphase Polymers & Nanocomposites
• Drug Delivery & Biosensors
• Metallurgy of Engineering Alloys
• Corrosion Science & Engineering
• Stem Cell & Tissue Engineering
• Textile Manufacturing Techniques
• Nanotechnology
• Resources for the modern world

Year 4

• Individual Research Project or Industrial Project
• Team Business Project
• Natural Materials & Biological Matrices
• Lab to Clinic
• Soft Matter
• Control & Design of Polymerisation Reactions
• Polymer Physics & Physical Properties
• Advanced Metals Processing
• Superalloys & High Performance Materials
• Corrosion Management for Sustainability
• Corrosion Control for Industrial Practice
• Corrosion Control for Oilfield and Renewable Energy
• Advanced Textile Technology
• Textiles Evaluation & Clothing
• Technical & Biomedical Textiles
• Advanced Composites
• Graphene & Nanomaterials
• Applied Functional Materials & Devices

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAA including two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry
• International Baccalaureate: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including two subjects from Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics
• GCSE/IGCSE: Grade C/4 in English Language, Mathematics and Science
• Other entry requirements exist for this course, including Scottish requirements, Welsh Baccalaureate, Foundation year, Pearson BTEC qualifications, OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications, Access to HE Diploma, and T Level

Fees and Funding

• Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set
• Policy on additional costs: All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme
• Scholarships/sponsorships: The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students

Application and Selection

• How to apply: Apply through UCAS
• Advice to applicants: Factors contributing to a successful application include past academic performance, predicted academic performance, enthusiasm for the chosen degree programme, and evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements
• Interview requirements: All students who apply to us through UCAS, and who live on the UK mainland and meet our application criteria, are currently invited to a Virtual Visit event which will include an interview as part of the application process

Careers

• Career opportunities: Materials science and engineering graduates are highly sought after and are recognised by employers for their knowledge, advanced research skills and independent thinking
• Typical roles: Materials scientist, Materials engineer, Development scientist, Materials technologist, Research associate, Materials chemist, Product development scientist
• Employers: Rolls Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, BP, 3M, Airbus, Smith and Nephew, DePuy, BAE Systems, Siemens, Bentley Motors

Accrediting Organisations

• Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)

Associated Organisations

• Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)