Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham offers a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) degree in Materials Science and Engineering. This three-year full-time program is designed to equip students with the technical, analytical, and professional skills to lead change and innovation in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, biomedical, sport, and sustainable development fields.

Course Structure

The program comprises taught and optional modules, including a research project in the third year on a topic of interest to the student. The course is assessed using a combination of exams, written assignments, oral presentations, computer-based tests, laboratory and project reports.

Entry Requirements

To secure a place at Birmingham, students must meet the general entry requirements as well as those specific to the course. The standard entry requirements include:

• A Level: AAB to include A-level Mathematics and one of Further Maths or Computer Science or Biology or Physics or Chemistry or Design Technology.
• IB: 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including Mathematics and either Computer Science or Biology or Physics or Chemistry or Design Technology, with a minimum of 32 points overall.
• BTEC: BTEC only considered when combined with other qualifications.

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, examination, and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students. The fee for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27 is £9,535 per year. The University also offers various scholarships, grants, and bursaries to support students.

Career Opportunities

Materials Science and Engineering graduates from Birmingham are making an impact across a wide range of sectors, including management consultancy, mechanical and industrial engineering, information technology, mining and metals, and logistics and supply chain. They have gone on to work for leading employers such as Micron Technology, Rolls-Royce, GE Power, AWR, and Muscat Engineering Consultancy.

Related Courses

The University of Birmingham also offers related courses, including:

• Materials Science and Engineering MEng
• Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng

Student Experience

The University of Birmingham provides a supportive and inclusive environment for students to thrive. The campus offers a range of facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and recreational spaces. Students can also engage in various extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, and societies, to enhance their university experience.

Research Areas

The School of Materials Science and Engineering at Birmingham is part of the largest centre for materials research in the UK. The school has strong partnerships with key employers, providing projects and work placements for students and regularly recruiting from the pool of graduates. The research areas include:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Biomedical
• Sport
• Sustainable development

Accreditation

The BEng Materials Science and Engineering program is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Ranking

The University of Birmingham is ranked 2nd in the UK for Materials and Technology according to the Daily Mail University Guide 2026. The program is also ranked 4th in the UK for Materials Technology by the Complete University Guide 2026 and 8th in the UK for Materials Technology by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026.