Program Overview

Program Overview

The MSc Materials Science and Engineering program at the University of Birmingham is designed to equip students with the expertise to tackle global challenges in a world dependent on advanced materials. The program focuses on developing advanced materials for diverse applications, preparing students for exciting careers as materials specialists in various industries.

Course Structure

The course consists of 180 credits distributed over 1 year, with two-thirds of the content (120 credits) comprising taught modules and one-third (60 credits) dedicated to an individual research project. The program is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer.

Autumn Term

In the Autumn term, students complete compulsory modules in Advanced Metallurgy and Manufacturing (20 credits), Non-metallic Materials (20 credits), and Research and Communication Skills (20 credits). These core modules provide students with the necessary background to tackle most aspects of Materials Science and Engineering and develop key professional and research skills.

Spring Term

In the Spring term, students select 60 credits of optional modules, which may include:

• Electron Microscopy (10 credits)
• Biomaterials (10 credits)
• Design Against Failure (10 credits)
• Functional Materials (10 credits)
• Introduction to Materials Modelling (10 credits)
• Materials for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies (10 credits)
• Materials for Sustainable Environmental Technologies (10 credits)
• Physical Metallurgy (Titanium and Nickel) (10 credits)
• Polymer Science and Soft Matter (10 credits)
• Sensors and Composites (10 credits)
• Surface Engineering (10 credits)

Summer Research Project

The Summer term is dedicated to the individual research project, which is carried out in the summer and is worth 60 credits.

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students must meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether the application should receive an offer. The entry requirements include:

• A 2:2 Honours degree or above in engineering/technical subjects (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or any physical sciences subject)
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, or equivalent qualifications

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students. The fees for 2026 entry are £12,150 for full-time students. The University offers various scholarships, including the Birmingham Masters Scholarships, which award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Career Opportunities

The MSc Materials Science and Engineering graduates are making an impact across a wide range of sectors, including Research, Education Management, Management Consulting, Mechanical Engineering, and Mining and Metals. They have gone on to work for leading employers, including Rolls-Royce, KPMG, McKinsey & Company, The Faraday Institute, and the UK Atomic Energy Authority. The course is also ideal for those seeking entry into a PhD program at Birmingham or elsewhere.

Related Courses

Related courses offered by the University include:

• Space Engineering MSc
• Sustainable Materials MSc

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The University offers a range of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, and all the support and advice needed. The campus is a beautiful and spacious place where the community comes together to learn, relax, and socialize.

Student Stories

Find new perspectives and hear first-hand about life at Birmingham from students, past and present. Alumni profiles include Sairah Qureshi and Yuean Ma, who have gone on to work in various industries, including Materials Engineering at Rolls-Royce plc.