Materials Science and Engineering
UCAS Code: J501
Master of Engineering (with Honours) - MEng (Hon)
Entry requirements
A level
Grades AAA. This should include two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking an A Level in Maths, Grade A at GCSE is required. Typical contextual offers: Grades AAB including two from Maths, Physics or Chemistry, excluding General Studies. For further information about contextual offers, please visit: http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/applications/after-you-apply/contextual-data/contextual-data-2019/
Applicants with Access to HE qualifications are welcomed and are considered on an individual basis. Please contact the academic School for further information before applying.
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken. Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3 in the Pre-U certificates and Grade A at A level in three distinct subjects. This must two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Minimum Grade C (Grade 4 in the newly reformed GCSEs) in English Language, Science and Mathematics. If you are not taking an A Level in Maths, Grade A (Grade 7) at GCSE is required. New Applied GCSE Mathematics courses will only be accepted at Grade 7.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
36 points to include 6,6,6, at Higher level to include 2 from Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
We will consider the Technical Diploma for entry to our programme provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with Grades DD/D*D plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at Grade A.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
We will only consider the Technical Extended Certificate in conjunction with A Levels. The combination of A Levels and the Technical Extended Certificate must cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with Grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at Grades AA.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
We will consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to our programme provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with Grades DDD.
We will only consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in conjunction with A Levels. The combination of A Levels and the Technical Foundation Diploma must cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with Grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at Grades AA.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We will consider the National Diploma for entry to our programme, provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with Grades DD/D*D plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at Grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
We will only consider the National Extended Certificate in conjunction with A Levels. The combination of A Levels and the National Extended Certificate must cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with Grades D/D* plus additional level 3 qualification such as A Levels at Grades AA.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We will consider the National Extended Diploma for entry to our programme provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Maths and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with Grades DDD.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We will only consider the National Foundation Diploma, at Grade D, in conjunction with Grades AA in two A Level subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
2 Advanced Highers in two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Grade A plus 2 Highers at Grade A (any subjects) English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 Grade C / Intermediate 2 Grade C / Standard Grade Credit level Grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the School directly.
2 Advanced Highers in two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Grade A plus 2 Highers at Grade A (any subjects) English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 Grade C / Intermediate 2 Grade C / Standard Grade Credit level Grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the School directly.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. Grade A in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Core can be used in lieu of one A Level subject (excluding Maths and Science A Levels).
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About this course
Materials Science is a synthesis of physics, chemistry, and engineering. It is the building block on which modern industry has and will continue to advance.
This programme provides a thorough grounding in the scientific principles governing the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of all solid materials, and the opportunity to specialise in the study of a particular class of material (metal, ceramic, or polymer) through a choice of options. The extensive (half year) final year project enables you to tackle a topic at the forefront of Materials Science in depth. It will develop further practical and analytical skills. Formal teaching in communication and transferable skills, including basic management and organisational behaviour, computing and presentation techniques, is given to complement the academic training.
Lectures and tutorials are led staff who are all experts in their field with a deep knowledge of the subjects they teach. 87% of our students agree staff are good at explaining things to them.
Our staff are passionate about their subject. 80% of our students report that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach
Our courses are constantly revised with inputs from both students and industry to cover the latest developments and deliver learning in the most effective way. 82% of our students agree that the time they spend in teaching activities is used efficiently
Students on our courses have access to library and computer facilities that are dedicated to supporting their learning. 90% of our students agree that IT resources are easy to access and meet their needs.
**Aims**
- Provide a broad and balanced curriculum in Materials Science and Engineering, 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**
- The course is accredited by the Institute of Materials (IOM 3 ) and counts as academic training towards the professional qualification of Chartered Engineer.
- A high staff to student ratio means students receive excellent individual attention and frequent tutorial sessions.
- A final year research project enables students to gain an in-depth experience of working in a research team conducting a cutting-edge project., providing a grounding for working in R&D or going on to study at PhD level.
- On-site factilities and equipment that students are both allowed and encouraged to use.
- The average salary of our graduates 6-months after graduation is in excess of £20,000, which is significantly above the sector value.
- The School of Materials has excellent Research ratings.
Tuition fees
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Extra funding
The University is committed to supporting students from low-income households through our financial support packages detailed below. Full-time UK students do not need to apply for Manchester’s bursaries separately but should ensure that they consent to share their financial details with the University when making an application to Student Finance England. http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/student-finance/2019/
The Uni
University of Manchester
School of Materials
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Explore ManchesterWhat students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Materials science
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
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Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Materials science
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
What do graduate employment figures really tell you?This subject isn't very common for undergraduates — so bear that in mind when you review the stats. Many people studying in this fast-moving and often very specialist area take a first degree in another subject and then do a postgraduate course in materials science, and so not many went into work in the UK last year. If you're interested specifically in polymers or textiles, then there is the option to study it as a degree on its own. Because these degrees are very specialist, starting salaries for graduates are pretty good though, so if you fancy something a bit different and cutting-edge, this might be worth thinking about.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Materials science
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£21k
£26k
£29k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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