Materials Science and Engineering

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.