Materials Science and Engineering

Entry Year: 2025

7 study options

Materials Science and Engineering BEng (Hons)
Materials Science with Foundation BEng (Hons)
Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience BEng (Hons)
Materials Science and Engineering with Year Abroad BEng (Hons)
Materials Science and Engineering MEng (Hons)
Materials Science and Engineering with Industrial Experience MEng (Hons)
Materials Science and Engineering with Year Abroad MEng (Hons)

KEY INFORMATION

Materials Science and Engineering BEng (Hons)

Degree
BEng (Hons)

Duration
3 years

Start
September 2025

UCAS code
J511

Institution code
Q50

Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. 

This must include at least two A-Level subjects of Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry. Excludes General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)

Home fees
£9,250

Overseas fees
£29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees

Overview

Ever wondered how an F1 car can weigh so little? Or what an artificial heart valve is made of? If so, this is the degree for you.

Look around you. Everything you see is manufactured from different materials. To make the world a better place, we need experts who can improve these materials to boost function while reducing waste and maximising efficiency. Join us to learn how, as a materials scientist and engineer. 

Our materials department was the first in the UK. Studying with us, you’ll learn from a teaching team with extensive research and industrial experience. Our expertise influences everything, from how Formula 1 tyres are made to the composites used in aeroplanes and suitcases. We’re home to several journal editors in chief, as well as fellows of the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering.

Ready to shape the future?

You’ll build a strong foundation in fundamental engineering concepts such as mechanics, design, materials and mathematical modelling. At the same time, you’ll develop the practical skills all engineers need.

Everything you learn will be applied to a design project which addresses one of the key challenges identified by the UK Government – such as an aging society, clean growth and the future of mobility.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared to tackle the global issues facing our society. Materials engineer, research scientist, patent examiner – a degree in materials science and engineering can take you in a range of directions, where you’ll have the chance to create big changes.

Professional recognition

Our Materials Science and Engineering programmes have been accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)under license from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).  

An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Our BEng programmes partially meet the academic requirements for CEng registration. Our MEng programmes fully meet the academic requirements for CEng registration.

Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Structure

You can complete your Materials Science and Engineering degree in three, four or five years.

YEAR 0FoundationSemester 1

Communication in Science and Technology Semester 2

Further Mathematics Year-long modules

Science and Engineering Success
Foundations of Chemical Science
Foundations of Physical Science
Foundations of Engineering
Mathematics B

All modules are compulsory

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

YEAR 1

You'll study a range of core principles including:

EMS402U - Engineering Design
EMS410U - Experimental Design and Practice 1
EMS412U - Computational and Mathematical Modelling 1
EMS430U - Materials Engineering
EMS450U - Exploring Engineering
EMS420U - Experimental Design and Practice 2
EMS440U - Materials Chemistry
EMS460U - Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics
EMS499U - Skills for Engineers

You can look up module descriptions using our module directory.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

YEAR 2

You'll cover the following specialist topics:

EMS519U - Materials for Biomedical Applications
EMS522U - Materials for Sustainability
EMS523U - Phase Transformations
EMS524U - Structure and Properties of Materials
EMS501U - Designing for Sustainable Manufacture
EMS517U - Separation Processes
EMS506U - Numerical Methods and Data Science in Engineering
EMS527U - Materials Processing and Manufacturing
EMS599U - Professional Skills for Engineers

You can look up module descriptions using our module directory.

Please note that all modules are subject to change.