Materials Science and Engineering The University of Manchester

Overview

The Materials Science and Engineering course offered at The University of Manchester 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.

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.

Career opportunities

Materials Science and Engineering graduates are highly sought after by employers for their knowledge, advanced research skills and independent thinking, so you will finish your degree with an excellent chance of gaining meaningful employment.

Typically, their graduates progress to rewarding careers in research and development; management; and technical roles with both large materials manufacturing and end-users. 

Other graduates choose to apply their technical and analytical skills in fields such as patent law or accountancy, while your degree can also open up opportunities in careers as diverse as teaching, engineering, consultancy and technical development.

Some of the roles the recent graduates have gone on to include:

• Materials scientist
• Materials engineer
• Development scientist
• Materials technologist
• Research associate
• Materials chemist
• Product development scientist.