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.

The first two years of this programme are designed to provide a thorough grounding in the scientific principles governing the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of all solid materials.

In particular we develop the understanding of how the structure of a material, from the nano- to the macro-scale, governs its behaviour and we introduce the techniques and methodologies to characterise that structure. The control of that structure through processing is also a key topic. In addition, the role of the engineer in designing with and selection of materials is outlined.

Year three is spent on industrial placement at a company selected by you. You undertake a substantial industrial project under the joint supervision of a member of staff and an industrialist. In this way, you also gain an understanding of management and organisational behaviour.

In year four, advanced topics are offered along with the opportunity to specialise in the study of a particular class of material (metal, ceramic, or polymer) through choice of options.

An extensive final year project enables you to develop further practical and analytical skills. Formal teaching in communication and transferable skills, including accounting, computing and presentation techniques, is given to complement the academic training.

The MEng programme enhances the research and managerial aspects of the BSc programme and allows you to develop your independence and critical and analytical powers.