Materials Science and Engineering

Ever wondered how an F1 car can weigh so little? Or what an artificial heart valve is made of? 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. We’re home to several journal editors in chief, as well as fellows of the Royal Society and Royal Academy of Engineering. Our expertise influences everything from how Formula 1 tyres are made to the composites used in aeroplanes and suitcases.

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 challenges identified by the UK Government – artificial Intelligence and data, ageing society, clean growth and the future of mobility.

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

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 meet the academic requirements for IEng and our MEng programmes meet the academic requirements for CEng.

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.