BSc Materials Science & Engineering: The University of Manchester

Course description

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. No other subject has epochs of history named after it (Iron Age, Bronze Age, and now the Silicon Age).

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 they develop the understanding of how the structure of a material, from the nano- to the macro-scale, governs its behaviour and they 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.

In Year 3 they offer advanced topics 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 computing and presentation techniques, is given to complement the academic training.

Career opportunities

Materials Science and Engineering graduates are highly sought after by employers, and all of their graduates either find employment in industry or go on to higher level study at the end of their degree. Careers include research and development, management positions, and technical roles within both large multinationals and smaller businesses. Companies their recent graduates have gone on to work for include Rolls Royce, Airbus, Jaguar, 3M, Alcoa, and Corus. Other graduates choose to apply their technical and analytical skills in fields such as patent law or accountancy. A Materials Science and Engineering degree also provides an ideal springboard for higher level study (eg towards a PhD), and approximately one third of their graduates follow this route.

Careers include research and development roles, management positions and technical sales within large materials manufacturing or end-users. The range of careers include things as diverse as teaching, engineering, consultancy and technical development roles.

Entry requirements

• English language: GCSE grade C, IELTS 6.0 with no subtest below 5.5, TOEFL paper-based test score of 550 with TWE of 5.0, TOEFL computer-based test score of 213 with TWE of 5.0, TOEFL internet based test score of 80. Cambridge Proficiency in English Grade C, English for Academic Purposes Grade B.
• A level: Grades ABC. This should include two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
• AS level: They do not normally make offers based on AS level. However, each application is treated on an individual basis.
• Subjects welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer: General Studies
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language, Dual Science and Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 32 points overall, including two subjects at Higher Level from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.