Course description
The MSc in Corrosion Control Engineering provides comprehensive training in corrosion science and management across diverse industries. It covers the fundamental chemistry, physics, electrochemistry, and metallurgy that underpin corrosion processes, before moving to exploring corrosion issues and advanced protection strategies for real-world industrial applications.
As the global transition towards more sustainable energy accelerates, the need for corrosion control has never been more critical. This course will focus on the role of corrosion in emerging areas, including hydrogen transportation, battery technologies, and geothermal plants, as well as more traditional energy sources, e.g. nuclear power and oil and gas production, including carbon capture for sustainability. It will also tackle corrosion control in transportation, aerospace, construction, and biomedical engineering to ensure the structural integrity of critical components in these complex and demanding applications.
Throughout the course, you will be taught by research active academics and industry experts in an encouraging and inclusive environment, exploring cutting-edge solutions to modern corrosion engineering challenges. Upon graduation, you will be highly sought after in the UK, Europe, and across the globe, as highly trained corrosion engineers, equipped to tackle the evolving needs of industries from energy to healthcare and beyond, continue to be in demand.
Aims
- To produce highly skilled, professionally qualified graduates who are well-prepared for careers as corrosion scientists or engineers in industries across the globe. Graduates will be equipped to address the complex challenges of materials selection and corrosion in various sectors, from energy and infrastructure to transportation and beyond.
- To provide rigorous conversion training that is both intellectually stimulating and industrially relevant, ensuring that students develop a deep understanding of the latest advancements in corrosion science and engineering while gaining practical skills applicable to real-world industrial contexts.
- To meet the needs of engineers, scientists, and technologists aiming to advance their professional expertise in the field of materials engineering and corrosion. The course is designed to enhance their ability to implement corrosion control methods and strategies across a wide range of industries, preparing them to solve critical challenges in emerging fields such as renewable energy, hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing.
Special features
By embarking on the MSc in Corrosion Control Engineering, you will gain direct access to the knowledge, skills, and expertise of leading academics in corrosion science and engineering. These experts will guide you through the fundamental principles of corrosion while exposing you to advanced corrosion engineering challenges and innovative solutions. As the course progresses, you will work closely with an academic supervisor during your dissertation project, becoming an active member of their research group and contributing to impactful research.
A distinctive feature of the course is the engagement with expert guest speakers from industry, who provide invaluable real-world knowledge and case studies. Additionally, industrial visits will give you first-hand exposure to corrosion control techniques in various sectors, enhancing your understanding of practical applications and industry needs.
Scholarships
The course also offers access to two prestigious scholarships designed to support and encourage exceptional students.
The Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) Scholarship
In an effort to promote corrosion awareness and address the global shortage of corrosion engineers and scientists, the Institute of Corrosion offers two exclusive studentships. These awards are granted to outstanding MSc students in Corrosion Control Engineering, providing essential financial support while encouraging excellence in the field.
The Grant Gibson MSc Scholarship in Corrosion Control Engineering
This scholarship, generously sponsored by Grant Gibson, is dedicated to supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and underrepresented groups who aspire to make a difference in the field of corrosion. Open to students worldwide, this award offers an opportunity to enrol on the MSc and gain the knowledge and skills necessary to address some of the most pressing engineering challenges. This scholarship aims to foster diversity, inclusivity, and excellence in corrosion control.
Teaching and learning
The course is delivered through a dynamic blend of teaching methods, combining traditional lectures with modern, interactive approaches that enhance student engagement and practical understanding. This includes blended learning, which integrates online and face-to-face learning experiences, allowing for a flexible and personalized education tailored to each student’s needs.
At The University of Manchester, students benefit from a range of state-of-the-art digital resources that support blended learning. Online lectures, interactive materials, and discussion forums complement in-person classes, providing students with the opportunity to engage with course content at their own pace and revisit challenging concepts. Small group tutorials and hands-on research training sessions ensure that students can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, supported by access to the university’s advanced research facilities and laboratories.
The course also emphasises problem-based learning, where students tackle real-world corrosion issues through collaborative projects, case studies, and practical research activities. This approach promotes critical thinking, teamwork, and the development of practical skills essential for careers in corrosion science and engineering.
Coursework and assessment
Your progress in the MSc in Corrosion Control Engineering will be evaluated through a variety of assessment methods designed to measure both your theoretical understanding and practical skills. These assessments include:
Written Reports: These assignments will challenge you to analyse complex corrosion issues, apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, and present your findings in a clear, professional format. This skill is essential for communicating technical information in industrial and academic settings.
Oral Presentations: You will develop your communication skills by delivering presentations, both individually and in teams, on key topics in corrosion. This will not only help you explain technical concepts to different audiences but also prepare you for professional scenarios.
Laboratory Reports: Practical lab sessions will be followed by the submission of detailed reports, where you will document experimental procedures, results, and analyses. This will help you refine your ability to conduct scientific investigations and interpret data, key competencies in research and industry.
Examinations: Formal exams will assess your comprehension of core principles in corrosion science, as well as your ability to apply theoretical concepts to solve engineering challenges.
Dissertation Project: Your dissertation will involve original research conducted under the supervision of an academic expert. This project allows you to demonstrate your ability to work independently on a significant research problem, contributing new knowledge or insights to the field of corrosion control.
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGT Dissertation | MATS63330 | 90 | Mandatory |
| Introduction to Materials Science | MATS64101 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Research Methods | MATS64201 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Respect and Dignity at Manchester | MATS65060 | 0 | Mandatory |
| Principles of Corrosion | MATS66301 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Corrosion Management for Sustainability | MATS66402 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Corrosion Control for Industrial Practice | MATS66502 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Superalloys & High Performance Materials | MATS64502 | 15 | Optional |
| Corrosion Control for Oilfield and Renewable Energy | MATS66602 | 15 | Optional |
Additional fee information
If you are made an offer, in order to confirm your place you will be required to make a deposit payment of £1,000 on or before the deadline date stated in your offer letter.
We ask for the deposit as competition for places is high and there is limited availability. The deposit amount is then deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.
Once we receive your payment, your place on the course will be confirmed.
The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:
- You fail to meet the conditions of your offer
- You are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK
- Your application for government funding has been unsuccessful
Evidence must be provided before a refund will be processed under any of the circumstances above.
If your offer specifies an English Language condition which you subsequently do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken after the date of the offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions. The English language test certificate provided with your application documents is not accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions as it will pre-date the offer.
If your offer specifies an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require official university documentation as evidence that you have not met the condition from the institution at which you studied.
Scholarships and bursaries
Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.
The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.
For more information, see the Department of Materials Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for master's courses website for more information.
If you are a sponsored student please check the requirements of your sponsorship before registering on a course. If you require further information please contact the Department.
Facilities
The Department of Materials has moved to a brand new, state-of-the-art building, designed to transform the way our students study, research and shape the world. Our new Home for Engineering and Materials boasts a range of teaching spaces, lecture theatres, multi-purpose study areas, social spaces and of course fantastic laboratories.
The excellent materials science labs we have underpin our research and teaching activities. As well as our extensive laboratory facilities, including the electron microscopy suite, polymer processing equipment, corrosion labs, mechanical testing equipment and chemistry laboratories, we also have the National Graphene Institute and Henry Royce Institute right on our campus. Manchester is the place to be if you're a materials scientist!