MSc Biomaterials / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course description

The MSc in Biomaterials provides you with a thorough training in current clinically used biomaterials and state of the art advances in these in research. The clinical application module will cover generations of biomaterials in orthopaedics and cardiovascular. In addition it will aim to give an introduction to foreign body reactions to these materials. You will also be trained on advanced biomaterials including nanomaterials, natural materials and soft matter. Further, we will also introduce techniques associated with translation of research from lab to clinic. Additionally, there will be a 5 months long project component which will give you hands-on training on development and testing of novel biomaterials. This MSc is the ideal preparation for a career either in industry as a biomaterial scientist, or for cutting-edge academic research.

Aims

  • To develop students knowledge base in biomaterial structure, manufacture and use.
  • To develop students critical analysis of biomaterial development and methods of application.
  • To provide students with the tools to communicate advances and deficiencies of biomaterials to clinicians and healthcare professionals.

Special features

Advanced materials programmes with strong focus on research from the start.

Teaching and learning

The course is delivered through a mix of lecturing, blended small and small group tutorials with hands on research training.

We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including tutorials, workshops, seminars and research projects. These are supported by an e-learning infrastructure that includes on-line feedback, lecture and lab podcasting and close academic supervision.

Find out more by visiting the  postgraduate teaching and learning  page.

Coursework and assessment

We will assess your progress using:

  • Written reports
  • Oral presentations
  • Laboratory reports
  • Examinations
  • Dissertation project

Course unit details

The MSc in Biomaterials will provide students with the opportunity to increase knowledge and skills in the areas of specific materials design and testing for clinical application. Students will have the opportunity to take 120 taught credits with training in state of the art biomaterials design (ceramics, polymers, composites, hydrogels etc with information relating to biological assessment of these materials (e.g. stem cell response, ISO / FDA regulations). Students also have the opportunity to gain 90 credits through a specific research project where they will gain analytical skills and data processing skills relevant to biomaterials design / use.

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
PGT Dissertation MATS63330 90 Mandatory
Introduction to Materials Science MATS64101 15 Mandatory
Research Methods MATS64201 15 Mandatory
Clinical Applications Biomaterials MATS65301 15 Mandatory
Natural Materials & Biological Matrices MATS65402 15 Mandatory
Lab to Clinic MATS65502 15 Mandatory
Soft Matter MATS65602 15 Optional
Technical & Biomedical Textiles MATS69602 15 Optional

Additional fee information

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!

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk