- UCAS course code
- F200
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Engineering (MEng)
MEng Materials Science and Engineering with Metallurgy
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAB including specific subjects
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Overview
Course overview
- Be a part of Europe's largest and most diverse activity devoted to Materials Science and Engineering.
- Join a community at the forefront of exciting advanced materials research, including nanomaterials such as graphene.
- Learn about new developments in advanced alloys for applications such as fuel-efficient jet engines, next generation nuclear reactors, and environment friendly transportation.
- Take a course accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).
- Learn in our brand-new Home of Engineering and Materials . A purpose-built space for innovation and creativity that is transforming the way our students study, research and shape the world.
- Top 5 in the UK for Materials Science in QS World University Rankings.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.
- Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
- Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
- Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Explore how you'll make your mark
Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.
You will explore the following goals in your course:
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
- Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production
- Goal 15: Life on land
Open days
The University holds undergraduate open days regularly where you have the opportunity to find out more about our courses, the support we offer and see our facilities. Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying at Manchester is like. Find out about our upcoming open days .
You can also have a look at ways you can visit us virtually to discover more.
Contact details
- Department
- Department of Materials
- Contact name
- Undergraduate Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 529 3043
- ug-materials@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.materials.manchester.ac.uk
- School/Faculty overview
-
Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
AAA including two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking A-level Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.
Duration of A-level study
Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either:
a) sat your examinations early;
or
b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years.
If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.
A-level contextual offer
AAB including two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking A-level Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.
For further information and to check eligibility, visit our contextual admissions page.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
ABB including 2 from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking A-level Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.
Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including two subjects from Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
We will accept Mathematics: analysis and approaches only at HL as one of the HL subject specific requirements.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/IGCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science.
GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements see accepted entry qualifications from your country.
Detailed information on our international entry criteria is available on the Department of Materials website .
English language requirements
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade C/4, or;
- IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no sub-skill below 6.0, or;
- TOEFL iBT 90 overall with 22 in writing and no sub-skill below 20. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification
Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the IGCSE English Language (first or second language) qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact us for clarification.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page
.
The UK Visas and Immigration
(UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language
(common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
In addition, our academic Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here
.
English language test validity
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
For information about scholarships and bursaries please see our undergraduate fees pages and check the Department's funding pages .
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Factors contributing to a successful application include:
- past academic performance;
- predicted academic performance;
- enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
- evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.
Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .
Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board, we cannot make further allowances.
We would normally expect recent relevant study. Please contact the Admissions Office to discuss your particular circumstances if this is not the case.
If you have applied for one of our MEng courses and do not meet the grades we may consider you for our BSc course.
If you are taking 4 A-levels together at a first sitting and/or taking a relevant EPQ this may also be taken into consideration when making confirmation decisions.
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information: UCAS reference guidelines. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information please contact us.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department of Materials directly. Find out further information for mature students .
How your application is considered
Applications are considered on the basis of the UCAS form. Candidates may be interviewed online. Strong examination results and interview performance are the main factor in admitting students to our courses. We consider other information to ensure we admit students with the most outstanding potential. This is assessed within a structured framework and includes prior and predicted grades. Your referee should give realistic grade predictions for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.
All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during your interview with an academic member of staff.
Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .
Interview requirements
All students who apply to us through UCAS, and who live on the UK mainland and meet our application criteria, are currently invited to a Virtual Visit event which will include an interview as part of the application process. These are held from November through to March and will consist of a presentation by the Admissions Tutor and a Q&A session with current staff and students. The interview will be informal and no specific preparation needs to be done for it. Parents / guardians are encouraged to attend the Virtual Visit Day. There will also be opportunities for offer holders to visit on campus.
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
ATAS
You may be required to obtain ATAS clearance for this course. If you need to apply for a visa or an extension of stay, you must obtain your ATAS certificate before you can make your visa application.
If you receive an offer from us you should apply for an ATAS clearance certificate if your course requires it, unless you're exempt because you're a national of the UK, EU, EEA, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea or the USA.
Your Student Route Visa application, or extension of stay, will automatically be refused if you need an ATAS certificate and cannot provide one. For further guidance on obtaining an ATAS certificate, please click here
Do not apply for ATAS until contacted by your admissions team, as the information required is subject to change. Failure to obtain a correct ATAS certificate will prevent our ability to issue a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).
Deferrals
Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.
Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
We normally also guarantee a place in the current year should the applicant's gap year plans change, subject to availability of places.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.
Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting
We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in more than one sitting, provided they are taken over the standard two-year period.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through Clearing you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Course details
Course description
Begin your journey into Materials Science and Engineering at Manchester, home to the most diverse university activity devoted to materials research in Europe, with this four-year degree, aimed at students who wish to become specialist metallurgists.
Material scientists are shaping our world and in the Department of Materials you will develop a true understanding of the science - in practical subjects that meet the needs of an ever-changing industry. This is especially true in metallurgy, where you will learn about new developments in advanced alloys for applications such as fuel-efficient jet engines, next generation nuclear reactors, and environment friendly transportation.
Our four-year MSc course gives you extensive knowledge of both the fundamentals of materials science and engineering, and the opportunity to specialise in the in the areas that interest you most. In your final year, you'll study an extensive (half year) project that enables you to tackle a topic at the forefront of Materials Science in depth.
You'll be taught by leading academics in their field - we are proud of the Department of Materials' excellent Research ratings, and our high staff-to-student ratio means you will receive close individual attention and frequent tutorial sessions. Known for our congenial atmosphere, we place emphasis on academic and pastoral support, helping students from a range of educational backgrounds to reach their full potential.
What's more, our students typically go on to enjoy an average six-months-after-graduating salary in excess of £24,000 - significantly higher than the sector average.
Aims
- Provide a broad and balanced curriculum in Materials Science, meeting the requirements for accreditation with the professional body, in order to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding to pursue successful careers in both industrial and research environments.
- Provide a teaching environment in which undergraduate students can interact with academic staff at the forefront of research in Materials Science and Engineering, through advanced course units and project work.
- Foster subject-specific and transferable skills, including experience of materials processing and characterisation methods, oral and written communication, group work and IT skills.
- Provide students with effective academic and pastoral support, to cater for students from a wide range of educational backgrounds and enable all students to achieve their full potential.
- Monitor, review and enhance educational provision to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of student progression and to current developments in research and industry.
Special features
Excellent facilities and links
In our new Home of Engineering and Materials , we're ripping up the rule book to offer a truly innovative teaching and learning experience. You'll have access to world-leading sustainable research facilities and some of the most unique, industry-leading equipment and instrumentation in the sector to meet today's requirements and those of the future.
Get hands-on with a fantastic range of on-site facilities and equipment . The Department of Materials is associated with a number of leading centres and institutes, including Graphene@Manchester and the Henry Royce Institute .
Project work opportunities
Our final-year research project will provide you with in-depth experience of working in a team conducting cutting-edge research. It can be the ideal grounding for progressing into work in research and development, or going on to study at PhD level.
Accreditation
The course is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Mineerals and Mining (IOM3) as fully meeting the academic requirements for Chartered Engineer (CEng)/Chartered Scientist (CSci) status.
Additional course information
Our student community
MÁTSOC is a student-run society open all Department of Materials students; from Materials Science and Engineering to Fashion Business and Technology.
The society aims to create a fun environment to connect all students across the Department's network by putting on regular nights out, day trips, events and having guest speakers.
We also have a women's Netball team and a men's football team, which all MÁTSOC members are able to join.
Teaching and learning
Your typical week will be made up of:
- Lectures
- Small group tutorials
- Laboratory classes
- Group work
- Individual research projects
PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and Peer Mentoring
We're proud of our innovative PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions) and Peer Mentoring scheme. The PASS scheme provides additional support in the area of the current week's tutorial. It's entirely voluntary and second, third and fourth-year students help first years to tackle problems defined by the content of the current tutorial. The emphasis is on showing students how to think about the problems, how to develop problem-solving skills and how to get the most from the educational resources available.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment is by a mixture of examinations, coursework, laboratory practical and tutorials.
Most unit's assessments are split 70% exam/30% coursework. Although some 100% coursework units are also required.
Examinations take place in January and May each year.
Practical units are usually assessed by experimental report and/or short written assignment.
The proportion of independent study assignments increases during each year of study.
Course content for year 1
Course units for year 1
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 |
---|---|---|---|
MATH19731 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATH19732 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS15101 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS15201 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS15301 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS15501 | 20 | Mandatory | |
MATS15551 | 0 | Mandatory | |
MATS16102 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS16202 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS16302 | 10 | Mandatory | |
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Course content for year 2
Course units for year 2
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 |
---|---|---|---|
MATS23101 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS23201 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS23301 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS23401 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS23502 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS23602 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS23702 | 20 | Mandatory | |
MATS23801 | 10 | Optional | |
MATS23901 | 10 | Optional | |
MATS24102 | 10 | Optional | |
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Course content for year 3
Course units for year 3
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 |
---|---|---|---|
MATS31101 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS31201 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS31301 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS31401 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS31501 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS31601 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS31702 | 20 | Mandatory | |
MATS32102 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS32202 | 10 | Mandatory | |
MATS31802 | 10 | Optional | |
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Course content for year 4
Course units for year 4
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 |
---|---|---|---|
MATS42101 | 60 | Mandatory | |
MATS42302 | 15 | Mandatory | |
MATS42402 | 15 | Optional | |
MATS42502 | 15 | Optional | |
MATS42602 | 15 | Optional | |
MATS42702 | 15 | Optional | |
MATS42802 | 15 | Optional | |
MATS43102 | 15 | Optional | |
MATS43202 | 15 | Optional | |
MATS43402 | 15 | Optional | |
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Scholarships and bursaries
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our the Department funding pages.
What our students say
Facilities
The Department of Materials is home to an extensive array of unique facilities and equipment, across both materials science and engineering, and fashion business and technology.
Our new Home of Engineering and Materials opened in 2022 and is a place like no other. This is where engineers, material scientists and fashion students collaborate, innovate and make their mark on the world. Unleash your potential in our creative, academic playground that signals the evolution of a proud history of innovation spanning almost 200 years.
In this very special place, we're ripping up the rule book, offering you a truly innovative teaching and learning experience. As well as our creative classrooms, you'll also have access to world-leading sustainable research facilities in our new buildings.
Our variety of spaces allows for greater collaboration for all our students, and it is the place to connect and tackle real-life challenges together. So, a chemical engineer could be sat alongside a materials scientist working on clean water, or bump into a fashion student developing their own sustainable brand, or an aerospace engineer sending a rocket into space. It is a place like no other for interactions and one of the biggest communities of engineers and materials scientists in any University in the world.
Dive into a world of possibilities, whether you are interested in aerospace, robotics, or sustainable fashion, there's a home for you here. Explore Our Home for Engineering and Material Science .
We also benefit from close ties to a long list of leading centres, institutes and research hubs, including but not limited to, the National Graphene Institute, the Photon Science Institute, Henry Royce Institute, Electron Microscopy Centre, Dalton Cumbrian Facility and BP International Centre for Advanced Materials.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
After doing research about the metallurgy programmes at the different universities within the UK,
I learnt that Manchester has a highly specialised and focused programme that combines both fundamental research and industrial collaborations. The staff at the University are not only highly qualified, but also personable and always willing to help where they can.
Mia Maric / PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgy
Materials science and engineering graduates are highly sought after and are recognised by employers for their knowledge, advanced research skills and independent thinking, so you will finish your degree with an excellent chance of gaining meaningful employment.
The University of Manchester is the most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers. Graduate with a degree from us and you'll be in high demand, according to The Graduate Market in 2023 report - High Fliers Research .
Typically, our graduates progress to rewarding careers in research and development; management; and technical roles with both large materials manufacturing and end-users. Other graduates choose to apply their technical and analytical skills in fields such as patent law or accountancy, while your degree can also open up opportunities in careers as diverse as teaching, engineering, consultancy and technical development.
Some of the roles our recent graduates have gone on to include:
- Materials scientist
- Materials engineer
- Development scientist
- Materials technologist
- Research associate
- Materials chemist
- Product development scientist.
Our recent graduates have gone on to work for:
- Rolls Royce
- Jaguar Land Rover
- BP
- 3M
- Airbus
- Smith and Nephew
- DePuy
- BAE Systems
- Siemens
- Bentley Motors.
A materials science and engineering degree also provides an ideal springboard for higher-level study (towards a PhD, for example), while the course - accredited by the Institute of Materials - can count as academic training towards Chartered Engineer status.
Careers Service
We are committed to helping you get the best start after graduation, that's why The University of Manchester's award-winning Careers Service will continue to support you two years after graduation.
Department of Materials Blog
Explore more about our students' experiences, our alumni and where they are now, and our department in our blog .
Accrediting organisations
Associated organisations
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.