MEng Materials Science and Engineering

This unit introduces key factors that influence the performance and failure of materials in service with particular emphasis on wear/corrosion protection and asset management/ lifetime prediction, in energy and transport applications.

• Provide an overview of failure mechanisms, the different forms of corrosion and tribology, and their effect on properties and applications of industrial alloys.
• Deliver an understanding of the performance of materials in industrial service with a focus on transport, petrochemical, nuclear and process plant.
• Introduce strategies for component testing and life-time prediction and the management of assets.

A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Intellectual skills
• Practical skills
• Transferable skills and personal qualities

This unit is delivered using a blended learning approach, which integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom activities. A variety of learning and teaching processes will be used including: lectures, discussions, group activities and independent study. Canvas will be used to present online study materials, including videos, lecture notes, guided reading, articles and other information. Canvas will also be used for the submission of assessments.

• Describe and discuss corrosion resistant alloys, their application and degradation mechanisms.
• Analyse key material problems and failure mechanisms in typical industrial sectors and create strategies for corrosion protection.
• Apply structural integrity principles in the prediction of materials performance and evaluate the residual life of an asset. 
• Relate statistical failure assessments to materials performance.
• Analyse plastic limit of structure and analyse structure with energy method.
• Discuss and analyse tribology behaviour of alloys and ceramics.
• Discuss surface engineering and its application in aero industry. 

• Relate how material degradation mechanisms can affect component life-time behaviour.
• Interpret how physical assets may be managed to optimise lifetime performance.
• Apply structural integrity principles in the prediction of materials performance.

• Explore and analyse the different forms of corrosion/ wear material degradation.
• Apply failure in service analysis.

• Presentation and communication skills.
• Demonstrate the ability to understand practical problems.

Written and verbal

The recommended reading for this unit can be found on the online unit reading list.

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £41,900 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

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).

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.