Materials in Fusion Energy MRes

Develop advanced scientific knowledge, concepts and skills for a career in the nuclear sector. Immersing you in the fusion environment, our course prepares you for research or technology roles in materials science and engineering.

Course Structure

This course consists of 180 credits distributed over 1 year. One-third of the content consists of taught modules, and two-thirds of the content is the individual research project, which is carried out in the summer.

• Strong industry connections, including with the nuclear industry and the UK Atomic Energy Authority 
• Course led by Joint Chair in Fusion Materials plus close links with Culham Centre for Fusion Energy
• World-leading facilities, including two particle accelerators

• Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
• Receive tailored guidance and feedback in tutorials, enabling you to tackle specific challenges and enhance comprehension of the material
• Actively engage in seminars which promote deeper comprehension through dialogue and interaction
• Foster independent through project work, preparing you for professional environments and ongoing personal development
• Experience active learning and engagement in the lab which helps you develop skills such as collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving when conducting experiments

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26

Core modules:

Research interests in the School of Metallurgy and Materials relevant to this programme

• Advanced Materials Processing
  

  Driven by innovation in manufacturing methods, our work focuses on application in industry. Our extensive capability includes additive manufacturing, solidification technology and thermomechanical processing via experimental and modelling techniques.

• Materials for Sustainability
  

  Our interests focus on technologically relevant energy materials, their modelling, characterisation and recyclability.

• Nuclear Robotics
  

  The Birmingham Extreme Robotics Lab (ERL) is Europe’s most prominent university lab dedicated to nuclear and other extreme environment applications of advanced robotics and AI.

• High Temperature Materials
  

  High operating temperature and pressures are necessary to increase the overall efficiency of power plant. In order to reach these efficiencies new materials must be developed. The next generation of nuclear plant will operate at significantly higher temperatures. We are investing significantly in research and development in this area.

• Ceramic Matrix Composites
  

  There is a good case to be made for using ceramic matrix composites in the next generation of nuclear reactors and development and evaluation of these materials is ongoing in the Institute.

• Surface Engineering
  

  Current challenges for stainless steel and other alloy components include surface degradation through wear and corrosion. We are investigating and developing novel surface engineering technologies that will significantly increase hardness, enhance corrosion resistance and increase wear resistance by up to two orders of magnitude.

• Corrosion and Cracking
  

  We have significant experience and capability in understanding and developing materials to limit corrosion and cracking both in a nuclear plant and a nuclear waste storage context. The majority of the activity in this area is in collaboration with national and international stakeholders and by its very nature is truly interdisciplinary.

• Microstructure Characterisation and Modelling
  

  Radiation damage can cause significant changes within an alloy and the morphology of radiation damage needs to be understood so that it can be limited. The team work closely with industry quantifying micro-structural development during alloy process routes, particularly determining distributions of grains and precipitates as they develop spatially and over time.

• Plant Life
  

  We have historically played an important role in understanding the basis for the long-term continued operation of nuclear plant. This expertise will be vital in developing the next generation of materials for reactors of the future.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Applications are accepted all year round but if you wish to start in September, we would encourage you to apply by 1 June. Whilst you are still welcome to apply after this date, it is important to allow time for us to review your application.

If you are seeking funding, please be aware that the majority of funding opportunities have deadlines in early spring so we would encourage you to apply as early as possible.

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

ATAS - Academic Technology Approval Scheme

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

Find a supervisor

To apply for an MRes, you'll need to find supervisor for your research. We encourage you to browse the biographies of faculty members to familiarise yourself with the research going on in your preferred areas. Each of these contains detailed information on research interests, current projects and recent publications.

When you apply, you can suggest one or two potential supervisors, who you think might be a good fit for you. However, this is not essential. If you know what you want to work on, but are unsure on supervisors, you can indicate this in your application and the research programme co-directors will study your proposal in detail, and judge who is best suited to be your supervisory team.

Staff within Metallurgy and Materials

Research proposal

When you apply for an MRes, you will need to submit a research proposal. It’s a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department.

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.