Ranking
6th
Complete University Guide 2025
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course overview
Tackle global challenges in a world dependent on advanced materials. Our MSc programme will give you the expertise.
From planes and batteries to hip implants and electronics, you’ll learn how to develop advanced materials for diverse applications. We’ll prepare you for an exciting career as a materials specialist in a range of industries.
"My favourite part about the MSc was the final project. Firstly, there was lots of choice, and secondly, it was very well organised. We were able to use all the instruments and it was easy to get trained. I received helpful feedback from my supervisor on every part of the process very quickly. The taught modules were also a good experience for me. They covered many different parts of materials science and allowed us to develop our understanding of the subject. Although some of the modules could be challenging, we enjoyed the challenge! After completeing the MSc, I stayed on in The School of Metallurgy & Materials to do a PhD. After finishing the PhD, I moved into industry where I am using the skills and knowledge from the MSc."
Course structure
This course consists of 180 credits distributed over 1 year. Two thirds of the content (120 credits) consists of taught modules. One third of the content (60 credits) is the individual research project, which is carried out in the summer.
You'll begin this term by completing compulsory modules in Advanced Metallurgy and Manufacturing (20 credits), Non-metallic Materials (20 credits) and Research and Communication Skills (20 credits).
These core modules will ensure you gain the adequate background to tackle most aspects of Materials Science and Engineering, and ensure you develop key professional and research skills. you'll learn the fundamentals of materials science, and how materials can be analysed and studied.
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Course highlights
At our major research centre, you’ll study how and why material behave the way they do. You’ll discover how to develop new materials with amazing properties. We work closely with industrial partners, so you can experience the real world potential of our discoveries.
- Access one of the best centres for materials research in the UK, providing excellent preparation for further postgraduate study.
- Benefit from strong partnerships with numerous industrial leaders, including Rolls-Royce, Baosteel, and various others.
- You’ll experience a broad spectrum of research activities, spanning from the atomic scale to component-level investigations.
- 6th
in the UK - Complete University Guide 2025
Metallurgy and Materials Science at Birmingham is a major research centre with world class facilities.
Course delivery
Benefit from teaching led by Professors who are global experts in their field. Our programme include lectures, practicals and case studies, group and individual research projects and the development of transferrable skills to give you access to a wide range of careers.
- 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 take part in seminars which promote deeper comprehension through dialogue and interaction.
- Foster independence through project work, preparing you for professional environments and ongoing personal development.
- Conduct experiments in the lab to develop skills such as collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving.
Lecture
Tutorial
Seminar
Projects
Laboratory
Module information
You'll complete 180 credits. 120 credits are assessed through the core taught modules and 60 credits are awarded following the successful completion of your individual research project.
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
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Metallurgy and Manufacturing | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Individual Research Project | 60 | Full Term |
| Non-metallic Materials | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research and Communication Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
Optional modules
Select 60 credits of options. Examples of optional modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Electron Microscopy | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Battery Materials | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Biomaterials | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Design Against Failure | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Functional Materials | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Introduction to Materials Modelling | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Materials for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Materials for Sustainable Environmental Technologies | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Net Shape Manufacturing | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Physical Metallurgy (Titanium and Nickel) | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Polymer Science and Soft Matter | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Sensors and Composites | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Surface Engineering | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Materials for Energy Generation and Storage | 10 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Professor David Book
Programme Director
Staff profile for Dr David Book, Professor of Energy Materials in the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:2 Honours degree
or above in engineering/technical subjects (eg, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Mathematics or any physical sciences subject).
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 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 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.
Fees and scholarships
- £11,740
Full-time
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.
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.
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.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Our graduates embark on careers as engineers and scientists with a diverse range of industrial partner. They typically find employment with companies such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Royal Air Force, and British Petroleum. This course is ideal if you are seeking entry into a PhD programme at Birmingham or elsewhere.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
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. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Find out why we are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2024) by meeting some of our successful alumni.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.