Ranking
1st
UK Dentistry (outside London)
Dental Materials Science MSc / PGDip / PGCert
- Start dateSeptemberDuration1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
- AwardMaster of Science / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate
- Entry requirements2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Dental Surgery or other relevant qualification including dental technology, biomedical and materials science related disciplines.
- Fees£10,900 (full-time) / £5,450 (part-time)
Page contents
Page contents
Course overview
Gain an understanding of key materials science principles and training skills for successful research and publication. You'll be equipped to push the boundaries of technology, contributing to groundbreaking materials and processes that help define the future of dental and biomaterials science.
The dental materials market is a rapidly evolving industry. Further education in dental materials science enriches daily clinical practice, enhancing employability in both dental practice and postgraduate research pursuits.
The best things about my dental materials science course include the opportunity to learn cutting-edge research methods, which allows me to stay at the forefront of dental innovation. The course provides access to perfect teachers who are not only experts in their field but also passionate about imparting their knowledge to students.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis. Here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full time Masters course.
In the first term, you'll undertake three modules, which will provide a foundation in mechanical, physical and chemical properties of dental materials and how that applies in clinical service. Specific areas of materials used in dentistry will also be covered including a variety polymer-based systems and 3D-printing technologies, various classes of ceramic systems from traditional feldspathic porcelain to pressable, milled and 3D-printable materials, dental cements and lining materials.
Course highlights
Our Dental Materials Science degree is focused on a research-led educational programme, where theoretical concepts of materials science delivered by a range of teaching methods are reinforced by gaining insight and a deeper understanding within a laboratory setting. At Birmingham, we’re ranked 22nd in the world for Dentistry and 1st in the UK outside London (QS World Rankings 2024) with our world leading research and teaching.
- Focused on a research-led educational programme.
- Develop a critical understanding of factors that determine the successful clinical application of dental materials and contribute to the development of emerging dental material technologies.
- A research-led programme where theoretical concepts of materials science delivered by a range of teaching methods are reinforced by gaining deeper understanding within the laboratory.
- 22nd
QS World Rankings 2024
Tuition from world-leaders in relevant clinical and scientific fields.
Training in fundamental aspects of the biological interaction of materials.
Course delivery
As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
You’ll take three modules in each term, followed by a research project and dissertation. You can typically expect six to nine hours of classroom time per week, which is accompanied by laboratory practical assignments in most modules. We adopt a blended learning approach including weekly seminars, lectures and tutorials.
- Weekly seminars; “flipped classroom”
- An established virtual learning environment
- Research-led; putting theory into practise
- Robust critical analysis and research techniques
- Critical understanding of factors that determine clinical success
- Emerging technologies and the future of dental materials
Module information
For each core module, a practical component will provide you with full training on a wide range of state-of-the-art research equipment fostering robust critical analysis and techniques for scientific research. Each of the six 20-credit and one 60-credit modules will run separately and consecutively to allow for part-time study, and also to provide logical progression and development of interrelated concepts and research skills.
Year: 1
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Polymer Science | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Biological Interactions of Materials | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Ceramic and Cement Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Emerging Materials and Related Technologies | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Final Research Project | 60 | |
| Foundation in Biomaterials Research | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Metal and Metal Alloys | 20 | Semester 2 |
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.
- 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent)
in Dental Surgery or other relevant qualification including dental technology, biomedical and materials science related disciplines.
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
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
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.
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.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 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.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
Successfully completing this programme not only boosts your employability in dental practice but also gives you a competitive edge when applying for postgraduate research degrees. Graduates are poised for exciting career opportunities in top-tier dental practices and prestigious dental hospitals, paving the way for influential roles in the field of dental and biomaterials science.