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Become a materials specialist and tackle our future energy challenges with our MRes Materials in Fusion Energy. Our programme gives you the expertise to work on nuclear fusion solutions.
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.
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.
Upon arrival, you'll be paired with a personal supervisor. You'll deepen your academic foundation through relevant taught modules while beginning research for your MRes dissertation. All examinations will take place during the May/June examinations period.
With our leading researchers, you will learn how to design, manufacture, certify, and manage the lifecycle of materials. You’ll work on an individual project, honing your research skills and learning how to communicate your findings.
Our department is renowned as one of the best centres for materials research in the UK.
Benefit from instruction from our experts in the field. You'll be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, project-based and laboratory-based teaching and learning methods.
Our course is made up of approximately one-third taught modules and two-thirds individual research project. The dissertation is completed under the direction of a project supervisor which will give you the opportunity to work one-to-one with a leading expert in their field.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
Advances in Materials and Manufacturing for Nuclear Environments | 20 | Semester 1 |
Fusion | 10 | Semester 1 |
Introduction to Materials Science | 10 | Semester 1 |
Irradiation Materials Science | 10 | Semester 2 |
Material and Manufacturing certification, intellectual property and project management | 10 | Semester 1 |
Staff profile for Dr David Book, Professor of Energy Materials in the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham.
in a physical science or engineering subject.
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:
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Full-time
Part-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.
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.
A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.
To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
If you are proposing your own research topic, 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.
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.
Our programme addresses the current skills shortage in the nuclear industry, training high-quality graduates who will be highly sought after. Additionally, the programme's research component equips you for further study, including pursuing a PhD.
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.
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.
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.