2024/25
2.2
3 years (Part Time)
2 years (Full Time)
20 (Part Time)
20 (Full Time)
The primary mission of the course is to develop a strong technical understanding of materials science and engineering, preparing you for a career in either materials-related industry or in academic research. Technical lecture information will be consolidated, using data analysis and problem-solving classes, to build critical investigative capability, badly needed in the workplace. Project management skills will also be honed through taught material, research projects and industrial placements, where appropriate.
PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP
Students on the MSc with Professional Internship programme will spend up to 36 weeks of their second year on placement in a materials-related position. It is the responsibility of each student to arrange his or her own Industrial Internship. Internships must be approved by the University in accordance with agreed Health, Safety and Welfare requirements.
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2024 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2024 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
Materials Science and Engineering with Professional Internship highlights
Professional AccreditationsThis degree has been accredited by The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
https://www.engc.org.uk/education-skills/accreditation-of-higher-education-programmes/information-on-accreditation-for-higher-education-students-and-graduates/
World Class Facilities
The programme is supported by well-equipped laboratories, digital network and computing facilities, library access and lecture rooms. The interdisciplinary nature of the subject means that you will experience materials-related activity in a number of different environments across the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, in which both fundamental and applied research is done.
“Understanding and controlling the properties of
materials is crucial for driving technology forward.
This has always been the case: throughout human
history, societal developments have relied on the
materials used from stone to bronze, to iron and
finally to silicon ages. This course will take
graduates who have been educated in the physical
sciences or engineering and build their knowledge of
the fundamental and applied aspects of materials
science to the point where they are prepared for
employment in materials-related manufacturing or
research and development.”
Prof Marty Gregg, Course Founder MSc in
Materials Science and Engineering
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Course content
Course Structure
The course taught by block teaching spread over 2 weeks in delivery.
During these two weeks, direct contact time will be ~ 32.5 hours in total: 15 hours of lectures (3 hours per teaching day) and 17.5 hours of problem-solving / dry practical classes (3.5 hours per teaching day).
Block teaching weeks will usually include non-contact time in which students will develop background knowledge through the study of relevant detailed reading lists. After each block teaching fortnight, students will be required to complete significant assignment challenges and study for class test assessments.
Part time students, please note that although the course is part time in terms of number of modules taken each year, the modules themselves are still taught full time in block delivery mode as detailed above.
After completion of the taught modules, research academic supervisors will help in the design and realisation of the research project.
Introduction
The MSc is primarily intended as a conversion course, for those with primary degrees in the conventional physical sciences (Chemistry and Physics for example) or engineering.
Equally, however, it may be used as part of a continuing professional development programme for those already employed in materials-related industry. The course content gives technical coverage across a wide variety of materials topics.
Research Project
A major component in the MSc will be the successful completion of a materials-related research project and, for those undertaking a professional internship, a successfully completed work-placement in a materials-related industry.
Topics covered
• Microstructure and microstructural development;
• Mechanical properties of materials;
• Functional properties of materials;
• Manufacturing and processing;
• Polymers and composites;
• Materials selection;
• Materials characterisation;
• Project management and data handling.
People teaching you
Director of MSc in Materials Science and EngineeringSchool of Mathematics & Physic
Email: m.arredondo@qub.ac.uk
Learning and Teaching
Learning and Teaching
Dry Practicals
Associated with each lecture is a “dry” practical. These are sessions in which data analysis or problem-solving challenges can be undertaken. Each class will be designed to reinforce concepts, ideas or techniques explained theoretically in lectures. This will allow students to apply the knowledge gained through “active” learning.
Lectures
Formal dissemination of technical information by expert academic staff forms a key part of the learning and teaching process. Often, the delivery of concepts, ideas and techniques is given in a dense format needing significant individual post-lecture study and reflection.
Self-directed study
This is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback to date and assignment research and preparation work is carried out.
Assessment
Assessment
- A combination of class tests, assignment assessment, assessment of each student problem-solving / data analysis portfolio and a dissertation thesis based on a three-month research project.
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2023/24). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
- Year 1
Core Modules
Project Management and Data Handling (10 credits)Project Management and Data Handling
Overview
Part 1: Theory and Computational Tools for Project Management
Introduction - planning, analysis and control
Network Representations - activities on arcs and nodes representations
Critical Path Analysis
Variability in activity durations (PERT: program evaluation and review technique)
Time-cost trade-off using linear programming
Gantt charts and equivalents
Resource usage
Part 2: Data Handling and Mining, Understanding Statistics
Key stages in statistical investigation
Preliminary data analysis - data structure and pre-processing; descriptive statistics
Sample diagnosis - tests for independence; tests for normality; data transformation
Significance tests and hypothesis testing
Introduction to data mining
Dimensionality reduction
Cluster analysis
ClassificationLearning Outcomes
On completion of Part1 of the module, it is intended that students will be able to: to draw up a network expressing the logical relationship between activities of a project; determine critical activities of a project and apply linear programming methods to determine the optimal duration; use the linear programming approach to identify the optimal time-cost trade-off when planning and controlling large projects.
On completion of Part 2 of the module, it is intended that students will be able to: understand how to build statistical models; know the issues involved with using real data and use sample diagnostic methods to test data for independence, normality and goodness of fit; expand their knowledge on significance and hypothesis tests, formulate confidence intervals and regions; know some basic data mining techniques including methods for reducing dimension of large dataset and methods for predicting categorical outcomes i.e. classification.Skills
Formulation, planning and controlling large projects.
Statistical modelling and problem solving. Application of statistical methods in data analysis.Coursework
30%
Examination
40%
Practical
30%
Credits
10
Module Code
MTS7023
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
4 weeks
Manufacturing and Processing of Materials (10 credits)Manufacturing and Processing of Materials
Overview
Heat Treatment and Thermo-Mechanical Processing of Materials (including surface heat treatments and surface property modifications)
Materials Casting: conventional and novel casting methodologies - their advantages and disadvantages
Welding and joining materials
Materials manufacturing by plastic deformation: forging, rolling etc.
Additive manufacturing
3D PrintingLearning Outcomes
Students will become familiar with the issues surrounding both established and cutting-edge materials manufacturing and processing;
Students will be able to make educated assessments of what processing and manufacturing methodologies should be used for different materials systems and what problems might ariseSkills
Knowledge and understanding of different fundamental and new advances technologies for materials manufacturing and processing.
Plan and manage the manufacturing design process, including cost drivers, and evaluate outcomes.
Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems
Understanding use of technical literature related to Materials processing and other information sources
Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes or products, with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components
Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standardsCoursework
25%
Examination
40%
Practical
35%
Credits
10
Module Code
MTS7024
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
2 weeks
Research Project (60 credits)Research Project
Overview
Students will undertake research projects for around 3 months over the summer period. A range of projects will be offered by staff across the Schools involved in the delivery of the MSc. Students who are employed by materials-related industries may choose to perform their project within their company environment, provided the nature of the project is deemed suitable by the QUB academic team. Students will be assigned a project by balancing their interests with project topic availability.
The project will involve:
(i) sourcing and reading relevant literature
(ii) experimentation or computational simulation
(iii) aggregation and analysis of data (from experiments or computational output)
(iv) formal reporting through project meetings and through assessed "chalk and talk" presentations
(v) preparation and submission of a formal dissertationLearning Outcomes
Students will have the opportunity to apply some of the knowledge gained through the block week taught components to an extended research problem. Successfully using and applying their knowledge against a real problem over an extended time-frame to generate new insight is the major learning objective.
In addition:
students will learn to source and evaluate literature in more depth than needed for other modules;
students will become trained in specific experimental or computational methodologies, as needed for the specific project in which they become involved;
students will learn to aggregate, evaluate and draw conclusions from larger and more diffuse sets of information than is the case in their lecture modules;
students will learn to construct a scientific dissertation, summarising their project, project background, literature review, data obtained and insights gained.Skills
Students will gain specific training on:
Different kinds of equipment and computational software;
Different methods in data acquisition, handling and analysis.
Moreover, they will develop the skill to aggregate information from a range of sources (literature, supervisor and research group advice, their own research data etc) to derive insights and conclusions - key skills in research and problem solving.
All students will apply the project management skills (initially developed through their taught module on the topic), to a limited 3-month research project. This should consolidate their learning and allow them to develop experience in using project management skills.
Presentation skills through "chalk and talk" progress interview, interactions with supervisors and the final presentation and interview.Coursework
80%
Examination
0%
Practical
20%
Credits
60
Module Code
MTS7030
Teaching Period
Summer
Duration
12 weeks
Materials Selection and Characterisation (20 credits)Materials Selection and Characterisation
Overview
Materials Selection (MAE):
Material selection - use of Cambridge Materials Selector (Ashby diagrams) - MAE
Materials characterisation (CCE, M&P):
Introduction to macroscopic and microscopic observation
Spectroscopy (CCE) - infrared radiation (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet/visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, wavelength dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy (MS)
Chromatography (CCE) - column chromatography (CC), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ion exchange chromatography (IEC), gel electrophoresis chromatography (GEC), gas chromatography (GC), thin layer chromatography (TLC)
Diffraction (CCE) - X-Ray diffractometry (XRD), neutron diffraction, electron diffraction
Scattering (CCE) - Dynamic light scattering (DLS), static light scattering (SLS), small angle neutron and X-ray scattering (SANS and SAXS)
Microscopy and surface analysis (M&P) - Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy, scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM), scanning probe microscopy (SPM), atomic force microscopy (AFM)
Thermal analysis (CCE?) - thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
Porosity and chemical composition analysis - Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), gas absorption, combustion analysisLearning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
- Effectively describe, explain, and communicate core theoretical and applied aspects of materials characterisation, and more specifically, in relation to those methods based on NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, microscopy, diffraction, and scattering
- Effectively utilise state-of-the-art materials selection software to evaluate candidate materials for use within selected applications, in addition to the effective understanding and description of key underpinning theoretical elements
- Search for, and critically evaluate, appropriate literature which relates to the areas of materials characterisation and selection, and utilise such resources to synthesise summary documents which related to the various techniques outlined above
- Effectively communicate information which relates to materials selection and characterisation in a manner which is reflective of industrial approaches
Specifically in the group project aspect, students will
- have acquired the necessary skills to enable them to contribute to multi-disciplinary team projects;
- have identified and analysed the key issues in materials science and engineering that were important for the design project to be successful;
- be able to generate and evaluate options and make decisions based on multiple criteria: technological, societal, logistical, economic, environmental, etc;
- be able to communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, both orally, to a public audience and in the form of written reports;
- be able to work effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team as a member of a team to plan and execute a project. As well as be able to evaluate their own, and team’s, performanceSkills
Students are expected to be able to demonstrate the following on successful completion of the module:
- The ability to correctly select and use materials characterisation techniques, explain phenomena exhibited in materials analysis, and discuss data obtained from the approaches employed
- The ability to elaborate upon the theoretical relationships between material microstructure, composition, etc., with respect to suitability for performance-specific applications
- The ability to appropriately employ knowledge and practical experience to select materials for specific applications
- The ability to locate, and utilise, salient literature resources in relation to characterising and selecting materials
- The ability to effectively compile scientific reports based on experimental and literature-based information
- The ability to use complex materials selection and data collection/analysis software packages effectively
This module will significantly develop: team-working ability, interpersonal relationship skills, planning, oral and written communication skills, organisational and time-management skills, research skills, analytical and critical skills and information literacy.Coursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
MTS7022
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
4 weeks
Mechanical Properties of Materials (20 credits)Mechanical Properties of Materials
Overview
- Basics of stress and strain (introduction to tensors for describing mechanical properties)
- Basic mechanisms and signatures of elastic and plastic deformation (under tensile and compressive loading); includes crystallographic slip systems and detailed treatments of dislocations
- Structural failure of materials under loads (brittle vs ductile failure mechanisms; fatigue)
- Hardness and toughness (definitions, physical origins, testing methodologies)
- Tribology and surface wear
- Bending, impact testing and materials behaviour under extreme loading conditions.Learning Outcomes
Students will appreciate the definitions of terms used to evaluate and describe mechanical behaviour in materials;
Students will be able to use tensor algebra to evaluate stress-strain relationships;
Students will be able to predict active slip systems in single crystals under specific uniaxial loads;
Students will be able to interpret stress-strain data and draw conclusions on fundamental mechanical properties and failure modes;
Students will be able to appreciate the details of a wide variety of mechanical testing regimes and link different tests to different fundamental aspects of atomic structure and microstructure.Skills
Analytical Skills:
Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems;
Ability to apply some laboratory skills of relevance to mechanical properties
Capability in theoretical calculations (application of elastic compliance tensors etc)
Subject specific expertise:
Understanding use of technical literature related to mechanical properties of materials and other information sources
Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes or products, with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components
Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standardsCoursework
30%
Examination
40%
Practical
30%
Credits
20
Module Code
MTS7002
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
4 weeks
Materials-Related Professional Internship (0 credits)Materials-Related Professional Internship
Overview
The professional internship normally lasts for a period of 6 to 11 months, during which time the student is a full employee and subject to all the requirements of the employer. Students must complete a minimum 6-month placement to satisfy University requirements.
Learning Outcomes
The overall aim of the professional internship is to provide the student with experience in industry which complements the academic study in the University and contributes to their development. Precise objectives to achieve this aim vary from placement to placement. Ideally the students should:
" Understand the operation of industrial, commercial or government service organisations;
" Understand the systems of communication, control and responsibility within the organization;
" Acquire experience of working with other people at all levels;
" Have an appreciation of the organisational and administrative principles of running a business;
" Further develop their personal communication skills: good use of language, accurate writing and appropriate style and manner are required;
" Learn how they can best contribute to the organisation and develop their potential and self-management; appropriate application of initiative should be encouraged;
" Acquire confidence in applying their knowledge to the solution of real problems; in keeping with this, they should be given progressively increasing responsibility.
Understandably, students on placement will engage in widely differing activities, However, the great majority of placements allow achievement of the objectives above to a greater or lesser extent.Skills
Integrating into a team with common objectives
Application of knowledge in commercial / industrial environment
Communication skills - delivering information to differing audiences
Analytical and problem-solving skillsCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
0
Module Code
MTS7070
Teaching Period
Full Year
Duration
24 weeks
Polymers and Composites (20 credits)Polymers and Composites
Overview
1.0 Polymer Chemistry & Mechanical Properties
- Molecular definitions, chemical reactions etc.
- Physical properties (crystallisation, melting, morphology, glass transition, rheology, mechanical properties)
- Electrical characteristics & applications (i.e. Bi, Tri-copolymers for semiconductors)
- Environmental characteristics (thermal, electrical, porosity etc)
2.0 Polymer Production & Processing
- Polymerisation and production (nano-fibres, nano-particles etc)
- Introduction/overview of forming technology (thermoforming, extrusion, moulding etc)
- Process / Property interaction (sensitivity of material characteristics to processing parameters)
3.0 Polymeric Fibre-Reinforced Composites
- Introduction to fibre reinforcements (glass, carbon, natural etc)
- Composite micromechanics (mechanical, thermal, electrical characteristics - sensitivity to fibre type, fibre volume fraction etc)
4.0 Composite Processing & Manufacture
- Introduction/overview of FRP manufacturing technology (RTI, RTM, filament winding, out-of-autoclave etc)
- Process / Property interaction (sensitivity of composite characteristics to processing parameters)
- Fibre-Matrix interfaces - Physics of adhesion and bonding (wetting, chemical bonding, mechanical interlocking etc)
- Surface modifications - tailoring fibre-matrix or polymer adhesion through surface oxidisation, plasma treatment etc)
5.0 Advanced Polymer & Composite Materials
- Multi-functional polymers (material physics/chemistry, benefits, applications)
- Nano-composites (material physics/chemistry, benefits, applications)
- Demonstration of advanced research from SAME and SCCELearning Outcomes
Science and mathematics:
" Explain scientific principles relevant to the physical and chemical characteristics of polymers.
" Explain scientific principles relevant to the physical and chemical characteristics of fibre-reinforced composites.
" Understand the interaction between processing parameters and material characteristics, including critical evaluation of material and process compatibility.
Engineering analysis:
" Extend the use of fundamental knowledge of material characteristics and processes to appraise new and emerging polymeric & composite material technologies.
" Collect and analyse data from polymer manufacturing processes and to use appropriate analysis tools to quantify the impact of processing parameters on material mechanical and chemical properties.
Engineering practice:
" Review current polymer and composite materials and processes, and their limitations, demonstrating appreciation of new developments.Skills
" Apply skills in communication, information retrieval, working with others, and the effective use of general IT facilities.
" Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
" Monitor and adjust a personal programme of work on an on-going basis.
" Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader.Coursework
60%
Examination
40%
Practical
0%
Credits
20
Module Code
MTS7003
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
4 weeks
Functional Properties of Materials (20 credits)Functional Properties of Materials
Overview
Electronic structure (2 days) - Schrödinger equation: from atoms to solids; electronic bands and band gaps; classification of materials into insulators, semiconductors and metals; review of modern electronic structure methods; prediction of materials functional properties from electronic band structures: optical, dielectric, magnetic and transport.
Optical Properties of Materials (1 day) – Transmission of light: Refractive index, dispersion and group index, birefringence, absorption and scattering. Light at boundaries: Fresnel laws of reflection and transmission, Brewster’s angle, total internal reflection, evanescent fields. Waveguides: optical fibre communication. Interference: Bragg reflectors, dielectric mirrors, photonic crystals.
Magnetic Materials (1 day) – basics of magnetism and link to angular momentum; properties of disordered (diamagnetic, paramagnetic) and ordered magnetic materials (ferromagnets and antiferromagnets); Domains and hysteresis (including anisotropy); soft and hard magnetics and magnetoresistance.
Dielectrics (1/2 day) – electrical polarisation; concepts of polarizability and local electric field (Mossotti); Mossotti catastrophe and ferroelectricity.
Transport Phenomena (1 Day) – Mass transfer: differential equations to describe transport under field / concentration gradients (e.g. Fick’s Law and modifications); time-dependent solutions to diffusion equations under different boundary conditions (error function solutions and approximations). Heat transfer: general differential equations for heat conduction and radiation; Fourier Law and its consequences.Learning Outcomes
Overall objective: after completing the course, students will understand the physical principles and concepts underlying major aspects of functional properties in materials.
Specific learning objectives:
- Understand and be able to explain the principles of electronic, dielectric, magnetic and optical properties in materials, as well as give specific examples of materials and applicability for each property.
- Explain and discuss how different types of functional properties can be measured.Skills
Develop and apply skills to:
- Effectively work as a team and/or independently as appropriate.
- Integrate and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
- Communicate effectively through oral presentations and written reports, as part of the module's assessment components.
- Exercise and improve critical and analytical thinking, directed to data analysis and problem solving during the practical sessions.Coursework
25%
Examination
35%
Practical
40%
Credits
20
Module Code
MTS7021
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
4 weeks
Microstructure in Materials (20 credits)Microstructure in Materials
Overview
- Basics of crystallography
- Thermodynamics, energy curves and building phase diagrams
- Interpretation of phase diagrams to allow microstructure prediction
- Nucleation and kinetics: predicting scales of microstructures; the existence and importance of metastable states
- Steel as an example: iron-carbon phase diagram; metastable phases in steel
- Microstructures in ceramics and polymers
- Influence of microstructures on mechanical properties
- Microstructures in metal-insulator phase transitions (percolative problems)Learning Outcomes
- Students will have a working knowledge of crystallography to allow them to solve straightforward problems;
-The students will demonstrate a working understanding of key concepts underpinning the development of microstructures;
- The students will demonstrate a deep appreciation for the thermodynamics and kinetics responsible for microstructural development and, as a consequence, will be able to build simple phase diagrams and use them to predict non-metastable microstructures, with steel as an example;
- The students will be able to appreciate correlations between microstructures and properties in materials and make predictions using their knowledge.Skills
Apply analytical and data interpretation skills in complex scenarios
Apply theoretical frameworks to realistic experimental scenarios
Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility working as the part of a teamCoursework
30%
Examination
40%
Practical
30%
Credits
20
Module Code
MTS7001
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
4 weeks
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Entry requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree in a relevant physical sciences or engineering discipline, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
Applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements but hold relevant professional qualifications or can demonstrate appropriate and relevant experience, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2024. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
- Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
- Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
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Modules
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Fees and Funding
Career Prospects
Introduction
Advanced technology materials-related manufacturing companies are economically extremely significant to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Multinationals, such as Intel, Bombardier, Seagate, Thales and Kyocera have major research, development and production facilities on the island. Such companies employ many thousands and are all keen to ensure a steady stream of technically informed, problem solving graduates to augment their workforces. Advanced, specialist understanding (beyond BSc level) of how materials properties underpin existing and new commercial activities is key to maintaining the health of these companies and their presence on the island in the future.
Equally, materials-based industries act as major employers throughout the rest of the world, so there is no limitation to career location.
Careers in materials-related research in both academia and industry may be pursued.
Employment after the Course
Examples of employment: Research or Production Engineer; Technical Management; Academic Researcher; Technical Consultant.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Tuition Fees
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £7,300 |
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £7,300 |
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £9,250 |
EU Other 3 | £25,800 |
International | £25,800 |
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Additional course costs
Students undertaking a placement are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students may receive payment from their placement provider.
Where students are undertaking a professional internship they are required to pay a placement charge to the University. When the placement charge for the academic year is published, it will be available on page 11 of the Tuition Fee Schedule at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Feesandfinance/FileStore/Filetoupload,1527396,en.pdf.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/EPS/terms-and-conditions/
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.
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Apply
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
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Fees and Funding