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MSc|Postgraduate Taught

Materials Science and Engineering with Professional Internship

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.2
Duration
3 years (Part Time)
2 years (Full Time)
Places available
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 Accreditations

This 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

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 Engineering

School 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.

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Modules

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

    Research Project (60 credits)

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.

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.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

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.

Download a prospectus