Postgraduate Courses in Materials Science

UK industry and the Global market have long required materials specialists. Developments in the design of aircraft, cars, electronic medical and sports equipment and domestic appliances depend critically on the availability of innovative materials. Of equal importance is an understanding of both advanced processing techniques and the latest computer based design procedures essential for product commercialisation from the concept phase. Technological, economic and environmental pressures will ensure that the demand for materials experts will increase in the future. Studying a postgraduate course in materials science will deepen your knowledge, improve your skills and enhance your employment prospects. If you're interested in applying for a postgraduate course materials science then read on to discover more about what this subject has to offer at postgraduate level.

An Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) review of materials, conducted in 2002, considers that “ crucial to the pace of progress is the development of fundamental knowledge and understanding of materials science and technology which is often a prerequisite in determining the pace and range of technological change. The underlying importance of materials science to the UK economy is illustrated by the wide range of industries which it underpins, from electronics to construction, transport to healthcare; all are reliant on a fundamental understanding of the structure, properties and performance of materials”.

One driver for the interest in a career in materials is the wide range of career opportunities available. Successful postgraduate students go on to careers in a wide range of industrial sectors such as:

For example, materials graduates from Cranfield Univerisity have readily found employment in a number of these sectors, with companies such as AIRBUS, Citroën, Michelin and Nokia. Feedback from employers indicates that Materials graduates are well regarded and highly employable.

Career opportunities for Materials experts are also diverse; from being the sole ‘materials expert’ to working in a large team with responsibilities in research, development, design, analysis, modelling, quality, engineering, manufacturing, production and management.

Why postgraduate study?

The decision to embark on postgraduate study can be very individual and manifold, based on personal preference, and perhaps can be based on financial or time restraints. Some broad trends emerge however in which students:

Are interested in a career in materials and seek specific training in a specialist area in readiness for industry, subsequently gaining a competitive edge over other materials graduates;

Have a first degree in a numerate, engineering or scientific discipline such as chemistry, mechanical or aeronautical engineering and wish to focus more on materials as a conversion course, but in so doing broaden their education;

Have a genuine interest in materials but do not wish to embark on a 3 year research programme;

Seek or are offered continued professional development by their employer to assist with their current or future work direction.

What types of courses are available?

Postgraduate courses in materials science can be taught or research-based.

Taught programmes are largely facilitated through a combination of lectures, tutorials, case studies, laboratory demonstration and workshops, which are at least partially assessed by examination or assignment. These programmes will often have a proportion of the learning though an individual research project and/or occasionally a group project. In general, for research programme, the major activity will be conducted through a self-directed project, with a minor component of formal training.

At postgraduate level there are three levels of taught programme: postgraduate certificate (PG Cert), postgraduate diploma (PG Dip), and Master’s, where those in science are usually designated MSc. Postgraduate certificates and diplomas are increasing in popularity for continued professional development (CPD).

An additional award, similar to the MSc, is the taught MRes (Master’s in research) degree, which combines training in research techniques with taught courses in the subject area. As stand alone courses, one year full time or generally 2-3 years part time, the taught MSc and taught MRes are almost indistinguishable as most good courses will provide training in interpersonal transferable skills and research techniques.

Throughout Europe there are opportunities for postgraduate study in materials with 2-year full-time Master’s course , which are often taught in English and can incorporate a research element.

Students may spend time at two or three partner institutions, experiencing life and work in different European societies. This arrangement is similar in some respects to double degrees offered by two collaborating institutions. Students spend one year studying for a Masters degree as part of their programme of studies at a partner institution which counts towards the qualification of their home institution.

For example, at Cranfield University, double degree opportunities at Masters level are open to UK students who have the appropriate language proficiency and who wish to spend an additional year at a partner institution.

What to consider when choosing a course

Of the numerous postgraduate MSc courses in materials science offered in the UK, just under half focus on specialist areas such as textiles, paper, leather, forestry, nanotechnology, electronics and engineering. A similar proportion specialise in specific materials such as composites, polymers, metals, ceramics also corrosion, recycling technology and materials modelling. This leaves a smaller proportion of courses which address a broad range of the materials spectrum.

A number of factors are important in selecting a course suitable for an individual. Some of these may include the quality or perceived reputation of the University. Advice can be gleaned from other students, advisers and employers.

However the student should first consider the course structure. Weightings of the taught component to any research activity will vary. Taught masters courses can be designed to provide technical specialists for industry, encouraging graduates used to dependent learning to be comfortable with independent evaluation and analysis. Some emphasis on management provides more general knowledge and expertise as well as personal transferable skills needed in project work and for a successful career in industry (or research). A group project and/or individual project make a significant contribution to development of personal and transferable skills as well as developing creativity and independent thought.

Some taught courses are modular. For part time students shared learning on modules can be an advantage over distance learning. Social interaction or team-work is also a key part of the learning in group projects, an activity that is well received at Cranfield University. Students work as a team on a multi-disciplinary problem of industrial relevance developing interpersonal skills which are essential for industry.

With sights set on employment the relationship of the institution to industry is also important. Projects in collaboration with industry provide opportunities for interaction and networking with prospective employers and possibly assistance with finance through sponsorship opportunities. Explore the employment uptake of former graduates.

Students should also consider resources and support at hand. An entirely postgraduate establishment can offer a stand-alone Masters course which is based on industry requirements as opposed to the content of the undergraduate course.

If staff involved in the teaching or supervision of projects are actively involved in materials research and/or consultancy with industry, then the teaching should be informed by high quality research. A vigorous research activity can also provide access to state of the art and/or unique facilities. A good staff-to-student ratio should provide great accessibility to staff, excellent support and direct access to the facilities.

Before you choose your postgraduate course in materials science, be sure to consider the above. Deciding to undertake posgraduate study is a big commitment but will undoubtedly benefit you in the future. If you are interested in applying for a postgraduate course in materials science then please visit the link below for more information.

Good Luck!

Tel: +44 (0) 1234 754086
Email: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk
Web: www.cranfield.ac.uk/sas/masters

Author : Susan Impey. Course Director, MSc Advanced Materials, Cranfield University.

Postgraduate Courses in Materials Science

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