The interdisciplinary study of materials science and engineering, which explains the structure, properties, processing and applications of materials, is well established in the UK, with some universities having over 100 years experience of providing degree courses in metallurgy.

There are over twenty universities in the UK providing three-year BEng or four-year MEng courses specialising in materials. Most undergraduate courses concentrate on a range of materials, with metallurgy, ceramic technology and polymer technology degrees also available. New courses have been introduced, preparing graduates for the developments taking place in biomaterials, aerospace materials, or materials for sport.

Degree courses provide suitable academic preparation and registration, as either Incorporated or Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council UK, have been accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and graduates from each type of course may seek recognition as professional materials specialists with the Institute. Quality of teaching has been independently assessed by a government body, and the courses have been found to excellent.

Graduate Taught Courses

MSc courses in materials have been designed to impart a high level of materials knowledge for graduates in other disciplines, provide in-depth knowledge of a particular specialism, or support graduates starting postgraduate employment in a particular industry. Many of these are available either as one-year full-time or two-year part-time courses, but the courses involve release from industry for one week at a time over a two/three year period. Some courses consist of modules of which a minimum number must be completed and combined with a project for the award of an MSc.

The MRes degree combines lectures on theory and experimental techniques with the development of interpersonal and management skills. The full-time course is then completed by undertaking an experimental project. The MRes has been introduced as the first year for graduate students wanting to undertake research - some graduates will be funded to continue, but those who leave after one year will be better prepared for a career in industry.

Research

The government has undertaken detailed studies of the research needed to improve the quality of life and maintain a competitive edge in the provision of goods or services to a global market. Materials has been identified as one of the most important areas of research by these Foresight studies, therefore UK government and industry are providing significant support to materials research in universities. The industrial contribution is increasing in significance, and ensures that there is a strong emphasis on industrial relevance.

Universities specialising in materials research are proud of their reputation. In a recent assessment by the Funding Councils, nine universities were assessed as undertaking international-level research across a wide range of subjects. Funding for national priority topics such as high performance materials, polymer science and technology, superconducting materials, semiconductors and biomedical materials has been concentrated in Interdisciplinary Research Centres based on the consortia of universities able to contribute their expertise.

It is possible to undertake short-term research leading to a master’s degree by full-time study, part-time in industry as an external student or as part of a specialist arrangement known as the Knowledge Transfer Partnership, which is designed to transfer technology to small companies. Most research students, however, register for a three-year PhD programme, which permits a research topic to be explored in considerable length.

A recent introduction is a special four-year engineering Doctorate programme, which incorporates taught courses in technology, management and personal effectiveness within the EngD course. Students of materials in UK universities have the opportunity to join the Institute of Materials, the world's leading professional body for materials scientists and engineers. Studying materials science and engineering in the UK can therefore become the gateway to a wide range of interesting challenges and rewarding careers throughout the world.

 

Author:
Martin Stammers
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining