Cranfield University

What you'll study

The programme combines taught modules with laboratory work and an independent research project. Core topics cover the structure–property relationships of metals, polymers, ceramics and composites; materials characterisation techniques; degradation and failure mechanisms; and materials selection and design for engineering applications. You will also study materials processing methods, including additive manufacturing, surface engineering and joining technologies, alongside subjects in modelling and simulation of materials behaviour.

Typical module areas include:

• Advanced Materials Characterisation (microscopy, diffraction, spectroscopy and thermal analysis)
• Materials Selection and Design
• Structural and Functional Ceramics, Polymers and Composites
• Degradation, Corrosion and Fatigue
• Processing and Manufacturing of Advanced Materials (including additive manufacturing and surface engineering)
• Materials Modelling and Simulation
• Research Methods and Project Management

The course places strong emphasis on laboratory and practical skills. Students typically undertake hands-on work in materials characterisation laboratories and pilot-scale processing facilities, and complete an extended individual project that can be industry-linked or research-led, culminating in a dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in a relevant subject such as materials science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, physics or chemistry. Equivalent professional qualifications or significant relevant industrial experience will also be considered.

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in English through an approved qualification. Cranfield considers each application holistically and may require additional supporting information, references or evidence of laboratory experience for applicants from non-standard backgrounds.

Career prospects

Graduates move into roles across the materials and manufacturing sectors, including materials engineer, R&D scientist, failure analysis engineer, corrosion specialist, process development engineer and additive manufacturing engineer. The programme is relevant to industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, defence, biomedical devices and advanced manufacturing, and also provides a foundation for doctoral research or technical consultancy careers.

Cranfield's strong industry links and facilities support employability through applied projects, placements and networking with industrial partners, helping graduates to transition into technical and management roles.

Why study at Cranfield University

Cranfield is a postgraduate-focused university with a long-standing reputation for applied engineering and close collaboration with industry. The Advanced Materials programme benefits from specialist facilities for materials characterisation and processing, multi-disciplinary research centres and opportunities to work on industry-relevant projects. Teaching staff include researchers with industrial experience, and the university's emphasis on practical training and technology translation helps prepare graduates for immediate impact in industry or further research.

Facilities and industry links: access to dedicated materials laboratories, pilot-scale processing equipment and links with industrial partners in aerospace, automotive, energy and defence; opportunities for applied master’s projects and networking with employers.