University of Nottingham

What you'll study

This master’s combines taught modules with a substantial independent research project to give a broad and deep understanding of contemporary materials. You will study the relationships between structure, processing and properties across metals, ceramics, polymers, composites and emerging classes such as nanomaterials and biomaterials.

• Core taught topics typically include advanced materials characterisation (electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, spectroscopy), mechanical behaviour and deformation mechanisms, thermodynamics and kinetics of materials, and phase transformations.
• Specialist modules cover subjects such as nanomaterials and nanotechnology, polymer and composite materials, corrosion and surface engineering, materials for energy and electronic applications, and biomaterials.
• Computational and modelling components introduce atomistic and mesoscale modelling techniques, materials informatics and data analysis methods used to predict and optimise properties.
• Laboratory and practical training gives hands‑on experience with modern characterisation and processing equipment, including microscopy, diffraction, thermal analysis and mechanical testing.
• Research project/dissertation is a large independent investigation carried out under academic supervision; projects may be lab, modelling or industry‑linked and provide experience in experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK upper second‑class (2:1) honours degree, or an international equivalent, in materials science, engineering, physics, chemistry or a closely related discipline. Candidates with a lower second‑class (2:2) plus relevant industrial experience or strong postgraduate study may be considered.

Entry also requires evidence of adequate numeracy and laboratory or technical experience appropriate to materials study. International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements; typical evidence is a recognised English test with overall and component scores that meet the School’s thresholds.

Applicants from non‑standard backgrounds are considered on an individual basis; relevant professional experience, portfolio of practical work, or preparatory study can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to careers in R&D, materials development, process engineering, quality and failure analysis, manufacturing and product design across sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, biomedical devices and advanced manufacturing. The MSc also provides a pathway to doctoral research and academic careers.

• Typical roles: materials scientist, R&D engineer, process or production engineer, materials characterisation specialist, quality engineer, and technical consultant.
• Employers: engineering and manufacturing companies, materials suppliers, research institutes, national laboratories, and spin‑outs; many graduates also secure funded PhD places.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham offers a research‑intensive environment with access to advanced materials laboratories and characterisation facilities and a multidisciplinary community spanning engineering, physics and chemistry. Teaching is informed by active research groups working on areas such as nanomaterials, functional materials, and materials for energy and healthcare.

Students benefit from opportunities for project work with industrial partners, links to regional and national supply chains, and training in transferable skills valued by employers: experimental techniques, modelling, project management and scientific communication. The campus environment supports collaborative study and access to additional resources including computing facilities and career services.