Loughborough University

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced taught modules with a substantial research project. Taught modules cover atomic to macroscopic structure–property relationships, advanced characterisation techniques, materials modelling and simulation, and processing routes for metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. Typical core topics include:

• Materials Characterisation: electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, spectroscopy and surface analysis methods for microstructural/chemical investigation.
• Mechanical Behaviour of Materials: deformation and fracture mechanics, fatigue, and microstructural control of mechanical properties.
• Materials Processing and Manufacturing: thermomechanical processing, additive manufacturing, and scale-up considerations.
• Functional and Nanostructured Materials: design and applications of electronic, magnetic, optical and biomedical materials.
• Corrosion, Degradation and Reliability: environmental effects, protection strategies and lifetime prediction.
• Computational Materials Science: atomistic to continuum modelling, finite element methods and multiscale approaches.
• Research Methods and Professional Skills: experimental design, statistical analysis of data, research ethics and scientific communication.

The degree culminates in an extended independent research project or dissertation, usually carried out in a specialist research group or in collaboration with industrial partners. Projects typically make use of Loughborough's facilities for microscopy, surface analysis, mechanical testing, thermal analysis and additive manufacturing.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in materials science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics or a closely related discipline. Loughborough typically looks for the equivalent of a UK upper second‑class honours (2:1) for admission to MSc programmes; candidates with a lower classification plus substantial relevant industrial experience or research experience may be considered.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and will need to provide an accepted test qualification or other evidence of English language ability. Applicants are assessed on their academic record, references and any relevant project or employment experience. Candidates with a clear research interest are encouraged to contact potential supervisors in relevant research groups before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a broad range of technical and managerial roles across sectors that rely on advanced materials. Typical career paths include:

• Materials engineer or materials development scientist in aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics and biomedical industries.
• Process and manufacturing engineer working on scale‑up, quality control and production of advanced materials and components.
• Characterisation specialist operating and interpreting data from microscopy, diffraction and spectroscopy techniques.
• R&D roles in industry and government labs, performing formulation, testing and lifecycle analysis for new materials.
• Regulatory, standards or failure‑analysis positions focused on safety, reliability and certification.
• Progression to doctoral study (PhD) and academic research careers.

The course’s emphasis on hands‑on characterisation, modelling and a major research project provides practical experience that employers value, and collaboration with industry partners offers routes to placements and research collaborations.

Why study at Loughborough University

Loughborough has a strong engineering and materials research environment with active research groups working on structural materials, functional materials, biomaterials and manufacturing processes. The university provides access to well‑equipped laboratories for electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, thermal analysis, mechanical testing and additive manufacturing, alongside computational facilities for materials simulation.

The materials community at Loughborough benefits from interdisciplinary links across mechanical, chemical and electronic engineering, and established partnerships with industry support project opportunities and employability. Teaching is delivered by academics actively engaged in research, ensuring content remains current with advances in materials science and engineering. Students also benefit from career support, networking events and opportunities to engage in collaborative projects with industrial and research partners.