Advanced Materials Engineering MSc



Develop specialised knowledge in this course which is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
Overview

Offered only at selected universities in Scotland at Masters level, this course is information rich, but also provides a significant degree of hands-on practical work that utilises a wide range of manufacturing, testing and characterisation equipment.

The limited number of graduates in this area, combined with the knowledge, expertise and practical skills developed in this specialised field, gives you a major advantage over other engineering graduates as you seek employment within the materials-related industries.

We have been successfully teaching a Master’s programme in materials engineering for more than 20 years, leading the way in the study of this field. Staff are very experienced and undertake both academic research and commercial projects, both of which support students’ learning experience.

Students looking down at their experiment on the table during a Lab Skills course at Napier University's Sighthill Campus

Mode of Study:

Part-time (available as Full-time)

Duration:

3 years

Start date:

SepJan

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Course details

Gain exposure to the latest trends in design, materials, manufacturing processes, testing and advanced applications by taking full advantage of our modern technology and computing facilities.

The course has been designed to provide you with knowledge of materials (Polymeric, Metallic, Ceramic and Composite); allowing you to develop your skills further in more application and research based areas of materials engineering such as smart materials and materials in energy based applications.

You'll benefit from our first-class research and knowledge transfer partnerships with local, national and international companies. Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, we have excellent industry links and encourage you to interact with industry too.

  • calendar How you’ll be taught

    This is a flexible part-time course starting in September of January. Normally students will take three years to complete the programme. Many part-time students undertake projects in their place of work.

    All projects are practically focused with an emphasis on using industry-standard manufacturing and testing equipment. Many projects are live, meaning you'll be working for professional  clients.
  • note and pen Assessments Assessment methods include research and laboratory reports, presentations (oral and poster), and examinations.
  • library Facilities

    Industry relevant materials testing equipment within the course includes – Scanning Electron Microscopy, EIS, FTIR, corrosion chamber, micro-abrasion analysis and the mechanical testing suite.

    Manufacturing facilities include - Polymer injection moulding, extrusion and various coating techniques.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Ceramic and Composite Materials ( MEC11109 )

This module allows the student to have a critical knowledge of engineering ceramics and composites. Engineering ceramics and glasses are in important classification of material and an understanding of these materials from their crystal structure and imperfections to their many astonishing applications including – thermal, electrical, mechanical and optical properties are explored. To evaluate the properties and gain knowledge of the various ceramic and glass structures and manufacturing processes must be characterised.
Composites in engineering are an amalgamation of metals, polymers or ceramics in various compositions or structures. This module will investigate the various manufacturing methods and properties of the different families of composites; metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, polymer matrix composites, natural and structural composites. Applications of composite materials are very important in the world today due to the nature of the composites being tailored for a specific job. Within both classes of materials the non-destructive testing, joining and failure mechanisms and will be considered.

Further information

Energy Materials ( MEC11110 )

Materials in energy production and storage, such as: fuel cells, wind turbines, solar panels, offshore structures, biomass, nuclear catalytic materials, nanotechnology, processing techniques, heat transfer in materials and instrumentation. The role of materials engineering in the circular economy from cradle to grave.

Further information

Metallic Materials ( MEC11115 )

Metallic Structures: slip systems, imperfections, dislocation production and movement, diffusion.
Phase Diagrams and Transformations: eutectic, solid solution, partial, peritectic, intermediate compounds; structural transformations, hardenability; heat treatments.
Deformation: formability, superplasticity, hot and cold working processes; hardening and strengthening mechanisms.
Metal Processing: Extraction and physical metallurgy, involving various metals and alloys. bulk deformation processes included in this module.
Coatings and protection methods for metallic materials, such as electroless deposition.

Further information

Smart Materials and Surfaces ( MEC11118 )

Smart materials - structures, properties and applications
Substrate/coating bonding: structure of surfaces and interfaces, adhesion theory, surface energy.
Solid phase deposition: thermal spray, powder coatings, and enamels.
Liquid phase deposition: electrodeposition, electroless, and conversion.
Vapour phase deposition: CVD and PVD, ion implantation.
Surface properties and performance: residual stress, adhesion, friction, wear, lubrication, thickness, and roughness.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

RECOGNISED BY

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements 

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in a physical science or engineering subject. This includes degrees in physics and/or chemistry.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient relevant work experience within the industry.

The University does not sponsor students to study on part-time programmes in the UK under the Student Visa route. International Applicants must therefore have other valid immigration leave to study on this programme.

Please note, nationals of particular countries who receive an offer for this course are required to apply for an ATAS certificate. More information about this can be found on the GOV.UK website.

English language requirements

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

ATAS

Please note this course requires an ATAS certificate unless you are a UK, EEA or Swiss national. The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) is designed to provide additional security checks on students who study certain courses in Science and Engineering. The scheme is managed by the ATAS Team based at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

Our entry requirements indicate the minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications.

International students

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BN Nursing/MSc Nursing (Pre-registration) (Adult, Mental Health, Child, Learning Disabilities)
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

Admissions policies

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-Taught modules *£1,050 *£tba
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland-60credit Dissertation module £620 tba
Overseas and EU-Taught modules £2,780 tba
Overseas and EU-Dissertation module £1,860 tba
Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*. The total fee you will pay is dependant upon the exit award you wish to achieve.

Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next.
For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees

Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
The University offers a 20% discount on Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes to its alumni. The discount applies to all full-time, part-time and online programmes.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Fees for modules are calculated according to the number of credits (multiples of 20). The rate shown in the table is for 20 credits*.
This course comprises of 180 credits from taught modules and a dissertation. The total fee you will pay is dependant upon the exit award you wish to achieve.
Careers
  • Manufacturing
  • Design, energy engineering and renewables
  • Chemical engineering
  • Offshore engineering, materials testing
  • Advising and assuring companies
  • Regulatory authorities and automotive
  • Aerospace and defence industries
Student with her hands on a microscope as she looks at the camera