Loughborough University
Leicestershire, UK
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Loughborough University

Programme Specifications

Programme Specification

MSc Materials Science and Technology

Academic Year: 2018/19

This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if full advantage is taken of the learning opportunities that are provided.

This specification applies to delivery of the programme in the Academic Year indicated above. Prospective students reviewing this information for a later year of study should be aware that these details are subject to change as outlined in our Terms and Conditions of Study.

This specification should be read in conjunction with:

  • Summary
  • Aims
  • Learning outcomes
  • Structure
  • Progression & weighting

Programme summary

Awarding body/institution Loughborough University
Teaching institution (if different)
Owning school/department Department of Materials
Details of accreditation by a professional/statutory body

Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining

Final award MSc / PGDip / PGCert
Programme title Materials Science and Technology
Programme code MPPT15-16
Length of programme MSc study is available on a full-time and part-time basis. PGDip and PGCert study is available on a part-time basis only. Full time: One year Part time: Master of Science: Maximum 8 years Postgraduate Diploma: Maximum 5 years Postgraduate Certificate: Maximum 3 years
UCAS code
Admissions criteria

Full Time Diploma/MSc/PG Certificate - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/MPPT15

Part Time Diploma/MSc/PG Certificate - http://www.lboro.ac.uk/MPPT16

Date at which the programme specification was published Tue, 09 Oct 2018 17:55:07 BST

1. Programme Aims

  • To prepare students for an active and effective professional role in the manufacturing industry and particularly, but not exclusively, the following sectors: Plastics, Rubber, Ceramics, Composites and Metals.
  • To enhance the careers of those already in full-time employment in industry via part-time attendance.

The more specific objectives of the programme are to develop the appropriate professional competence for the following functions: 

  • Research and Development related to all aspects of materials, processing methods, characterisation and end-use products;
  • Trouble shooting tasks related to materials processing, characterisation and failures in service;
  • Evaluation of performance of materials to provide data for product design, specifications and quality control;
  • Characterisation of the properties and performance of materials.

 

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications  

IoM3 'Materials' publication 2001

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • The range of industrial materials, ceramic, metal, polymeric, rubber and their composites, and their composition and microstructural constitution.
  • The principles underlying the relationship between the structure of materials and their subsequent properties, with a greater knowledge of the individual material classes or specific properties depending on the specific modules taken.
  • The underpinning concepts and practical use of a range of characterisation techniques, with a greater knowledge of any specific technique depending on the specific modules taken.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

  • Explain the origin of the properties of materials and identify how they may be controlled and modified by changes in the process route used and their microstructures.
  • Identify and select suitable procedures to predict the performance of materials in specific service conditions.
  • Select and identify appropriate experimental techniques to elucidate particular research and/or development goals.
  • Analyse a problem and identify appropriate materials and/or process conditions that will address it.
  • Deliver a Masters’ thesis according to the dissertation specification.
  • Select and identify an appropriate processing method to manufacture products of given shape, material and performance and recommend remedies for any deficiencies related to output and quality.
  • Identify, select and suggest suitable preparation schemes and evaluate new material compositions for specific applications.
  • Propose suitable procedures for the characterisation of materials and assess their significance in relation to processing and manufacture of end-use products.

In each case, students’ knowledge of the individual materials classes, specific properties and characterisation techniques will depend on the specific modules taken.

At Diploma and Certificate level the areas of subject specific intellectual/cognitive skills are less in number approximately proportional to the reduction in the credits accumulated relative to the MSc award.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

  • Formulate experimental strategies to obtain reliable and accurate data that will help solve a particular problem.
  • Analyse, evaluate and interpret (with reference to theoretical concepts) practical data to produce a detailed technical report.
  • Explain results according to the changes in the independent variables and draw appropriate conclusions.
  • Calculate additional parameters and relate the results to theoretical concepts.
  • Use appropriate computer software for the manipulation of experimental and other data suitable for inclusion in reports and for oral presentation.
  • Retrieve information from a range of sources.
  • Be familiar with the use of analytical and physical testing equipment to carry out suitable experiments for the  compositional, microstructural and performance-based characterisation of materials.
  • Be familiar with the use of laboratory processing equipment for the production of materials and manufacture of simple components and test-specimens.
  • Assemble and operate suitable testing rigs/equipment for measuring mechanical and physical properties of materials.
  • Evaluate and present practical data in a suitable format.
c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

  • Organise and manage time and resources effectively.
  • Apply a critical approach to problem solving in areas related to his/her field of studies.
  • Exercise independent learning skills for the gathering of information and acquire new knowledge for work/subject related activities, as well as for professional development.
  • Work effectively both independently and in a group.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and present information and ideas in a concise and scholarly manner.
  • Demonstrate an adequate level of cognitive and numerical skills for theoretical analysis of new principles.

At Diploma and Certificate level the areas of key/transferable skills are less in number approximately proportional to the reduction in the credits accumulated relative to the MSc award.

4. Programme structure

A candidate on a MSc programme will normally study 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules followed by a project worth 60 credits.

A part-time candidate on a PGDip programme will normally study 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules.

A part-time candidate on a PGCert programme will normally study 60 credits of compulsory modules. 

In the following table, ‘c’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘o’ indicates an optional module. 

Students can substitute an optional module with an o# module if Programme Director and timetabling permits.  

 


 


Code

Module title

Modular weight

Semester

Compulsory ‘c’

or optional ‘o’

MATERIALS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – FULL-TIME STUDY

MPP551

Advanced Characterisation Techniques

15

1

c

MPP552

Design with Engineering Materials

15

1

c

MPP553

Surface Engineering

15

1

c

MPP554

Ceramics: Processing and Properties

15

1

c

MPP555

Metals: Processing and Properties

15

2

c

MPP558 (ow)

Sustainable Use of Materials

15

2

c

MPP010

Project - Full time

60

other

c

MPP563 (ow)

Industrial Case Studies

15

1+2

o

MPP505 (ow)

Plastics Processing Technology

15

2

o

MPP556

Materials Modelling

15

2

o

 

MATERIALS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – PART-TIME STUDY

MPP552 or 652*

Design with Engineering Materials

15

1

c

MPP553 or 653*

Surface Engineering

15

1

c

MPP554 or 654*

Ceramics: Processing and Properties

15

1

c

MPP505 (ow)

Plastics Processing Technology

15

2

c

MPP555  or 655*

Metals: Processing and Properties

15

2

c

MPP558 (ow)

Sustainable Use of Materials

15

2

c

MPP020

Project - Part time (for MSc only)

60

other

c

MPP559

Adhesive Bonding

15

1

o

MPP563

Industrial Case Studies

15

1+2

o

MPP508 (ow) or 608*

Rubber Compounding and Processing

15

2

o

MPP501 or 601*

Polymer Properties

15

2

 o#

MPP551

Advanced Characterisation Techniques

15

1

 o#

MPP556

Materials Modelling

15

2

 o#

All modules are semester long apart from those marked (ow) which are block taught over one week and those marked * which are by Distance Learning.

Students may take other modules from the University’s Postgraduate catalogue of modules subject to their availability and the agreement of the Programme Director.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Reassessment of modules eligible under Regulation XXI may take place in the University's Special Assessment Period where suitable modules are available.

5.3 Candidates registered on a PGCert or PGDip can progress to PGDip or Masters respectively upon successful completion of modules. 

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

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