Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide an honours degree programme in the field of Materials Science and Materials Engineering which satisfies the needs of industry for potential future leaders of outstanding ability with very strong academic, problem solving, business, interactive and interpersonal skills.
• To provide a broad range and in-depth education based on detailed knowledge in topics relevant to Materials Science and Engineering.
• To develop the students’ responsibility and competence in Materials Science and Engineering related testing, analysis and design and offer opportunities for industrial training.
• Provide open-ended, multi-disciplinary, individual project work and group work with increasing emphasis on commercial and industrial constraints and the ability to make progress independently.
• To encourage students to manage their own learning, communicate effectively using a range of methods and make effective use of primary source materials including technical literature and industrial standards.
• To develop the students’ commitment to life-long learning and enthusiasm for Materials Science and Engineering through the provision of an exciting, current and challenging programme informed by the department’s research activities and industrial input.
• To demonstrate the importance of professional engineering and highlight and encourage the route to professional registration.

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

• QAA Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
• QAA Benchmark Statements for Materials

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: 

• Relevant mathematical and statistical methods and principles of materials science as applicable to materials science and engineering;
• Specialist science and engineering topics connected with the characterisation, testing, properties, processing, and applications of materials;
• The role of information technology and library resources in providing support for materials engineers and scientists;
• Science and engineering principles relevant to materials selection;
• The materials and engineering aspects of design;
• The professional and engineering responsibilities of materials scientists and engineers;
• A systematic understanding and critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at the forefront of materials science and engineering practice.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

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

• Apply appropriate material and process selection procedures for the design of a component;
• Utilise materials science and engineering principles to develop new materials/processing routes for improved performance of engineering systems;
• Devise and test innovative solutions to materials-related problems, and where appropriate, propose new hypotheses;
• Select and apply appropriate IT tools to a variety of materials problems;
• Select materials from an environmentally appreciative viewpoint;
• Analyse materials aspects of bulk, raw materials as well as finished components;
• Evaluate numerical data and apply sophisticated mathematical methods to the analysis of materials science and engineering problems.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

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

• Use appropriate testing and analysis methods for the study of materials;
• Manipulate systems for the processing of a range of material types;
• Use appropriate computer software for design and modelling exercises to predict materials properties and behaviour;
• Evaluate and present experimental or modelling data in a format that shows originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques are used to create and interpret materials knowledge;
• Interpret and critique experimental results in terms of theoretical mechanisms and concepts;
• Create clear and well-structured technical reports in an appropriate format using technical language specific to materials science and engineering;
• Critically evaluate current materials science and engineering research;
• Demonstrate project management skills either individually or as part of a group.

c. Key transferable skills:

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

• Apply constructive, creative, and structured approaches to complex problem solving;
• Exercise the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development;
• Make informed and responsible decisions in complex and unpredictable situations;
• Work effectively, both as part of a team and/or independently;
• Organise and manage time and resources effectively for short-term and longer-term commitments;
• Possess skills needed to communicate effectively through a variety of media;
• Demonstrate a high level of numeracy, appropriate to the cognitive skills required.

4. Programme structure

Part A - All modules are compulsory.

Part B - 110 credits of compulsory modules, 10 credits of optional modules

Part I – Diploma in Industrial Studies, Diploma in International Studies and Diploma in Professional Studies modules

Ten Semester Programme

In accordance with Regulation XI, students can undertake a placement, leading to the additional award of the Diploma in Industrial Studies or Diploma in Professional Studies, or if taken at a University overseas the Diploma in International Studies. 

Participation in a placement, or study abroad, is subject to Departmental approval and satisfactory academic performance in Parts A and B (and depending upon the route of study Part C).

Part C - 100 credits of compulsory modules, 20 credits of optional modules

Part D - 90 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules 

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C and from Part C to Part D and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only satisfy the minimum credit requirements set out in Regulation XX but also must gain credit (≥40%) in the module MAA301 Mathematics for Materials 1 and 2 together with an overall average of 55% for Parts A, B and C.

In addition for students entering prior to 2019/2020: In order to progress from Part A to Part B, from Part B to Part C and from Part C to Part D and to be eligible for the award of an Honours degree, candidates must not only accumulate 120 credits together with an overall average of 55% for Parts A, B and C but also must gain credit (≥40%) in the modules MAA101 Mathematics for Materials 1 and MAA201 Mathematics for Materials 2.

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

Candidate’s final degree classification will be determined on the basis of their performance in degree level module assessments in Parts B, C, and D in accordance with the scheme set out in Regulation XX. The average percentages for each Part will be combined in the ratio Part B 20 : Part C 40 : Part D 40 to determine the overall average percentage mark.