Materials
Qualification(s) available: PhD
- Entry requirements
- 2:1+
- Fees for 2024-25 (per academic year)
-
UK: £4,786International: £27,500
- Fees for 2025-26 (per academic year)
-
UK: To be confirmedInternational: £28,600
- Full-time
- 3 years
- Part-time
- 6 years
- Start date
- 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October
- Location
- Loughborough
- Subject area(s)
- Materials
Overview
For nearly 50 years, materials science and engineering has been a core strength at Loughborough University - we have a long-standing international reputation for our research. Our research activity focuses on today’s global challenges, including sustainability, energy production and healthcare. It encompasses the development of advanced materials including nanomaterials, high performance ceramics and composites and their processing. We adopt a highly disciplinary approach to our research and frequently interact with other departments and schools.
We aim to provide PhD projects that will challenge and inspire students to solve engineering problems with real-world impact, focusing on the behaviour of materials to bring about improved performance or new products in order to address current global issues. Those undertaking a research degree with us will be part of a welcoming team, benefiting from a wealth of knowledge and experience of leading academics in their field of research. You will be provided with all of the technical skills and practical understanding needed to produce sustained, original work which will underpin your chosen career progression. Our research is supported by a range of first-class facilities, which have been designed to help you throughout your studies and fully equip you for your future endeavours. You will have access to state-of-the-art equipment for use in materials synthesis, processing and characterisation; the most notable of these being the Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre (LMCC), which has a wide range of analytical techniques, including electron microscopy and surface analytical techniques some of which have capabilities that are unique in the UK.
Industry relevance is also a priority and many of our research projects are industry sponsored, with scientists and engineers from industry contributing to our output and research impact.
Our research
The breadth of our research is captured in our research areas, which are delivered by an exceptional team of around 100 academics, researchers and PhD students. Across our research we have a strong track record of collaborations with industry and all parties benefit from access to our state-of-the-art facilities.
Processing
Our Processing research area studies and develops many techniques and operations to convert a material from an ‘as formed’ state to a finished article. Processing procedures may incorporate a number of stages with emphasis often apparent on the surface properties of the finished article.
Advanced Materials
Advanced Materials research includes understanding, designing and engineering the structure of a material from the atomic to micrometre scale by correlating with the material's mechanical and functional properties, as well as chemical composition and processing conditions.
Soft Matter
Soft Matter research within the department deals with a vast array of macromolecules, from their synthesis to their interactions at a microscopic level. This research includes functional biomaterials.
Technique Development
Technique Development involves some key enabling areas of research that cross-cut our other research. Here we have particular expertise in materials modelling and characterisation techniques.
Complimentary to, and underpinning, our research areas is our research infrastructure. Particular highlights are our Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre (LMCC), our recently refurbished Polymer Processing facilities and the HPC-Midlands+, a Tier-2 High Performance Computing centre with a focus on engineering and physical sciences, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Your development
You will receive academic, pastoral and progress support from your project supervisor(s), as well as from the Director of Doctoral Programmes. You will also have your own desk and storage space in a communal research student office, with access to library and IT services.
A PhD programme will give you the opportunity to develop new and highly sought-after skills which can set you up for a range of careers. It’s a chance to make a novel contribution to knowledge, to become a world expert in a particular field and it can open a range of doors with different employers. You'll also enhance your interpersonal skills, such as networking and relationship building, which will be invaluable in your future career.
Our extensive training provision, supported by the Doctoral College, will also enhance your skills and experience as a researcher. These include technical, business and presentation skills training, opportunities to attend conferences in the UK and overseas, and the Doctoral College’s Café Academiques, research conference and Summer Showcase.
Your future career
Undertaking a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering is challenging yet rewarding. Whilst strengthening your research ability, it will also allow you to develop a much wider range of transferable skills that can be applied to a range of industries.
Graduates from our department leave with a breadth of technical skills and expertise, far beyond their particular degree specialism. Our graduates progress onto a wide variety of careers within engineering, which put the skills and knowledge acquired during this programme into practice. A higher degree, such as a PhD, can accelerate your career and facilitate progression into positions with higher responsibility. Upon completion of your PhD, you may also wish to stay within academic research, either securing a post-doctoral research position or lecturing role, within UK and international institutes.
Recent graduate destinations include:
- Valspar Applied Science and Technology Centre (China), Senior Chemist
- Rolls-Royce, Materials Engineer
- Jaguar Land Rover, Materials and Corrosion Engineer
- GFI Group, Oil Broker
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
A 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a relevant subject.
Afghanistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters | 95% | 85% | 70% |
Albania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8 |
Algeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Argentina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
Armenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum | 90% or 3.9 | 80% or 3.5 | 70% or 3.0 |
Australia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree (AQF level 8) | First Class, 80% | Upper Second, 70%, H2A | Lower Second, 60%, H2B |
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) | High Distinction (80% or 85%) | Distinction (75% or 80%) | Distinction (70% or 75%) |
Austria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) | A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden | 60% / B / (or 2) | 60% / B / (or 2) |
Azerbaijan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 80% | 3.5 or 70% |
Bahamas
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bahrain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Bangladesh
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses only) | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75 |
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree | 80% / 4.0 | 65% / 3.25 | 50% / 2.5 |
Belarus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5 |
Belgium
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie | 80% or 17 | 70% or 14 | 60% or 12 |
Belize
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Benin
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien |
Bermuda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5) |
Bolivia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) | 85/78 | 75/66 | 67/55 |
Bosnia and Herzegovina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Botswana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's degree | A or 80% | B or 70% | C or 60% |
Brazil
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
Brunei
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Brunei | First | Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) | Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5) |
Bulgaria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) | 6 | 5 | 4 |
Burundi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) | 18 | 15/20 (Bien) | 12.5/20 (Assez Bien) |
Cambodia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Masters | 80% or B+ or 3.5 | 70% or B or 3.0 | 60% or C+ or 2.5 |
Cameroon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) | 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien | 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien | 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien |
Canada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0/Percentage | 3.7/85% | 3.3/75% | 2.7/68% |
Out of 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 |
Out of 12 | 10 | 8 | 6 |
Chile
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) | 6 | 5.5 | 5 |
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:
First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shanghai Rank Top 250 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70% |
Shanghai Rank 251-500 | 88% | 84% | 80% | 78% | 75% |
Shanghai Rank 501+ | 92% | 87% | 84% | 82% | 80% |
Affiliated colleges
The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:
- School of Business and Economics: not considered
- All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.
Universities given special consideration
Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:
*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.
Colombia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.2 |
Costa Rica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75 |
Croatia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 |
Cuba
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3 |
Cyprus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 |
Czech Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr | 1 | 1.5 | 2 |
Denmark
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) | 12 | 10 | 7 |
Dominican Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] | 3.8 | Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% | Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82% |
Ecuador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 8.5 / 85% | 8 / 80% | 7 / 70% |
Egypt
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Egypt | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Universities only | BA 90%, BSc 85% | BA 80%, BSc 75% | BA 65%, BSc 65% |
El Salvador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto | 8.5, 85% | 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno | 6.5, 65% or Bueno |
Estonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad | 5 or 91% or A | 4 or 81% or B | 3 or 71% or C |
Ethiopia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | A/GPA 4.0 | A/GPA 3.5 | B/GPA 2.8 |
Finland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister | 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) | 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) | 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5) |
France
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11 |
Georgia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year degree (% = new system) | 5 (95%) | 4.0 (85%) | 3.5 (75%) |
Germany
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
Ghana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Ghana | First | Upper second/60% | Lower second/50% |
Greece
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Universities | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6 |
TEI and non-University Institutions | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
Grenada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from University of West Indies - classification | 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) | 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5) |
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage | A | B / 75% | C / 55% |
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
Guatemala
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years | 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) | 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) | 60% (public university) / 70% (private university) |
Guyana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0 |
Honduras
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 | GPA 5 or 90% | GPA 4 or 80% | GPA 3.5 or 70% |
Hong Kong
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
1st or 3.5/4 | 2:1or 3/4 | 2:2 or 2.5/4 | 2.5 |
Hungary
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 |
Iceland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
India
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework | 65% (First) | 60% (First) | 55% (Upper second) |
All other Indian institutions | 70% (First with distinction) | 65% (First) | 60% (First) |
Indonesia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities | 3.3 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Iran
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Iran | 17 | 15 | 13 |
Iraq
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Ireland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Republic of Ireland | First (70%) | Upper second (60%) | Lower second (50%) |
Israel
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Italy
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 100/110 | 90/110 |
Ivory Coast
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures | 16 | 14 (Bien) | 12 (Assez Bien) |
Jamaica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5) |
Japan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale | 85% or A or 3.5 | 80% or B or 3.0 | 70% or C or 2.0 |
Jordan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% | 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63% |
Kazakhstan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 5.0/percentage scale | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 85% | 3.5 or 80% |
GPA 4.33 scale | 3.9 | 3.7 | 3.2 |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.4 | 3 |
Kenya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kenya | First / 70% / A | Upper second / 60% / B | Lower second / 50% / C |
Kosovo
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Kuwait
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
Latvia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Lebanon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
American | 90% (3.5) | 80% (3.2) | 70% (2.8) |
French | 18 | 15 | 12 |
Liberia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | 4.0 or 90% | 3.5 or 85% | 3 or 80% |
Libya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine | 85 (3.6) | 75 (3.0) | 65 (2.5) |
Other bachelor's degree from a university | 90 (4.0) | 85% (3.6) | 75% (3.0) |
Lithuania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Luxembourg
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien) |
Macau
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Macau | 1st or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5 |
Macedonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Malawi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65% |
Malaysia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Classification | First Class | 2.1 | GPA 2.5 |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Malta
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%) |
Mauritius
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Mauritius | 1st or 70% | 2:1 or 60% | 2:2 or 50% |
Mexico
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] | 8.5 | 8 | 7 |
Moldova
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Mongolia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or 3.5 | 80% or GPA 3.2 | 70% or GPA 3.0 |
Montenegro
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies | 10 (or 5.0) | 9 (or 4.5) | 8 (or 4.0) |
Morocco
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Mozambique
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre | 16 | 14 | 12 |
Myanmar (Burma)
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
2 year Master's degree | 5 or 85% | 5 or 75% | 4.5 or 65% |
Namibia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters | 80% or A | 70% or B | 60% or C |
Nepal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree) | 80% or 3.7 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA | 60% or 3.0 GPA |
Netherlands
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6 |
New Zealand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 | First (7.0) | Upper Second (6.0) | Lower Second (4.0) |
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 | A+ (9.0) | A- (7.0) | B+ (6.0) |
Nicaragua
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Nigeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
7 point Scale | 6 | 5 | 3.0 (on 5 point scale) |
5 point scale | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Norway
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Norway | A / 1.8 | B / 2.3 | C / 3.0 |
Oman
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
Pakistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) | A- or GPA 3.7 | B or GPA 3.0 | C+ or GPA 2.6 |
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters | 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 | 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 | 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6 |
Palestine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (4-years) | (85%) 3.5 | (80%) 3.0 | (70%) 2.5 |
Panama
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 91 (A) | 81 (B) | 71 (C) |
Papua New Guinea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Paraguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (80%) | 3.5 (75%) |
Peru
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 14 | 13 | 12 |
Philippines
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) | Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 | Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 | Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0 |
Poland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Portugal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado | 18 | 16 | 14 |
Qatar
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Romania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Russia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
Rwanda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) | 1st, 16/20 (80%) | 2:1,14/20 (70%) | 2:2, 12/20 (60%) |
Saudi Arabia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.5 |
Senegal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees | 16/20 or Tres Bien | 14/20 or Bien | 12/20 or Assez Bien |
Serbia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Sierra Leone
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Honours degree or masters | 1st (70%) | 2:1 (60% or B) | 2:2 (50% or C) |
Singapore
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (Hons) | First | Upper second | Lower second |
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.7 |
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0 |
Slovakia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier | 1.5 or B | 2.0 or C | 2.5 or C/high D |
Slovenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
University Diplom | 9 | 8 | 7 |
South Africa
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 70% | 2:2 or 60% |
South Korea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA out of 4.5 | 4.0 / A | 3.5 / B | 3.0 / C+ |
GPA out of 4.3 | 4.0 / A | 3.0 / B | 2.7 / C+ |
Spain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5 |
UCM grading | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 |
Sri Lanka
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree | 90%, GPA 3.70 | 80%, GPA 3.30 | 70%, GPA 3.0 |
Sudan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 year degree | 1st, 70%, B+ | 2:1, 66% | mid 2:2, 60%, B |
Sweden
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen | Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG | B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG | C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G |
Switzerland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) | 10 / 6 / 1 | 8 / 5 / 2 | 6 / 4 / 3 |
Syria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
State universities 4 years of study | 80% | 70% | 60% |
Private universities 4 years of study | 90% | 80% | 70% |
Taiwan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Category 1 (4 year degree) | 80% | 75% | 70% |
Category 2 (4 year degree) | 85% | 80% | 75% |
Tajikistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Tanzania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2 |
Thailand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Trinidad and Tobago
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT | 1st or GPA 3.6 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5 |
Tunisia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu | 16 (tres bien) | 14 (bien) | 11 (assez bien) |
Turkey
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5 |
Turkmenistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
Uganda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Uganda | 1st or 4.4 | 2:1 or 3.8 | 2:2 or 3.0 |
Ukraine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 |
United Arab Emirates
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6 |
United States of America
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
Uruguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado (4 year) | 9 | 8 | 7 |
Uzbekistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or GPA 4.5 | 80% or GPA 4.0 | 70% or GPA 3.5 |
Venezuela
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) | 18/20 or 8/9 | 16/20 or 7/9 | 14/20 or 6/9 |
Vietnam
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
10-point scale | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0 |
4-point scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8 |
Zambia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
Master's | A or 4.0 or 80% | B+, 3.5 or 70% | B or 3.0 or 60% |
Zimbabwe
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%) | |
---|---|---|---|
3/4 year degree | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 65% | 2:2 or 60% |
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2024-25 entry
UK fee
£4,786 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£27,500 Full-time degree per annum
Tuition fees for 2025-26 entry
UK fee
To be confirmed Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£28,600 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2024-25 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2024, January 2025, April 2025 and July 2025. Fees for the 2025-26 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2025.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
If you can't find an advertised project that fits your interests and experience, you can submit a research proposal to the Department of Materials to find a supervisor who will work with you on your project. You can view our list of academic staff on our website or you can email us for guidance.
Your research proposal should include the aims of your study, a brief literature review, an outline of the proposed research methods, and your preferred member of staff to supervise the project. Further information on preparing your proposal can be found on the dedicated webpage.
You are strongly recommended to contact us before applying to discuss your topic, availability and funding.