Manchester Metropolitan University
MSc in Advanced Materials
Manchester, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
EUR 22,000 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and non-EU international students full-time fee
Key Summary
Our MSc Advanced Materials course empowers talented chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to explore and shape the future of intelligent design. You could work in a variety of sectors, including:
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Mobility
- Climate solutions
With a strong foundation in materials chemistry, you’ll investigate the relationship between the structure and performance of different materials. You’ll master techniques in their design, analysis, and characterisation – deepening your theoretical understanding with hands-on expertise.
The course combines cutting-edge science with professional development, offering a unique blend of chemistry and project management. You’ll enhance your leadership potential through modules aligned with the Association for Project Management (APM) and Project Management Institute (PMI) standards. This prepares you for a successful career in both industrial and research environments.
You’ll also have the flexibility to explore areas aligned with our world-leading advanced materials, hydrogen fuel cell, and surface engineering research. This lets you focus on topics such as nanotechnology, 3D printing, or sustainable energy.
Features and benefits
- We’re a UK leader in hydrogen technology
Our Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre is a landmark technology hub, giving you access to sector-leading technologies and industry-related projects. - Career-focused curriculum
Gain professional tools with a mix of practical skills, research-led understanding and industry-standard project management techniques. - Hands-on training with specialist equipment
You’ll master advanced techniques and have access to cutting-edge equipment such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. - Bridge the gap between science and engineering
Build a unique set of skills to create a more sustainable world thanks to our interdisciplinary approach across both fields. - Optional placement year
Boost your career prospects and put theory into practice with an industry placement year. - Learn alongside world-leading researchers
Our scientists are contributing to vital advances in chemistry and materials science, inspiring you to think big and drive a positive impact in the field.
Course information
On this course, you’ll explore recent advances in materials science, nanotechnology and innovative design through a multidisciplinary and career-focused perspective. This prepares you for a role developing materials with enhanced properties, performance and sustainability across a range of industries. Core modules cover:
- Materials characterisation
- Spectroscopic and structural analysis
- Surface engineering
You’ll gain specialist knowledge in techniques used across research and industry to design, evaluate and refine intelligent materials. Two project management modules also help you build critical professional and leadership skills in line with APM and PMI standards.
You may also take part in live lab experiences, giving you the chance to engage directly with industry to boost your employability. You’ll conduct research case studies set by real employers and present back your findings. This improves your professional and interpersonal skills, as well as providing networking and mock interview opportunities.
On the Sustainable Energy Technologies and Innovative Materials module, you can tailor your learning to focus on research areas taking place right here on campus. This could be with experts from PrintCity, our award-winning digital manufacturing hub, or world-renowned researchers in the Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre. Themes include:
- Energy storage
- Electrochemistry
- 3D printing and additive manufacturing
This will then influence your major independent research project. This is your chance to specialise even further by designing and carrying out your own investigation in an area that inspires you most. As 6th in the UK for the impact of our research in engineering (REF 2021), you'll be able to draw on the expertise of a highly experienced, research-active team of academics.
The learning experience will refine your theoretical insight and cement your practical laboratory skills. You’ll graduate with the scientific expertise, technical ability and professional confidence to go further in a materials science career.
Year 1
You'll study seven core modules, including an advanced practical research project.
Core modules
- Bulk Characterisation and Surface Imaging Techniques
- Engineering Sustainability
- Management of Project Fundamentals
- Sustainable Energy Technologies and Innovative Materials
- Management of Projects Professional Practice
- Nanotechnology
- Advanced Project and Personal Development
Year 2 (Placement)
You may choose to apply to study full-time with an optional industry placement year.
If you take this route, the course duration will be extended to two years, and you'll start your placement after completing all the core modules in year one.
With a mix of chemistry, engineering and project management, our MSc Advanced Materials course will equip you with the skills to join the next generation of materials scientists. From academia to industry, whether in a technical role driving discovery or a managerial role leading teams, this course can help you prepare for a future at the forefront of materials development.
From energy and environmental to technology and manufacturing, this is a qualification that could take you into various industries or sectors, in roles including:
- Research scientist
- Materials scientist
- Metallurgist
- Product or process development scientist
- Quality control chemist
- Technical manager
- Technical sales
- Consultancy and management work
- PhD studies
Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to extend your skills, or already in practice and looking to progress your career, this course develops a range of professional-standard skills and opens a variety of specialist career paths.
We place employability at the heart of your learning and teaching, regularly reviewing our courses to ensure that they are up-to-date and relevant to the needs of industry. You'll be taught and supervised by research experts, most of whom are at the forefront of their specialist field and who will give you support and guidance throughout your studies.
Study
- Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 0% lectures, seminars or similar; 100% placement; 0% independent study
Assessment
- Full-time 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 1) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination
- Full-time with placement (year 2) 100% coursework; 0% practical; 0% examination