MSc in Materials Science

The primary mission of the course is to develop a strong technical understanding of materials science and engineering, preparing you for a career in either materials-related industry or in academic research.

Technical lecture information will be consolidated, using data analysis and problem-solving classes, to build critical investigative capability, badly needed in the workplace. Project management skills will also be honed through taught material, research projects and industrial placements, where appropriate.

Applications for this course received after 30th June 2022 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

Applications for this course received after 30th June 2022 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.

Course Structure

The course is taught by block teaching spread over 2 weeks in delivery.

During these two weeks, direct contact time will be ~ 32.5 hours in total: 15 hours of lectures (3 hours per teaching day) and 17.5 hours of problem-solving / dry practical classes (3.5 hours per teaching day).

Block teaching weeks will usually include non-contact time in which students will develop background knowledge through the study of relevant detailed reading lists. After each block teaching fortnight, students will be required to complete significant assignment challenges and study for class test assessments.

Part time students, please note that although the course is part time in terms of number of modules taken each year, the modules themselves are still taught full time in block delivery mode as detailed above.

After completion of the taught modules, research academic supervisors will help in the design and realisation of the research project.

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

The comfort and security of our modern world are provided by amazing advances in science and technology, focused on improving our lives.

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences spans disciplines that impact lives today and will shape our future. Our international mix of staff and students make up a vibrant community that is home to some of the most innovative and globally significant research and teaching. It works where industry and research meet, providing the platform to spin out research into commercial opportunities and engage with industry on cutting-edge research with real-world projects such as the work with Wrightbus to produce the cleanest hybrid bus technology that powers the London Routemaster, or the pioneering work in The Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology, securing our digital future through their Centre for Secure Information Technologies.

With strength in traditional engineering disciplines, the Faculty brings together diverse topics, such as carbon dating and astrophysics, to create a dynamic multidisciplinary setting for students and academics to thrive. Underpinning our research is the drive to solve the big challenges that society faces, whether it is understanding the human brain’s perception to aid Parkinson’s sufferers, or clean energy production through CenTACat, our research is leading the world in an environment rooted in the ideals of Athena SWAN where we actively promote Women in Science and Engineering.

The leadership provided by our academics creates opportunities for all students to satisfy their ambitions through taught and research programmes. Come and join us, and help change the world!

Professor Mark Price

Faculty Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

A World Class Education and Student Experience

Our inspiring alumni comprises outstanding scholars, Nobel Prize winners - such as Seamus Heaney and David Trimble - and influential leaders who are making an impact in Northern Ireland and across the globe.

Our students enjoy being educated by world-leading academics working at the forefront of their disciplines and a significant investment in the student experience has resulted in high levels of student satisfaction.

Over 94% of Queen’s graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation; our graduates are dominating senior leadership positions in 80 of Northern Ireland's top 100 companies and making a difference in over 120 countries.

At the Forefront of Tackling Global Challenges

Together, we are changing lives across Northern Ireland and further afield: our discovery of a new molecule has the potential to prolong the life of people living with cystic fibrosis; we are at the forefront of a major breakthrough in the fight against bowel cancer, and we’re striving to help people with MS recover nerve function.

We are at the forefront of developing new thinking and technologies in key areas such as Health, Reconciliation, Peace and Justice, Information Technology, Food Security, and Energy.

Northern Ireland's Legendary Beauty

A city with innovation at its heart, technological advances infiltrate every sector helping to build our competitiveness on the global stage. There are almost 900 international companies located in Northern Ireland, making Belfast the second most successful city in the UK (after London) for attracting US trade.

There’s plenty happening outside the city, including the famous filming locations for the HBO series Game of Thrones, the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, voted the UK’s best Heritage Attraction, and the Mourne Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty canonised as CS Lewis’ Narnia.

*Lonely Planet, 2017