Course overview
Materials science is at the forefront of providing innovative solutions for many global challenges — from creating new materials for energy generation to developing storage that helps reduce carbon emissions.
Our Materials Science and Engineering MSc has been designed to meet the present needs and future challenges of advanced materials and manufacturing. Whether you’ve got a background in science, mathematics, technology or other engineering disciplines, studying this course will give you the specialist skills and knowledge you’ll need to pursue a career in this growing and fast-moving field.
Taught by leading researchers in UK-leading facilities, you’ll study topics such as materials structures, processing-structure-property relationships, characterisation and failure analysis.
Why study at Leeds:
- This Masters degree is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
- Our courses are shaped by our globally-renowned research. You’ll interact with academic staff who are members of the Sir Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research, giving you the opportunity to develop professional relationships with researchers at the forefront of the industry.
- Tailor the course to specialise in your career interests through an extensive, individual research project in an area of your choice in which you’ll also build professional skills in project management, teamwork and decision making.
- Advance your knowledge surrounding the needs and challenges relevant to critical areas such as nanomaterials, bioengineering, energy, photonics, electronics and information technology, and sustainable development.
- Access UK-leading research equipment, specialist facilities for synthesising and characterising a wide range of materials and labs equipped with the latest technology.
- Use commercial and academic materials software together with access to high-performance computing facilities.
- Experience excellent practical and theoretical teaching delivered by a programme team with a wealth of expertise and experience across many relevant areas such as experimental materials science techniques.
- Build professional skills and industry insight: You can complete an eight-week optional online work experience programme, working on a real project with a partner organisation.
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
This degree is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. To hold accredited qualifications for CEng registration, candidates must also hold a CEng accredited Bachelors (Hons) undergraduate degree.
Graduates from an accredited degree programme will have achieved part or all of the underpinning knowledge for later professional registration.
Course details and modules
In the first semester, you'll study four compulsory modules that teach you the foundations of materials science. You’ll learn about processing-structure-property relationships, which lie at the heart of the discipline, as well as examining topics such as mechanical, physical and chemical behaviour, phase transformations and how the structure and local chemistry of materials may be characterised. You’ll also cover materials and process selection and their role in design and extend this into the principles and practice of failure analysis, with modelling to support experimental methods throughout.
In the second semester, modules will cover advanced materials science such as alloys, ceramics, polymer, composites, functional materials and nanomaterials.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Compulsory modules
Phase Transformations and Microstructural Control – 15 credits
Microstructure is not an intrinsic property of a material – it can be modified by judicious choice of processing route. In this module, the relationship of microstructural evolution to thermodynamic and kinetic principles will be quantitatively examined across all materials classes.
Structure-Property Relationships – 15 credits
Structure-property relationships are at the heart of materials science and metallurgy. This module provides a secure theoretical understanding of the mechanisms whereby a material's microstructure determines its mechanical, physical and chemical behaviour.
Materials Selection and Failure Analysis – 15 credits
Selecting the right material and process for a particular application is key to successful engineering design. This module looks at a range of different approaches to optimising the selection process and at how forensic engineering may be employed to identify the causes of failures in service.
Materials Structures and Characterisation – 15 credits
Because of the importance of microstructure for a material’s properties, the ability to determine this on all scales is essential. This module examines materials' microstructures and how they may be represented and provides a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the techniques used to characterise these.
Materials for Electronic Applications – 15 credits
Gain a very clear understanding of the technological, engineering and commercial challenges underpinning the use of materials in the production of advanced electronic devices.
Nanomaterials – 15 credits
The objective of this module is to develop your understanding of the properties and processing of inorganic nanomaterials, nanoparticles and thin films and how this leads to their potential applications in electronic, biomedical and structural applications.
Metals and Alloys – 15 credits
This module provides an in-depth understanding of the principles of physical metallurgy and the application of the processing-microstructure-property relationships to the design of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys for engineering applications.
Ceramics, Polymers and Composites – 15 credits
Build on the fundamental principles of materials science covered earlier in the course. You'll apply and extend this to understanding the design of conventional and advanced ceramics, polymers and composite materials for structural applications.
Research project (MSc) – 60 credits
Every student undertakes an extensive research project that starts early in semester 2 and continues throughout the summer, full time. This project allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.
Throughout the research project, you’ll produce an independent study, reflecting the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired. This will enable you to gain experience of planning, executing and reporting a research work of the type you'll undertake in an industrial or academic environment. You’ll also have access to some of the outstanding facilities in School of Chemical and Process Engineering.
Recent projects include:
- Magneto-optical sensing with nanocarbon
- Machine Learning in Pharmaceuticals: Data Driven and Ab initio Informed Selection of Coformers for Cocrystallisation
- Structural-Dependent Quantum Yield of Upconversion Nanoparticles
Enhance Your Academic and Subject-Specific Language
As part of your course, you will have access to the Professional and Academic Communication module that provides valuable insights into studying a postgraduate degree in the UK while helping you develop your academic and subject-specific vocabulary.
Through a combination of in-person workshops and independent online study, you will explore the use of technology—such as translation tools and generative AI—to support effective communication. You will also build the language and literacy skills necessary to become a more confident and capable communicator throughout your studies.
Learning and teaching
Our groundbreaking research feeds directly into teaching, and you’ll have regular contact with staff who are at the forefront of the discipline. You’ll learn through lectures, laboratory work, tutorials, small group work and project meetings. Independent study is also an important part of the course, as you’ll develop your problem-solving and research skills as well as your subject knowledge.
Specialist facilities
You’ll benefit from the chance to study in cutting-edge facilities where our researchers are pushing the boundaries of materials science and engineering. We have state-of-the-art preparative facilities for synthesising and characterising a wide range of materials, as well as equipment and instrumentation for carrying out more fundamental studies into their process-microstructure-property relationships.
Our labs are equipped with the latest technology, including scanning electron microscopes, X-ray diffractometers, spectrometers, thermal analysis equipment, chemical processing unit operations and more. You’ll also have access to a range of commercial and academic software that will be used to support the taught aspects of the course in addition to being used in research projects.
Programme team
The wider programme team has a broad and extensive experience across a range of materials science and engineering disciplines.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a range of techniques including case studies, technical reports, presentations, in-class tests, assignments, vivas and projects.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:2 (hons) in engineering, science, mathematics or a related subject.
If you do not meet all of the listed requirements, we still encourage you to apply. We take a flexible approach to admissions and will consider your application if you can demonstrate relevant experience such as professional or work experience, volunteering or additional qualifications.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Engineering (6 weeks) and Language for Science: Engineering (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Application deadlines
Please read our How to Apply page for full details, including application deadlines and what to include with your application.
Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
30 July 2027 – International applicants
10 September 2027 – UK applicants
Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.
If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
The UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) operates the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), which applies to certain foreign students who want to study in specific sensitive technology-related fields in the UK.
If you are an international applicant, you may need an ATAS certificate to study this course. For more information, including how to apply for your ATAS certificate (if required), please see our ATAS guidance and the ATAS information at GOV.UK.
To apply for an ATAS certificate, you will need your programme details and the relevant Common Aggregation Hierarchy (CAH) code and descriptor. For this course, the CAH code is: CAH10-03-07 and the descriptor is Materials Science. Your supervisor will be Gin Jose.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
School of Chemical and Process Engineering
Contact us
Postgraduate Admissions Team – Masters courses
Email: pgchemical@leeds.ac.uk
Fees
UK: £14,900 (Total)
International: £33,800 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
Career opportunities
There is an increasingly high demand for qualified materials scientists, materials engineers and metallurgists. Career prospects are excellent and cover a wide range of industries concerned with the research and development of new and improved materials, materials synthesis and commercial production, and materials exploitation in cutting-edge applications in engineering and technology.
Our graduates who studied materials science and engineering with us have secured positions at companies such as:
- Project Leader, Saint-Gobain
- Materials Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover
- Scientist, Hexcel Corporation
- Materials Engineer, Genesis Oil and Gas Consultants
- Patent Examiner at UK IPO
- Research and Development Specialist, AkzoNobel
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources — including our award-winning Employability team who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.
- Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
- MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
- Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
- Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds:
Find out more about career support.
Work placements and industry experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an eight-week online work experience programme, working on a project aligned with your academic discipline in partnership with a relevant organisation.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain valuable insight into your chosen field, helping to solve a real business challenge based on a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your prospects of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the virtual work experience:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to build your professional network.
- Gain valuable insight and consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
- Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle real business challenges.
- Apply your learning in practice and develop hands-on skills.
- Strengthen your employability and career prospects.
- Build confidence, make new connections and explore your future career options.
Throughout the eight-week programme, you’ll be supported by an academic tutor who will meet regularly with your group. You’ll also receive guidance from the employability team at every stage.
We’ll provide tailored careers support sessions to help you develop professional behaviours and showcase your skills to employers. On completion, you’ll receive a reference letter from Leeds recognising the skills and experience you have gained.
When you begin your MSc, the employability team will introduce the scheme during a lecture in your first month, answer any questions and explain how to register.