Engineering Materials (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) (MSc) starting September 2025 for 1 year
Develop specialist knowledge of mechanical engineering materials on this master's degree in engineering materials. Explore material properties and how they are transforming the aviation, aerospace and manufacturing industries.
Our MSc Advanced Mechanical Engineering pathways combine the traditional aspects of mechanical engineering with interdisciplinary subjects, so you can specialise to suit your career plans. Our international centre for research and teaching has a global reputation for excellence.
Our MSc Engineering Materials degree explores the latest techniques and methods in this growing area of advanced mechanical engineering. You’ll study different material properties and discover their limitations and use in engineering.
New materials are transforming industry with their strong, lightweight and flexible properties. Materials engineers are needed in the aviation, aerospace and manufacturing industries to continue important research into composites.
On this master's programme you’ll learn about microstructural and surface characterisation and investigate the performance of structural materials in application.
You’ll explore key topics and choose specialist modules on subjects like biomaterials, fuel cells and photovoltaic systems. You’ll also study materials manufacture, design and their use in transport applications in the following industries:
As part of this materials science and engineering course, you’ll need to complete a research project. You’ll be able to use our facilities, including a 3D computed tomography imaging lab, used to study internal structures of materials.
You’ll learn from academics at the forefront of their fields, they teach the latest in technology advancements. Studying at Southampton gives you access to a global network of companies, shared facilities and specialist expertise to enhance your learning.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This course is led by Dr Joseph Lifton, Lecturer in Mechatronics at the University of Southampton. Learn more by visiting Dr Lifton’s staff profile.
We offer 3 other pathways on this advanced mechanical engineering degree. Your other options are:
This master's programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.
This course is based at Highfield.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects:
You must also have a 2:1 score in an engineering materials or materials science module.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
This programme only accepts applicants who have studied at an X1, X2, X3 or X4 institution.
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
This master’s degree in engineering materials runs for 12 months. The first 8 months are mainly spent studying taught modules. Your lectures will be divided into two 12-week periods (semesters 1 and 2).
You'll study a mix of compulsory modules and modules that we'll ask you to choose from a list of options. Exams take place at the end of each semester
Your final 4 months are spent on your research project. You will start your preparation in semester two.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules :
In this module, the emphasis moves away from alloy development and design, and focuses on the performance of structural materials in a range of engineering applications. The lectures draw on examples from applications of ceramics, steel, Al, Ti and Ni bas...
This module consists core mechanical engineering topics to cover the six themes in Advanced Mechanical Engineering Sciences (AMES) MSc program, i.e. Engineering Materials, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computational design, Propulsion and Engine S...
Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...
This module considers metallic alloys with special reference to applications in transport applications. The main materials considered are aluminium, titanium and nickel based alloys, and steel. Also metal based composites, and high temperature materials s...
This module on microstructural analysis and surface characterisation of materials and components considers Surface Profilometry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, diffraction techniques, energy...
This module is designed for MSc AMES students across all themes of the programme to supplement their technical modules and, more particularly, the core module FEEG6012 – MSc Research Project to prepare them for professional research planning and managemen...
This module covers the aspects of surface engineering, to develop fundamental understanding and the role of materials to allow surface selection for mechanical contacts and their surrounding environmental conditions. The module will explore a range of ...
You must also choose from the following modules :
To provide an introduction to power system analysis and power electronics, and an in-depth coverage of electrical machine operation and design in the context of applications from the fields of renewable energy, marine propulsion, robotics and electric veh...
This module aims to provide the understanding of solar cell operation, relevant optical structures, photovoltaic systems and advanced concepts for high efficiency and low cost. Charge carrier statistics and transport are discussed in detail with applicati...
This module develops aerodynamic and thermodynamic methods for design of gas turbine engines. Starting from considerations of aircraft requirements and basic thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, students learn how the overall engine design can be tailored ...
The module not only introduces the fundamental concepts of aircraft structural design but also provides the analytical and numerical tools to analyse complex aerospace systems within a multidisciplinary environment. Understanding and predicting the mutual...
The module aims to provide students with an introduction to alloys additive manufacturing (AM) incorporating four aspects: production, processing, design, and sustainability. With a focus on metallic powder technologies, the module will introduce the key ...
A biomaterial can be described as a material used in a biomedical device intended to interact with biological systems. The selection of an appropriate biomaterial is critical to the performance of an implant. For a hip replacement, properties such as good...
This module provides an in depth coverage of the mechanics of fibre-reinforced polymer materials and structures. The core of the course encompass modelling of the 2D orthotropic lamina reduced from 3D continuum mechanics for anisotropic solids, classical ...
Many real-world engineering structures are too complex for their behaviour to be understood using an ‘exact’ analytical or theoretical method alone. Therefore, in practice we often use approximate numerical or simulation-based tools for structural analysi...
This module manufacturing and materials is intended to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties. This module discusses various manufacturing methods including casting, forming, we...
This module covers the aspects of design and operation of modern fuels cells and photovoltaic systems. It discusses the fundamentals, structure, materials and operation of these systems. Students attending this module are expected to have understood th...
The learning activities for this course include:
We’ll assess you through:
Your research project is run through our Engineering Materials research group, the leading research group in structural materials in the UK.
Your research project and dissertation can be based on any topic you study as part of this course. It should bring together the skills you’ve learned and demonstrate your knowledge of at least one subject area.
You’ll need to source information, demonstrate critical analysis and evaluation, and develop you presentation skills. The project must contain your own original ideas and explore a problem that requires the application of new research.
You’ll have your own personal academic tutor and also have access to our team of administrators who are a key point of contact for advice and information.
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
If you're an international student you'll need approval from the UK's Academic Approval Scheme before you can study this course.
The ATAS certificate is required for certain sensitive postgraduate subjects.
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
References are not required for this programme.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
