Engineering Materials (Advanced Mechanical Engineering Science) (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of the following subjects: 

• engineering 
• maths 
• physical sciences 
• a engineering related subject 

 
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

English language requirements

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.

Recognition of professional experience

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. 

Got a question?

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.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include: 

• lectures 
• classes and tutorials 
• practical work 
• individual and group planning exercises 
• knowledge share 
• one-to-one tutorials 

Assessment

We’ll assess you through: 

• written exams 
• oral presentations 
• coursework in the form of: 
  • problem-solving exercises 
  • lab reports 
  • design exercises 
  • essays 
  • individual and group projects 
• research project 

Dissertation

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. 

Academic Support

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. 

This master’s course will prepare you to work in a range of application sectors. These sectors usually have a reputation for good starting salaries and career progression opportunities. 

In the UK our graduates work across different organisations and application areas, including in the following sectors: 

• aerospace  
• automotive 
• power generation 
• biomedical  
• finance  

In addition to engineering careers, many of our graduates go into other employment such as finance and consultancy, where the numeracy and excellent communication skills developed on the programme are highly valued.  

You'll graduate with excellent analytical skills as well as significant project management and leadership skills. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
• a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £27,404.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

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.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
2. Search for the course you want to apply for.
3. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
4. Submit your application.

Application deadlines

Places are limited and we allocate them on a continuous basis from 21 September 2022, until all places are filled. We advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

We expect to close applications for this course on Friday 7 July 2023 (11:59pm UK time).

This course may stay open after this date if places are still available.

Application assessment fee

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.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

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.

Supporting information

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: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references. 

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.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We'll assess your application on the strength of your:

• academic achievements
• relevant professional experience
• personal statement
• academic references

We will aim to send you a decision 6-8 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

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