MEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering Integrated Master's degree at the University of Birmingham
MEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering at University of Birmingham. Materials Science and Engineering sits at the centre of many of the practical problems engineers are asked to solve, from energy storage to transport and healthcare.
About this course
Materials Science and Engineering MEng, undergraduate degree course. Materials Scientists solve key issues facing the world in many areas, including energy, transport and healthcare. Learn more. From the provider’s course page.
MEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering is an Integrated Master's degree (MEng (Hons)) at the University of Birmingham, based in Edgbaston campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Materials technology graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £32,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Electrical and Magnetic EngineeringCompulsory20 credits
- Materials, Manufacturing and SustainabilityCompulsory20 credits
- Mathematics and Computing for EngineersCompulsory20 credits
- Mechanics and StructuresCompulsory20 credits
- Practical and Design Skills for Materials ScienceCompulsory20 credits
- Thermodynamics, Kinetics and FluidsCompulsory20 credits
Year 2 6 modules
- Design for Functional Applications 2Compulsory20 credits
- Fracture, Fatigue and DegradationCompulsory20 credits
- Materials Characterisation and Data AnalysisCompulsory20 credits
- Modelling Materials BehaviourCompulsory20 credits
- Physical Materials ScienceCompulsory20 credits
- Polymers, Composites and CeramicsCompulsory20 credits
Year 3 15 modules
- Advanced ManufacturingCompulsory20 credits
- High Performance MaterialsCompulsory20 credits
- Group ProjectCompulsory20 credits
- Advanced Electronic MaterialsOptional10 credits
- BiomaterialsOptional10 credits
- High Toughness CeramicsOptional10 credits
- Advanced Polymer SystemsOptional10 credits
- Alloy and Microstructure DesignOptional10 credits
- Battery Technology and ManufacturingOptional10 credits
- Intermetallics, Metal Matrix Composites and Ceramic Matrix CompositesOptional10 credits
- Irradiation Materials ScienceOptional10 credits
- Materials ModellingOptional10 credits
- Materials for Sustainable Environment TechnologyOptional10 credits
- Self-Sensing Materials and Advanced Condition MonitoringOptional10 credits
- Surface Engineering TechnologiesOptional10 credits
Year 4 2 modules
- Individual Research ProjectCompulsory100 credits
- Synoptic Materials ScienceCompulsory20 credits
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
The four-year structure is organised so that foundational understanding comes first and specialist depth comes later. Early study concentrates on core theory: the science of how atomic and microstructural arrangements in metals, ceramics, polymers and composites determine their mechanical, thermal, electrical and chemical behaviour. Alongside this, you build skills in research and methods, learning how materials scientists design experiments, use characterisation equipment and interpret data, skills that matter as much in industry as in academic research. As you progress, applied practice modules connect this theory to real engineering problems, working through case studies and laboratory work that show how material choice affects the performance, cost and sustainability of a finished product. Later years introduce specialist options, allowing you to pursue particular interests such as energy materials, biomaterials, or materials for transport and manufacturing, depending on what draws your attention as you move through the course. The extra MEng year is built around an independent project, giving you the time to carry out a substantial piece of original investigative work under academic supervision, and around professional skills modules that prepare you for the transition into engineering employment, including communication, teamwork and project management.
Who it's for
This course suits someone who is genuinely curious about why materials behave the way they do, why one metal fatigues and another doesn't, why a polymer degrades in sunlight, why a ceramic can survive extreme heat. If you enjoyed the practical and mathematical sides of physics or chemistry at school, and you like the idea of applying that understanding to tangible, real-world problems rather than purely abstract ones, the day-to-day rhythm of lectures, laboratory sessions and design work will feel like a natural extension of that interest. It also suits students who want the extra depth and independence of a four-year integrated Master's rather than stopping at a Bachelor's: you should be comfortable with a longer commitment and motivated by the prospect of a substantial final-year independent project. Most students accepted onto Birmingham's engineering courses arrive with A-levels or equivalent, typically within the 128–143 UCAS tariff range, so you're likely to be joining a cohort with a broadly similar academic background, though this reflects who has been accepted historically rather than a fixed requirement. Anyone drawn to problem-solving across sectors, energy, transport, healthcare, and willing to work through both theoretical and hands-on material will find plenty to engage with here.
Careers & job market
Materials scientists are needed wherever industries depend on the physical performance of the substances they use, and national data reflects a generally positive picture for engineering graduates. Across Engineering courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, and 80% of working graduates are in highly skilled roles or continuing their studies. Nationally, 88% of students continue past their first year of study, still enrolled or having completed. On earnings, Graduate Outcomes and LEO data reported nationally (not specific to Birmingham) show starting salaries 15 months after graduation ranging from £29,000 to £35,000, rising to a range of £26,775 to £37,800 after three years, and £33,150 to £46,800 after five years. These figures describe the national picture across graduates and should not be read as a guaranteed outcome for any individual student, but they give a sense of the range materials and engineering graduates typically move into as their careers develop.
University & format
The University of Birmingham is a public, Russell Group university founded in 1900, based at its Edgbaston campus and home to 30,832 students in total. It holds a Silver award in the Office for Students' TEF 2023 for teaching quality and was. This MEng (Hons) in Materials Science and Engineering (UCAS code F2H1) is a full-time, four-year integrated Master's degree taught in English, leading to a nationally recognised UK degree award.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code F2H1). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Birmingham →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £32,000 | £28,000 – £35,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £31,000 | £25,000 – £35,000 | 30 |
| 5 years after | £37,000 | £30,500 – £43,500 | 35 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 55; response rate: 75%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is MEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering worth it?
Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, MEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering is worth about +£90,840 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.
Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 4 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 14.4. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 4 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Engineering Surveyor (Machine Control)BAM UK & IrelandEngineering Operations Project ManagerFdo Consulting LimitedEngineering ManagerVerto PeopleEngineering ManagerRobert WaltersEngineering ManagerPremier Technical RecruitmentEngineering ManagerRedline Group LtdIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £32,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.5 out of 10: NSS 90.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 75%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Birmingham
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Edgbaston campus
1,313 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Birmingham from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Birmingham; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Birmingham’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Birmingham and gov.uk before you apply.
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Common questions
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