Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject with relevant modules.

Subject requirements

We accept degrees in the following subject areas:

Aerospace Engineering
Biochemistry
Bioengineering / Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Biomedicine / Bioscience
Chemical Engineering
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
General Engineering
Materials Science / Materials Engineering / Materials Processing / Materials Science
Mechanical Engineering
Metals / Metallics / Metallurgy
New Energy Materials and Devices
Physics

We may also consider other science or engineering subjects

Module requirements

You should have studied at least one Mathematics module from the following list

Calculus
Linear Algebra
Mathematics (or any other module with Mathematics in the title)

Months of entry

September

Course content

Gain expert knowledge and practical skills in materials science and engineering. Explore advanced materials, processing and characterisation to excel in industries like aerospace, energy, manufacturing and sustainability. Develop research and project management skills to advance your professional career.

Course description

Materials are at the heart of nearly every technological innovation – from sustainable energy solutions to advanced medical devices. This MSc course offers you a comprehensive understanding of materials science and engineering, underpinned by our world-leading research and strong industry links.

You’ll explore how the structure, properties and performance of materials can be designed and optimised to meet real-world challenges in areas such as advanced manufacturing, energy, aerospace and healthcare. The course spans metals, ceramics, polymers and composites, giving you the knowledge and flexibility to work across a range of high-impact sectors.

Hands-on practical sessions are central to your learning. You’ll work with cutting-edge equipment and characterisation techniques in our dedicated laboratories, developing essential skills in materials testing, analysis and processing. You’ll also build confidence with computational tools, including programming and modelling, as part of your training in digital skills.

A major part of the course is the individual research project. Guided by an academic supervisor, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge work within one of our active research groups. Projects are aligned with industry needs or real-world applications, giving you valuable insight into the sector and strengthening your research, analysis, communication and project management skills.

Our state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities such as The Diamond Building and Henry Royce Centre include advanced microscopy, mechanical testing labs and high-performance computing resources, giving you experience with technologies used in industry and academia alike.

Graduates from this course go on to work in technical and leadership roles across a wide range of sectors, both in the UK and globally, or progress to further study. Many build careers in industries such as aerospace, energy and advanced manufacturing.

Accreditation

Fully accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. Graduates will have the underpinning knowledge for later professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Please see our University website for the most up-to-date course information: https://sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/2026/materials-science-and-engineering-msc