Why study Advanced Engineering Materials at Derby?
Gain highly advance knowledge in the multidisciplinary field of engineering materials, integrating concepts from materials science, chemistry, physics, nanotechnology, and engineering
Develop a comprehensive understanding of how material properties can be engineered at the atomic and molecular level to optimize performance and functionality
Engage in cutting-edge research, investigate emerging materials, and contribute to the development of transformative technologies
Play your part in driving innovation, enhancing product development and economic growth, and improving manufacturing processes
Advancing Technology
The field of materials engineering is continuously evolving due to the ever-increasing demands for innovative and sustainable materials in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, healthcare, and electronics. Advanced materials play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology and engineering applications.
The world is witnessing significant technological advancements, such as the rise of renewable energy, the growth of electric vehicles, and the need for biocompatible medical materials. Each of these areas requires specialised expertise in materials engineering to develop solutions that can meet the diverse challenges faced by industries and society. Our dedicated MSc Advanced Engineering Materials will serve to fulfil the demand for professionals with a deep understanding of advanced materials' design, development and application.
Make an impact
Advanced materials engineering offers potential solutions in areas such as lightweight materials for energy-efficient transportation, materials for clean energy generation, sustainable construction materials, and biocompatible materials for medical implants. Graduates from this programme will be uniquely positioned to address these challenges and drive advancements towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
The implementation of this course can have a positive economic impact on the region. As industries continue to invest in research and development of advanced materials, there is a growing need for a skilled workforce to drive innovation, enhance product development, and improve manufacturing processes. Graduates will be sought after by both established industries and emerging startups, contributing to economic growth and development.
Upon completion of your course, you will be able to:
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the knowledge base and a critical awareness of current problems and new developments at the forefront of the advanced engineering materials discipline
Conduct research using appropriate computational and analytical techniques and be able to apply advanced knowledge and practice in an original manner, to the solution of complex situations within the advanced engineering materials discipline
Critically evaluate current research through technical literature and other sources of information in the advanced engineering materials discipline
Use appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving complex materials selection considering environmental, social impact and business problems; and the ability to create, evaluate and review decisions
Manage complex materials engineering issues systemically and creatively, make sound judgements on the effectiveness of the methods used to work with the information that may be uncertain or incomplete, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving technical materials problems considering user, business and customer needs and be able to act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a higher level and develop new skills for continuing professional development
Exhibit qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment within the advanced materials and function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team in complex and unpredictable situations.
Independent learning designed with industry in mind
The University has good links with a number of equipment manufacturers and suppliers, which have been consulted on the development of this programme to ensure it meets industry needs for now and the future.
This course is also linked to our East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIoT), so you will benefit from the industry connections this centre provides. The EMIoT’s initiative is to deliver world class, research orientated, employer-led learning focusing on clean growth and digital delivery.
You will also be able to undertake your research project in collaboration with industry partners that can lead to the creation of real-world applications and solutions.
The MSc Advanced Engineering Materials has been designed to complement the underpinning academic base for graduates to register towards Chartered Engineer status in line with the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC) by the Engineering Council for professional registration (2020). The programme also provides a continuous ladder of opportunity, particularly for students and industrialists already in employment.
While on campus you will use the University’s computer facilities, for teaching in a wide selection of modules. The facilities available for these modules include dedicated computer studios with appropriate software (SolidWorks, Matlab, ANSYS, LAMMPS) dedicated materials and composite laboratories.
What you will study
Students can also graduate with a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) after successfully completing 60 credits, made up of 2 core and 1 optional module. There is also the opportunity to obtain the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) award, where students would need to complete 120 credits by studying 4 core and 2 optional modules. To graduate with a Masters (MSc) you must complete 180 credits, made up from 4 core and 2 optional modules plus the Research Methods and Engineering Project (60 credits).
Research Methods and Engineering Project – This module will provide you with an opportunity to apply and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills gained during your programme and allow you to develop your specialist skills in an area of your choice. During the module you will be able to develop your practice in undertaking research by identifying and applying advanced research methodologies, both within your taught modules and for your postgraduate research project.
Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Processes - This module investigates the field of advanced materials both currently available and newer developments, and their manufacturing processes. It covers developments in metals, ceramics, polymers and composites. These include applications for bulk materials, surface coatings, nanomaterials, high entropy alloys; materials for energy production and electricity storage are also covered, focusing on the topic of zero carbon theme.
Theory of Elasticity and Advanced Computational Models - The aim of this module is to provide you with theoretical fundaments and computational tools to understand the general concepts of Continuum Mechanics and to apply them operationally to solve elasticity problems. These include modelling of structural problems by different computational tools, e.g. analytical solutions, finite element method. Focus is given on the understanding of pre-processing analysis, solving procedures and rendering of results by professional finite element analysis software.
Design of Structures with Advanced Materials - The module provides an interdisciplinary vision, the problems of structural design with advanced materials by synthesizing the knowledge acquired in the previous part of the course. Among the most important applications, attention will be paid to transportation systems and/or high-tech industrial systems, e.g. subsonic commercial aircraft airframe project, sport car frame project and small modular nuclear reactor structural project. A mix of theoretical and numerical sessions gives you a deep understanding of materials selection and the design process for effective advanced material structures.
Multiscale Material Modelling - The aim of this module is to provide you with theoretical fundaments and computational tools to understand the principles associated with the modelling of materials at different length and timescale and the derivation of their constitutive material relationships. Focus is given on the knowledge of different algorithms, methodologies and software, from atoms to real-scale applications.
Forensic Engineering Failure Analysis and Prevention – This module focuses on the product, process or design failures and how these link to international legislation and standards or, in some cases, to legal investigations. It will provide you with the identification and advanced analysis of a range of failure modes for engineered products. Attention will be devoted to the design for the prevention of failure for mechanical products including both metallic and non-metallic materials in mechanical design applications.
Materials for Additive Manufacturing - This module will explore the relationship between material properties, design considerations and manufacturing parameters to optimise the performance of 3D-printed parts. A mix of theoretical foundation and practical sessions will enable you to design for 3D printing, optimise process parameters, post-process additively manufactured parts while considering efficiency with respect to time and cost.
Smart Materials and Multifield Applications - This module provides you with an overview of advanced smart materials and sensors for industrial and transportation systems. You will gain a deep understanding of how to select intelligent materials depending on the multifield application. Focus is given on energy harvesting, control methodologies, transduction mechanisms, integrated sensing and actuation, e.g. use of smart materials as sensors to measure different external conditions such as stress, touch, temperature, and force/pressure.
Advanced Composite Materials - This module provides a detailed awareness of current and emerging manufacturing technology for high performance fibre-reinforced composite materials. A balanced combination of theoretical and practical sessions gives you a deep understanding of materials selection and the design process for effective composite parts manufacturing, and their applications for a zero-carbon future.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Build, Create, Innovate
Whether it's computing, photography, or engineering, our top-tier facilities — including a new suite of recording studios and a £12 million STEM Centre — provide the perfect setting to excel.
Lecturers on the programme will act both as facilitators of your learning experience as well as subject based experts. Some modules will have practical sessions scheduled during the teaching semester. These practical sessions and assessments will aid you in gaining hands on experience of a range of processes and be able to identify significant operational control and management constraints. Theoretical concepts and practical application will be covered in traditional lectures, supported by laboratory-based sessions, tutorials and seminars.
You will engage in a combination of teaching methods, which include real-world case studies, work-related learning, research-based learning, scenario-based learning, laboratory experiences, guest lectures from industry specialists, individual and group project work and interactive online materials. Whenever possible you will be encouraged to relate your academic studies to practical activities in which you may be professionally involved, or are interested in.
You will be able to fully engage with your peers through class discussions and group work designed to investigate current trends within the industry, whether UK specific or international in nature.
The Research Methods and Engineering Project module, contributes 60 credits towards the master’s degree. This module is not restricted to traditional academic studies. You may carry out Research Methods and Engineering Project in collaboration with local employers, industry, commerce, the professions or the voluntary or statutory sectors.
How you’ll be assessed
You will complete a range of assessment techniques including laboratory-based project design work, design briefs, project reviews and portfolios, assignments, case studies, oral and graphic presentations, collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork projects and examinations, to provide a flexible and effective means of assessing your progress.
Who will teach you
Dr Stefano Valvano
Programme Leader
Dr Stefano Valvano
Dr Stefano Valvano is an Associate Professor in Integrated Computational Materials Engineering, in the School of Engineering, at the College of Science and Engineering. His research interests include Composite materials for Aerospace, ...
The MSc programme prepares graduates for careers in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, construction, and more. Graduates can work as materials engineers, research and development scientists, quality assurance professionals, and in various roles related to materials selection, design, processing, and testing. The predominant one recently has been composite and advanced materials industries applied in automotive, railway and aerospace fields. Opportunities exist within any industry where computational mechanics, materials and structural design, additive manufacturing, smart materials and composites are used.
There are also many non-engineering possibilities, where employers appreciate the intelligence, reasoning and mathematical ability, and logical and analytical approach for problem solving skills of Advanced Engineering Materials graduates, including research and development and project management.
The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to address materials-related challenges and contribute to the development of innovative materials and technologies.
The curriculum has embedded employability skills such as practical skills, problem solving, awareness of current and developing engineering and strategic issues, together with transferrable skills, such as presentation skills, teamwork and technical/management writing. These skills meet those specified by the engineering professional bodies, which in turn reflect the needs of employers within the materials engineering area. Furthermore, we undertake regular meetings with employers and industry, as well as using the College Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) in order to ensure that our work with employers informs our curriculum and our applied research activity.
You could also go into further study and continue onto a Masters of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will also need an IELTS score of 6.5 or the equivalent.
Normal entry requirements to the programme are a 2:2 degree in an engineering or materials related subject.
Equivalent professional qualification or significant industrial and professional experience may be accepted as part of the admissions process. Minimum experience of 3 years in a manufacturing or materials technical role. You will be asked to evidence your technical academic writing at the equivalent of level 6 under the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Evidence might take the form of a portfolio used for professional membership or the completion of certificated programme at level 6 for example. Note that your application for chartership with IOM3 or other professional body may be affected if you do not have a qualifying accredited undergraduate qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be possible based on evidence of certified qualifications and experiential learning. This will allow you to use your existing knowledge and skills to give you credit against modules you are required to study for the programme. Whilst the University guidelines on prior learning will be followed, RPL will only be recommended where applicants can present a portfolio of professional work, deemed to be of an appropriate level. If you feel you have substantial prior experience, or equivalent qualifications, that match a module please speak to the Programme Leader about the RPL process.
The Programme Leader / Academic Lead will decide on your suitability for the programme based on qualifications and prior experience.
Fees and funding
2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
Type
Full-time
Part-time
UK
£9,270 for the full course*
£1,030 per 20 credits
International
£16,900 for the full course
N/A
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
Award
Credits
Postgraduate Certificate
60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma
120 Credits
MA or MSc
180 Credits
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and postgraduate taught deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
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