Female student working with machinery
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure

Learn about the behaviour and characteristics of civil engineering materials in depth.

Gain a deep understanding of the behaviour and characteristics of civil engineering materials

Carry out innovative research in a state-of-the-art materials laboratory

Benefit from industrial visits, bringing your learning to life in a practical context

Course key facts

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in an engineering or science-based discipline

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Obtain the knowledge and skills required to become a future leader in civil infrastructure on this one-year course.

This course will deepen your understanding of the role of materials in resilient and sustainable built infrastructure.

You'll explore why this area of civil engineering has never been more important to the development of most countries, with the UK Government alone investing £60bn/year in new infrastructure.

You will scrutinise key topics including the behaviour and characteristics of civil engineering materials, and the ability to develop sustainable designs for construction.

Delivered in a world-leading Civil and Environmental Engineering department - Imperial is rated 1st in the UK for Engineering based on the proportion of world-leading research (REF 2021) - you'll have access to the new world-class Advanced Infrastructure Materials Laboratory.

You'll also carry out a major research project and benefit from industrial visits as you develop your expertise in this valued area of engineering.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take all of these core modules.

Core modules

You'll complete a research project in partnership with academics in the field, with your final work worth one-third of your degree mark.

This project allows you to contribute to an active research area and helps improve your communication, writing, presentation and problem skills.

You may also have the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement as part of your research.

Teaching and assessment

Balance of teaching and learning

Key

  • Lectures and seminars
  • Research project
  • Independent study

  • 11% Lectures and seminars
  • 25% Research project
  • 64% Independent study

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Books for research studies
    Case studies
  • Scientist holding test tube
    Experimental demonstrations
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work
  • ID badge for site visit or facility tour
    Site visits
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework and examinations
  • Research project

  • 67% Coursework and examinations
  • 33% Research project

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • Microscope for lab work
    Laboratory practicals
  • Oral presentations
  • Research project

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Apply online

You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.

Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Thursday 4 April 2024

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£17,600

Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£40,900

Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.

Your future career

Matter for materials science

Materials experts are highly sought after in various industrial sectors, both in the UK and around the world.

Pencil Calculator Protractor

Become a civil engineer and work in government research laboratories and universities.

Consultant with a speech bubble

Infrastructure consultants and contractors are common roles for graduates.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths include materials manufacturers, suppliers, and infrastructure monitoring companies.

Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications