Composites: The Science, Technology and Engineering Application of Advanced Composites MSc

Research work being carried out in the Composites Centre
  • Postgraduate taught
  • MSc

Composites – the Science, Technology and Engineering Application of Advanced Composites

Explore how high performance composite materials are increasingly important in the production of aircraft.

Explore how high performance composite materials are increasingly important in the production of aircraft

Get industry recognition by achieving an accredited degree, awarded on behalf of the Engineering Council

Learn from academic and industry experts, major aerospace companies and government research organisations

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • MSc

  • Duration

    1 year

  • Start date

    September 2025

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £18,500 Home

    • £42,900 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

Minimum entry standard

  • 2:1 in Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics or Chemistry

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Explore the broad field of advanced composites in this professionally accredited degree, taught by experts in the field from the College, other universities, major aerospace companies and government research organisations.

You'll examine the manufacturing and characterisation of composites and engineering design, with new aircraft and other challenging engineering applications increasingly dependent upon the unique capabilities of high performance composite materials.

Over the 12 months of the course, you'll develop an outstanding knowledge in this subject area, on a programme renowned as one of the primary providers of postgraduate education in composite materials in Europe.

Learn about the mechanical performance of composite materials and consider the costs, ease of fabrication, durability, and other factors which impinge on creating viable industrial products.

Carry out your studies and research in the department's cutting edge laboratories and workshops, with numerous technicians on-hand to support you when using the equipment and software.

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.

Prior to starting your studies, you’ll be provided with access to pre-sessional modules exploring key topics covered on this course.

Pre-study

You’ll study six core modules, including a major individual research project exploring a defined area of composites science and technology.

Core modules

You’ll study two optional modules, exploring key aspects of composites in further detail.

Optional modules

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the following organisations on behalf of the Engineering Council:

Achieving a professionally accredited integrated Master's means that you have satisfied the first step to becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng) in your chosen field by meeting the educational requirements of professional registration. To gain Chartered status, you will need to demonstrate your ability to meet additional graduate level competencies described in the Engineering Council's UK-SPEC.

A CEng is a highly respected qualification earned by professionals working in engineering, which can lead to higher earning potential and better career prospects.

Professional registration also brings international recognition of your qualification, which is particularly useful for students preparing for a career abroad.

Our accreditation agreements with RAeS and IMechE are renewed every five years. The RAeS and IMechE accreditation agreements last until the 2024-25 academic year intake.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Engineering tools
    Lab work
  • Blackboard virtual learning environment
    Virtual learning environment
  • A person studying independently
    Independent study
  • Recorded lectures available online
    Lecture recordings
  • Individual research project
    Research project

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Exams
  • Practical

  • 45% Coursework
  • 30% Exams
  • 25% Practical

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Written exams
  • Person making a presentation
    Presentations
  • Papers from a written report
    Written reports

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.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2025 entry

£18,500

Overseas fee

2025 entry

£42,900

How will studying at Imperial help my career?

Computer with Pencil Compass and Ruler

This MSc is highly sought after by employers in design, research, development, manufacturing, and management.

Lightbulb with graduate cap inside

A wide range of sectors will value your knowledge.

Space shuttle

Common career paths include the aerospace, motorsport, marine and offshore sectors.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths to consider include the sporting goods industry and civil engineering.

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