Students in lab in PPE
  • Undergraduate
  • BEng

Materials Science and Engineering

Investigate materials science and apply this knowledge to engineering projects in this professionally accredited degree.

Study this professionally accredited degree and investigate the processing, structure, properties and performance of materials

Manipulate existing materials using cutting-edge tools for advanced materials imaging and characterisation

Build your research expertise and interdisciplinary skills through engineering projects

Showing course information for 2024 View 2025 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • BEng

  • Duration

    3 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    JF52

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    6 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Course overview

Broaden your understanding of materials science and engineering (MSE) in this professionally accredited degree.

Our daily routines are built around the manufactured items we use, from cars and computers to more advanced technologies such as satellite communications.

This course examines how the invention and improvement of materials is helping solve real societal problems.

You'll engage with scientific and engineering aspects of the discipline to analyse how innovations are opening up new opportunities in fields including healthcare and transport.

You'll also explore how materials science is transforming technology in emerging areas such as biomedical engineering, 3D printing and robotics.

Through experimental work and individual and group projects, you'll learn how to manipulate existing materials and develop new and improved ones.

You'll become familiar with the cutting-edge tools used for advanced materials imaging and characterisation as you investigate the structure and properties of matter.

In your final year, you'll begin to specialise across a series of modules as you tailor the course towards your career interests.

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 study all core modules.

Core modules

  • Mathematics and Computing 
  • Performance of Structural Materials
  • Engineering Practice 
  • Fundamentals of Processing
  • Structure 1
  • Properties 1 

You’ll study all core modules.

Core modules

  • Mathematics and Computing 2
  • Engineering Practice 2
  • Materials Characterisation
  • Properties 2
  • Structure 2
  • Performance of Functional Materials

You’ll study all core modules.

You’ll also choose four optional modules.

Core modules

  • Materials Processing
  • Processing Laboratory
  • Theory and Simulation of Materials
  • Managerial Economics
  • Research Techniques
  • I-Explore

Optional modules

  • Engineering Alloys
  • Ceramics and Glasses
  • Nanomaterials
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Optoelectronic Materials
  • Mathematics and Quantum Mechanics
  • Biomaterials

I-Explore
Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.

All of our undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council.

With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.

With this BEng degree, you’ll partially meet the academic requirement for professional registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). BEng graduates will need to undertake further study after graduating to demonstrate that their knowledge is at Master's degree level.

Becoming a Chartered Engineer can further enhance your career prospects and earning potential. It demonstrates your competencies and commitment to lifelong learning – providing you with recognition in your field and greater influence and opportunities.

Our accreditation agreement with the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining is renewed every five years. The current accreditation agreement is due to be renewed for students starting their studies in the 2023–24 academic year. 

Associateship

In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the Royal School of Mines (ARSM) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Laboratory work
  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • A group of people interacting
    Group work

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Examination

Year 1

  • 40% Coursework
  • 60% Examination

Year 2

  • 35% Coursework
  • 65% Examination

Year 3

  • 38% Coursework
  • 62% Examination

Assessment methods

  • Microscope for lab work
    Laboratory performance
  • Laboratory reports
  • Code on a computer screen
    Online programming tests
  • Person completing coursework
    Written coursework
  • Group project reports
  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations
  • Oral presentations

Entry requirements

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

How to apply

Applications for 2024 entry are now closed

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£9,250 per year

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£40,940 per year

Your future career

Matter for materials science

Pursue career opportunities related to materials science and engineering.

Lightbulb above a book

With specialised knowledge, you'll be highly sought after in a range of sectors.

Two cooling towers of chemical factory

Aerospace, healthcare & research and development (R&D) are just some of your options.

Chemistry research on computer screen

You’ll also be highly sought after in emerging sectors such as nanotechnology, biomedical materials, energy materials and quantum technologies.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths include automotive engineering, software development engineering, management consulting & manufacturing and technology.

Course data

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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