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Materials Science and Engineering

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 21 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
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Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Begin your journey into Materials Science and Engineering at Manchester, home to the most diverse university activity devoted to materials research in Europe. Material scientists are shaping our world and in the Department of Materials you will develop a true understanding of the science - in practical subjects that meet the needs of an ever-changing industry.

Our three-year BSc course provides both the fundamentals of materials science and engineering and the opportunity for specialisation in the areas that interest you most. In your final year, for example, you can choose to focus on a specific topic such as nanomaterials, metallurgy, polymers, biomaterials, textiles or corrosion science, getting hands-on with Manchester's incredible range of unique facilities as part of your final-year research project.

You'll be taught by leading academics in their field, we are proud of the Department of Materials' excellent Research ratings, and our high staff-to-student ratio means you will receive close individual attention and frequent tutorial sessions. Known for our congenial atmosphere, we place emphasis on academic and pastoral support, helping students from a range of educational backgrounds to reach their full potential.

What's more, our students typically go on to enjoy an average six-months-after-graduating salary in excess of £24,000 - significantly higher than the sector average.

Modules

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2027/09894/bsc-materials-science-and-engineering/

Assessment method

Assessment is by a combination of coursework and examinations. The subject is by nature practical and this is reflected in the teaching and assessment methods which as well as lectures and exams include:

  • Laboratories

  • Problem Classes

  • Computing Exercises

  • Team Projects

  • Case Studies

  • Essays

Coursework is a key element across all units, with a minimum of 20% coursework based assessment for each unit.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
J500
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
J500
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB

AAB including two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking A-level Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A-levels are normally expected to offer three full A-levels. If you’re taking more than three A-levels, any offer will be based on three A-levels, and any additional A-levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A-levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

Typical Contextual Offer: ABB including two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking A-level Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A-levels are normally expected to offer three full A-levels. If you’re taking more than three A-levels, any offer will be based on three A-levels, and any additional A-levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A-levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally require grades AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition:

Two Scottish Advanced Highers in two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry at AA plus two Highers at BB (any subjects)

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact us.

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Access to HE Diploma

Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are normally: Access to HE Diploma in Science or Engineering - Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits awarded at Level 3, 30 credits must be awarded at Distinction and 15 at Merit in an academic subject. This must include modules on Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at Level 3. If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C/4 in GCSE/IGCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science.

GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

Scottish Advanced Higher

We normally require grades AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition:

Two Scottish Advanced Highers in two subjects from Maths, Physics and Chemistry at AA plus two Highers at BB (any subjects)

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact us.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD

We will consider the National Diploma for entry to our programme, provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Mathematics and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DD plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade B in a required subject.

If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your application.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
DD

We will consider the Technical Diploma for entry to our programme provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Mathematics and Science.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma with grades DD plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A-level at grade B in a required subject.

If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 35

35 points overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including 2 from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

We will only accept Higher Level Mathematics: analysis and approaches.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales and usually requires two A-levels or equivalent to be included within this. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDD

We will consider the National Extended Diploma for entry to our programme, provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Mathematics and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D-M

We will only consider the National Foundation Diploma in conjunction with A-levels. The combination of A-levels and the National Foundation Diploma must cover sufficient material in Mathematics and Science.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade D/M plus an additional level 3 qualification such as A-levels at grades AA/AB.

The two A-level subjects must include two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DDD

We will consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to our programme provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course and the modules taken cover sufficient material in Mathematics and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD.

If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

We will only consider the National Extended Certificate in conjunction with A-levels. The combination of A-levels and the National Extended Certificate must cover sufficient material in Mathematics and Science.

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D plus an additional level 3 qualification such as A-levels at grades AB.

The two A-level subjects must include two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact us.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
MM

We will only consider the Technical Foundation Diploma in conjunction with A-levels. The combination of A-levels and the Technical Foundation Diploma must cover sufficient material in Mathematics and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma with at least grades MM plus an additional level 3 qualification such as A-levels at grades AB.

The two A-level subjects must include two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D

We will only consider the Technical Extended Certificate in conjunction with A-levels. The combination of A-levels and the Technical Extended Certificate must cover sufficient material in Mathematics and Science. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate with grade D plus an additional level 3 qualification such as A-levels at grades AB.

The two A-level subjects must include two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.

If you are not taking a stand-alone qualification in Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAB (to include two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry) and an EAP score of Grade B with a minimum of Grade C in each sub-score . We will also accept EAPPU to meet our English language requirements at the same scores as for the EAP.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAB (to include two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry) and an EAP score of Grade B with a minimum of Grade C in each sub-score. We will also accept EAPPU to meet our English language requirements at the same scores as for the EAP.

We will accept both Integrated Mathematics and Technical Mathematics.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact us to check if your qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Additional entry requirements

Interview
Audition

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each sub-score
TOEFL (iBT)9090 overall with 20 in each sub-score. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
PTE Academic7070 overall and 64 in each sub-score.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade C/4, or; IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each sub-score, or; TOEFL iBT 90 overall with 20 in each sub-score. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition, or; PTE Academic with 70 overall and 64 in each sub-score, or: An acceptable equivalent qualification . Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the IGCSE English Language (first or second language) qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language GCSE/IGCSE qualification you will need a Grade 8. We only accept the following boards: CAIE, Oxford AQA and Pearson Edexcel. If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

International entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.

Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.

Related courses

At University of Manchester

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