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Materials Science and Engineering

Course details
  • MEng (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Materials Science is a synthesis of physics, chemistry, and engineering. It is the building block on which modern industry has and will continue to advance.

This programme provides a thorough grounding in the scientific principles governing the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of all solid materials, and the opportunity to specialise in the study of a particular class of material (metal, ceramic, or polymer) through a choice of options. The extensive (half year) final year project enables you to tackle a topic at the forefront of Materials Science in depth. It will develop further practical and analytical skills. Formal teaching in communication and transferable skills, including basic management and organisational behaviour, computing and presentation techniques, is given to complement the academic training.

Lectures and tutorials are led staff who are all experts in their field with a deep knowledge of the subjects they teach. 87% of our students agree staff are good at explaining things to them.

Our staff are passionate about their subject. 80% of our students report that staff are enthusiastic about what they teach

Our courses are constantly revised with inputs from both students and industry to cover the latest developments and deliver learning in the most effective way. 82% of our students agree that the time they spend in teaching activities is used efficiently

Students on our courses have access to library and computer facilities that are dedicated to supporting their learning. 90% of our students agree that IT resources are easy to access and meet their needs.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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:
J501
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAA

AAA including two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. If you are not taking A-level Mathematics, Grade 7/A at GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics is required. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there 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 offers you will receive. Typical Contextual Offer: 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. For further information and to check eligibility, visit our contextual admissions page . Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below Contextual offers are available for applicants who: - live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and - live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and - have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years. See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

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.

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, 40 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.

Scottish Higher

We normally require grades AAABB in Scottish Highers. In addition Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required as below: Two Advanced Highers in two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at AA plus two Highers at AA (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.

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 A in a required subject. 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

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 plus an additional level 3 qualification such as A-levels at grades AA. 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.

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 AA. 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.

Scottish Advanced Higher

We normally require grades AAABB in Scottish Highers. In addition Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required as below: Two Advanced Highers in two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at AA plus two Highers at AA (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.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 36 points

36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including two subjects from Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. We will accept Mathematics: analysis and approaches only at HL as one of the HL subject specific requirements.

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.

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 strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. We may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, D3

D3, D3, D3 in Principal subjects to include two from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, in three distinct subjects. Candidates taking Pre-U principal subjects in conjunction with A levels are expected to achieve a combination of D3 in the Pre-U certificates and grade A at A-level in three distinct subjects. This must include two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

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.

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.

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

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - DM

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 DM plus an additional level 3 qualification such as A-levels at grades AA. 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 AA. 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.

T Level - Not accepted

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 AAA (to include two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry) and an EAP score of Grade C with a minimum of Grade C in each subscore.

INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester students are required to attend an interview.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAA (to include two subjects from Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry) and an EAP score of Grade C with a minimum of Grade C in each subscore.

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

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)66.0 overall with 6.0 in each subscore
TOEFL (iBT)8080 overall with 20 in each subscore. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
PTE Academic7070 overall and 65 in each subscore
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: GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C/4. An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level.

Acceptable English Language Qualifications 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

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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