University of Bradford
School of Engineering, Design and Technology
Awarding and teaching institution:
Final award:
Programme titles:
Programme accredited by:
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University of Bradford
MSc / PGDip
Advanced Materials Engineering
1 year full time
Engineering
original: February 2005; Updated: 24 July 2008
INTRODUCTION & AIMS: Engineering new materials with advanced properties is at the heart of the new
technological drive of this century. Electronic Polymers, Biomaterials, Nanocomposites, and "Smart" Materials are
examples of new material developments where the technological applications and impact on society are enormous.
Research, development and training in this area is strong worldwide; the UK alone investing more than £378 million a
year in world-class research that forms the basis for future economic development. This proposed MSc degree
programme is designed to meet the needs for graduates with specialist skills in materials science and engineering to
source this emerging industry. The School of Engineering, Design and Technology of the University of Bradford is
uniquely placed to provide this programme. Its Mechanical Engineering BEng programme is rated amongst the top 3
in the UK. It also has an established record for excellence in research in polymers and materials engineering; both
areas were 5 graded at the last RAE and draw their strength from the combined expertise in the IRC in Polymer
Science and Technology, the CIC in Polymer Engineering and the Engineering Materials Research Unit.
The aims of the MSc programme are:
 To equip the students with the theoretical knowledge, concepts and skills necessary for original thought and
problems analysis related to engineering materials such as polymers, metals, ceramics and composites with
specific advanced properties.
 To equip the students with the organisational, practical and computational skills necessary to carry out research in
advanced materials engineering.
 To enable the student to engage in research by carrying out, under expert supervision, a specific project in
advanced materials engineering.
The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma is:
 To equip students with a broad base of theoretical knowledge, concepts and skills in the area of advanced
materials engineering.
 To equip the students with a broad base of organisational, practical and computational skills necessary to carry
out research in advanced materials engineering.
LEARNING OUTCOMES indicate what a graduate should know and understand, and be able to do on successful
completion of one of the programmes. They have been developed with reference to the Engineering subject
benchmark, published by the QAAHE. When you have completed the MSc in Advanced Materials Engineering you
will have acquired the following:

Knowledge and Understanding of :
 Advanced materials and production technology;
 Characterisation of materials structure and properties
 The microstructure and properties of advanced materials;
 The relationships between processing,
 The design and operation of processes to engineer materials with advanced properties;
 The mathematical modelling of processes to engineer materials with advanced properties.
 Business and management practices that are relevant to engineering and engineers

Intellectual Skills
 Identify an area for further detailed investigation, design and experimental programme, utilise research
skills to critically evaluate and interpret newly developed data
 Integrate engineering understanding and apply insight to the solution of real problems.
 Plan, conduct and report a programme of original research;
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


Integrate and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take holistic approach in solving problems and designing systems,
Applying professional judgements to balance risks, cost, benefits, safety, and reliability

Practical Skill
 Design and operation of processes to manufacture advanced materials;
 Measurement of the properties of advanced materials
 Modelling of material flow and deformation using analytical and computational mathematical methods
 Interpretation of design, experimental and computational data
 Design and completion of a substantial work of independent study.

Personal and Transferable Skills
 Work in groups in order to meet shared objectives
 Use problem solving strategies to develop, monitor and update a plan for the solution of both technical
and personnel contributions to meeting organisational need.
 Use problem solving strategies to develop innovative solutions
 Learn independently in familiar and unfamiliar situations with open mindedness and in the spirit of
critical enquiry
 Learn effectively for the purpose of continuing professional development and in a wider context
throughout their career
CURRICULUM: the map of the curriculum shows the core (C) and optional (O) units for this programme, which
extends over 12 months. It is made up of a taught element of 100 credits and an individual research project element of
80 credits. The taught element is structured in the form of modules carrying 10 or 20 credits arranged within the two
semesters forming the academic session. The 80 credits MSc research project is carried out throughout the year.
Where appropriate, the project can be completed in Industry or at an overseas University. The curriculum may
change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures, as improvements are made
each year. More detail, including learning outcomes, is available for each unit.
Advanced Materials Engineering Course Structure
Unit Code
ENG4057D
ENG3076M
ENG4035M
ENG3027M
ENG4082M
ENG4037M
ENG4029M
ENG4087M
ENG4058D
ENG4059M
ENG4072M
ENG4025M
ENG4073M
ENG 4098B
Credit Sem
20
1
10
1
10
1
10
1
10
1
10
1
10
1
10
20
10
10
10
10
80
Level
M
3
M
3
M
M
M
1
M
2
M
2
M
2
M
2
M
2
M
1,2,3
M
Module Title
Materials Engineering
Materials Failure Analysis
Biotribology
Biomaterials
Manufacturing Systems Simulation
Computer Applications & Numerical Methods
Design Optimisation
Manufacturing Planning & Control
Materials Characterisation
Materials Processing
Risk Management
Finite Element Methods
Advanced Solid Mechanics
MSc Project
Core/Option
C
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
C
C
O
O
O
C
No more than 2 level 3 modules can be chosen for the entire MSc course
Modules taken in stage 3 can not be taken again
Assessment regulations: a summary (the text of the progression regulations is maintained on the Web)
To be eligible for a Masters Degree,

you must achieve at least 40% in 160 credits and 35% in the other 20 credits.
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If you attain an overall weighted average of at least 70.0% at the initial attempt, including at least 70.0% at the initial
attempt in your dissertation, you will be eligible for the award of the Degree of Master with Distinction. Similarly, for
an overall weighted average at least 60% and at least 60% at your initial attempt at your dissertation, you will be
eligible for the award of the Degree of Masters with Merit.
To be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma,

you must achieve at least 40.0% in 100 Credits and at least 35.0% in the other 20 Credits.
Admissions Requirements
Master's Degree course: In addition to satisfying the general admissions requirements of the University of Bradford,
you must have a first degree in relevant discipline; normally a second class honour degree or equivalent. Candidates
who do not fulfil the normal entry requirements but have extensive industrial experience in Advanced Materials
Engineering are considered on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements
All students must satisfy the English language requirements for admission as described in
http://www.brad.ac.uk/international/english-prepare.php. If your native language is not English, you will have to pass
a test in English approved by the University before you can be admitted. The following qualifications are acceptable
as satisfying this requirement. Both are available internationally.

The International English Language Testing Service Test (IELTS) administered by the British Council is the test
which is preferred by the University. You will need to achieve an Overall Band of at least 6, with at least 5 in
each of the four sub-tests. Testing facilities are available at most British Council overseas offices. When you take
your test, you should ask for a copy of your Test Report Form to be sent to the University.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) administered by the Educational Testing Service, Princeton,
New Jersey, 08540, USA. You will need to score at least 550 (220 on the computer-based test). If you take this
test, you should enter the University's code 0828, on your answer sheet.
TEACHING, LEARNING & ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES
The teaching and learning strategy takes into consideration the learning outcomes, progression through the levels of
study, the nature of the subject and the student intake, and the need for you to take greater responsibility for your own
learning as you progress through the course. The strategies and methods implemented are:

The teaching and learning methods implemented to engage students in developing their knowledge and
understanding of the course include formal lectures (including those from Visiting Lecturers), case studies,
tutorial exercises, practical demonstrations, directed learning and individual work. The method of assessment is
by written examination and both analytical and experimental coursework.

The methods implemented in developing the students’ intellectual skills include engaging with them during
tutorial exercises, case studies, practical demonstration and supervised research or project work. The methods of
assessment of intellectual skills are implicit in the written examinations, analytical and experimental coursework
and more particularly in their MSc dissertations.

The methods implemented in developing the students’ practical skills include demonstrations and practicals
linked with the taught modules. The MSc students will also design and operate equipment and use control and
measuring instruments under supervision during the initial phase of their research project. The PG/Dip students
will operate analytical instruments under supervision during the initial phase of their research project. The
methods of assessment of practical skills include feedback on laboratory work linked with the taught modules.
Also a large part of the mark of the MSc dissertation and the PG/Dip will be attributed to the Experimental
Method and Equipment and the Presentation & Discussion of Results.

The methods implemented in developing the students’ transferable skills are implicit in the programme. The
University of Bradford is well known for attracting students from a wide variety of background, experiences and
countries. This and the learning facilities available to all students provide the conditions for students to develop
and manage their learning. The University of Bradford modus operandi, Making Knowledge Work, is imbedded
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in the philosophy of this course, particularly in the area of Engineering, Design and Technology, which is well
equipped with practical and computational facilities. The methods of assessment of transferable skills are built in
the structure of the examinations, case studies, laboratory demonstrations and research or project work.
STUDENT SUPPORT & GUIDANCE
The university and the School of Engineering, Design and Technology have a well-deserved reputation in this area,
acknowledged by our QAAHE subject review and HEFCE research review. You will be allocated a Course Tutor
supported by a Postgraduate Course Secretary who will have overall responsibility for the course and a Project
Supervisor who will support and guide you throughout your research project. The School runs an induction
programme and orientation for all new students, which includes introduction to the library and computer centre. It
provides a comprehensive set of documentation on all aspects of the University regulations, course and modules
details and management via the course handbook. The support provided by the School is enhanced by a strong
university infrastructure, including particularly the Disabilities Office and the Careers Service, and by 24-hour access
to Library and Computing facilities. International Students benefit from additional support from the University
International Office, its International Student Advisers and the Students Union Welfare Service (details at:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/international/). At the University of Bradford, we now have students from over 100 different
countries. Currently, 22% of our students are from outside the UK. This means that we have a great deal of experience
of working and socialising with people from a variety of different cultures, and if you are an international student you
can be assured of a friendly and stimulating environment.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like more information about the University of Bradford, please check the undergraduate and
postgraduate prospectus, Seven Reasons for Studying at Bradford, and the Bradford Approach to Teaching and
Learning, encapsulated in ExcellencePlus. More details about the School of Engineering, Design and Technology and
its courses can be obtained from:
The Admissions Office
University of Bradford
Bradford
BD7 1DP
Mr John Purvis
School of Engineering, Design & Technology
University of Bradford
Bradford
BD7 1DP
+44 (0)1274 233054
+44 (0)1274 234543
Email: j.purvis@bradford.ac.uk
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© 2008 University of Bradford
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