Course Structure

Formal teaching extends from October through to the end of March with examinations taking place during the summer term. At the start of the autumn term, students will select a research project and then write a research project plan during the remainder of the term. The research will be carried out after the exams.

This course aims to equip students with knowledge and understanding of the key structural properties of materials of different classes of materials. You will gain skills in characterisation of materials, in particular their structural, thermal, morphological and chemical properties.

You will use the principles and underlying theory of a range of characterisation methods, including:

• X-ray diffraction
• Focussed Ion Beam
• Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
• Atomic Force Microscopy
• Electron Microscopy
• Scanning Probe Microscopies

As well as a range of modelling tools, applicable to a broad spectrum of materials types at different length scales.

View our MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Programme Specification to find out more.

Learning tools and provision

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, and the unique opportunity to participate in world-leading research through your expected contribution to existing research groups projects, which may lead to being published yourself thus putting your research career on the best possible track. You will be able to use the extensive high-performance computing resources available, along with the latest software. We have a comprehensive library making available the latest publications related to our research areas.

Our minimum requirement is a 2.1 degree in materials, mechanical/civil/chemical engineering, physics or chemistry. Please note, a first class degree (or equivalent) is strongly preferred. Applicants with relevant industrial experience would also be considered.

• For international qualifications equivalences, please visit the Postgraduate Academic Requirements - Country Index webpage.

An English qualification is also required except for applicants with a first degree awarded from universities in: Australia, Canada, Guyana, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, and West Indies.

• For English Language requirements, please visit the English Language Requirement and accepted qualifications webpage. 

*You need to complete all options with an asterisk to graduate with an MSc in energy specialism, including your project.

Project

The course has a strong focus on independent research, and a substantial research project is embedded in the course.  In the Autumn term, students will select a research project (worth approximately half of the total mark). Following the development of a research plan in the Autumn Term, students will be able to do full-time research after the exams.

During the project, students will work in an established research group alongside renowned academics and experienced research staff and have access to state-of-the-art facilities and support. Students are expected to make a genuine contribution to live projects and to produce original research of a standard sufficient for peer-reviewed publications.

Applications for MSc Advanced Materials Science and Engineering for 2022/23 will open in mid-October 2022. The deadline for applications will be Friday 26 May 2023.

• FInd out how to apply

Other useful links 

• Registry application guidelines
• Tuition fees
• Academic eligibility
• English language requirements
• Visas and immigration

We offer nine MSc Academic Potential Scholarships.

Eligibility             

The MSc Academic Potential Scholarship is available to applicants with a First-Class Honours level or equivalent in their undergraduate qualification and showing strong academic potential. We particularly welcome applications from Women and Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.  We also encourage applications from candidates interested in discipline-hopping to Materials Science. 

Application Process        

There is no separate application process. Outstanding candidates who have accepted our offer will be considered for the scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to the candidates with the strongest academic potential, judged on the basis of the material provided with the application.  Successful candidates will be notified by the end of August. 

Value    

A stipend of £5,000 (paid in equal instalments over 12 months)

Scholarship Search Tool

You can use the Scholarship Search Tool for more information about Imperial College London scholarships. 

Advances in materials are key towards delivering affordable, reliable and green energy. This includes materials for solar cells, materials for the low-carbon production of hydrogen and other chemicals or materials for nuclear technology.

If you are keen to learn more about these cutting-edge materials and want to contribute to the energy transition, you can choose the specialisation in Materials for the Energy Transition as part of your MSc degree programme. This specialisation will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed in the field of sustainable energy.

*No separate application is needed. This will be confirmed once you've registered for the course.

*You need to complete all options with an asterisk in the 'modules and projects' section in order to graduate with an MSc in energy specialism. This includes your project.