MA Digital Media and Creative Industries
The MA Digital Media and Creative Industries at Loughborough University aims t...
BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year
Loughborough
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
Loughborough University, a leading UK institution, offers a highly regarded BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program that combines a solid academic foundation in materials science with practical industry experience. The program is designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge required to understand and develop materials for use in a variety of industries, from aerospace and automotive to electronics and renewable energy. By integrating theoretical coursework with a year-long placement in a professional setting, this program ensures that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers in materials science and engineering. The placement year enhances students’ employability by allowing them to apply their learning in real-world environments, develop industry connections, and gain hands-on experience that is highly valued by employers.
Curriculum: The BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program at Loughborough University covers a wide range of subjects essential to understanding the properties, processing, and application of materials. The curriculum is designed to provide a strong theoretical foundation, with modules in materials characterization, thermodynamics, mechanical properties, and materials selection. As students progress through the program, they explore more advanced topics such as composite materials, nanotechnology, biomaterials, and materials for sustainable energy. Practical learning is a core aspect of the program, with laboratory work, hands-on projects, and case studies that help students apply their theoretical knowledge. The inclusion of the placement year provides students with valuable industry exposure, where they can work on live projects, develop key professional skills, and enhance their understanding of the material engineering processes in real-world contexts. This unique blend of academic rigor and industry experience ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the materials science sector.
Research Focus: Loughborough University has a strong research focus in the field of materials science, with cutting-edge research in areas such as advanced materials, nanotechnology, sustainable materials, and manufacturing processes. The university’s research centers are dedicated to developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges, including enhancing the performance of materials, improving energy efficiency, and advancing sustainability. This research-driven approach directly influences the BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest developments in the field. Students benefit from the university’s strong links with industry partners and research institutions, gaining access to state-of-the-art labs and working on projects that are at the forefront of materials science. Through research-based projects, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while staying up to date with technological advancements.
Industry Engagement: Loughborough University is known for its strong connections with industry, and this is particularly evident in the BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program. The university’s partnerships with leading companies in materials science, manufacturing, aerospace, and engineering provide students with exceptional opportunities for internships, work placements, and collaborative research projects. These industry engagements allow students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems, working alongside professionals and gaining invaluable experience. The placement year is an integral part of the program, where students spend a full year working in a relevant industry setting. During this time, students develop practical skills, enhance their employability, and build professional networks that can lead to future career opportunities. The university’s employability team offers extensive support in securing placements, helping students find the right opportunity based on their career goals and interests.
Global Perspective: The BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program at Loughborough University is designed to offer a global perspective, preparing students for careers in a highly interconnected world. The program’s international focus is reflected in the diverse student body, with students and faculty members from various parts of the world, creating a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. Loughborough University’s global network of alumni and research partnerships further enriches the student experience, offering opportunities for international placements, exchange programs, and research collaboration. The program also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and global challenges, encouraging students to develop materials solutions that can contribute to solving issues such as climate change, resource scarcity, and energy efficiency on a global scale. Students are encouraged to think beyond national borders, gaining insights into how materials science can be applied in different cultural and industrial contexts.
Location
Loughborough
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 28600
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.
International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.
Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.
Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.
The BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program at Loughborough University opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in materials science and engineering. Graduates from the program possess a deep understanding of materials properties, processing techniques, and applications, which positions them to work in a variety of industries.
Materials Engineer: Materials engineers are essential for the development, testing, and selection of materials used in a variety of industries. Graduates from the BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program can work in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and construction, where they design and optimize materials to ensure they meet specific performance, safety, and cost standards. Their work may include researching new materials, improving existing materials, and ensuring that materials are suitable for high-performance applications.
Aerospace Engineer: With a strong understanding of material properties, graduates can pursue careers as aerospace engineers, designing and testing materials for use in aircraft and spacecraft. Aerospace engineers focus on ensuring that materials can withstand extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures, while maintaining strength and lightweight properties. This career path offers opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies in the aerospace sector, including aircraft design, propulsion systems, and space exploration.
Automotive Engineer: The automotive industry relies heavily on materials engineers to create materials that improve vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and performance. Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program can work with automotive manufacturers to develop new materials for car parts, including lightweight composites, energy-efficient materials, and crash-resistant alloys. Materials engineers in this sector help create vehicles that are more environmentally friendly, durable, and cost-effective.
Metallurgist: Metallurgists specialize in working with metals and alloys, studying their properties and behavior under different conditions. Graduates can work in industries such as steel manufacturing, mining, and material testing, where they develop and test new alloys, improve material processing techniques, and optimize material use for specific applications. Metallurgists play a vital role in ensuring that metals perform optimally for their intended purposes.
Energy Engineer (Renewable Energy): As the world increasingly shifts toward renewable energy sources, materials science plays a crucial role in the development of energy-efficient materials. Graduates can pursue careers in renewable energy, working on the development of materials for solar panels, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and bioenergy. This career path offers opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies that contribute to the global push for sustainable energy solutions.
Process Engineer: Process engineers focus on the optimization of manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency and product quality. With a background in materials science, graduates can work in industries like chemicals, petrochemicals, and manufacturing to design and improve production processes. They analyze the performance of materials during production, troubleshoot issues, and develop new processes to enhance material properties and manufacturing efficiency.
Nanotechnology Specialist: Nanotechnology is a rapidly evolving field that focuses on manipulating materials at the nanoscale to create new, innovative materials with enhanced properties. Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program can work as nanotechnology specialists, applying their knowledge of materials at the molecular level to develop new technologies for use in electronics, healthcare, and energy systems. Nanotechnology is critical in areas such as drug delivery, advanced electronics, and quantum computing.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Graduates interested in advancing the field of materials science can pursue careers in research and development (R&D). R&D engineers work in labs and industry settings to develop new materials or improve existing ones. They focus on solving technical challenges related to material performance, sustainability, and processing. R&D engineers may work in industries like pharmaceuticals, automotive, and electronics, where new materials are continually being developed to meet evolving industry needs.
Sustainability Consultant: With growing concerns over environmental sustainability, materials scientists are increasingly called upon to develop eco-friendly materials and processes. Graduates of the BEng (Hons) Materials Science and Engineering with Placement Year program can work as sustainability consultants, advising companies on how to reduce their environmental impact through the use of sustainable materials, recycling, and energy-efficient processes. This role is critical in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and waste management.
Product Development Engineer: Product development engineers focus on designing and improving products by selecting the appropriate materials and ensuring their performance meets design specifications. Graduates can work in various sectors such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and manufacturing, developing new products that are cost-effective, durable, and innovative. They collaborate with design teams to ensure that materials are selected based on functionality, performance, and cost considerations.
Consulting Engineer: Consulting engineers in materials science offer their expertise to businesses and organizations, advising them on materials selection, failure analysis, and the optimization of manufacturing processes. They may work for engineering firms or as independent consultants. Their expertise is valuable in industries where material performance and safety are crucial, such as construction, aerospace, and automotive.
Academic Researcher or Lecturer: For graduates interested in academia, pursuing a career as an academic researcher or lecturer is another viable option. With the growing demand for advanced materials in various fields, universities and research institutions are constantly looking for experts in materials science. Graduates may choose to pursue postgraduate studies (such as a master's or PhD) and contribute to advancing the field through research and teaching.
