MPhil Materials Engineering

Program Overview

The MPhil in Materials Engineering at Newcastle University is a research-intensive program that allows students to focus on an individual research project, guided by experienced academic supervisors. The program is structured to provide students with both the theoretical foundations and practical knowledge required to pursue groundbreaking research in materials science. By undertaking their research projects, students explore the design, synthesis, and characterization of advanced materials, and they develop solutions to real-world engineering challenges. The program is ideal for students with a strong background in materials science or engineering who wish to further specialize in materials engineering and contribute to the development of new materials with applications in industries like energy, electronics, and manufacturing.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MPhil in Materials Engineering is research-based, with students spending the majority of their time conducting an independent research project. Throughout the program, students will have access to workshops and seminars that introduce them to the latest developments in materials science, from advanced nanomaterials to smart materials and biomaterials. Students are also trained in cutting-edge techniques for material characterization, such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical testing. Although the focus is on research, the curriculum provides essential foundational knowledge in materials engineering principles, including the structure and properties of materials, the relationship between processing and material behavior, and the application of materials in real-world engineering systems.

Research Focus: The MPhil in Materials Engineering emphasizes research on advanced materials and their applications. Key research areas include nanomaterials, composites, coatings, smart materials, and materials for renewable energy and sustainable technologies. Students may explore the development of materials for a range of engineering applications, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical engineering. In particular, the program highlights materials for energy storage, battery technologies, and materials used in energy-efficient systems, such as photovoltaic cells. Students also have the opportunity to conduct research on the environmental impacts of materials, focusing on sustainability, recycling, and reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing processes. The research is interdisciplinary, and students often collaborate with researchers from other fields such as chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering to advance the understanding of materials in various applications.

Industry Engagement: Newcastle University has a strong reputation for its industry engagement and collaboration with leading companies in the materials engineering field. The MPhil in Materials Engineering offers students the opportunity to work closely with industry partners, providing valuable real-world experience. Students can engage in industry-sponsored research projects, internships, or collaborations with companies developing new materials technologies. These industry links ensure that students' research is relevant to current technological challenges and gives them access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. Additionally, students can benefit from the university’s strong relationships with organizations in sectors like aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy, enhancing their career prospects and providing a direct link between academic research and industrial application.

Global Perspective: The MPhil in Materials Engineering at Newcastle University adopts a global perspective on materials science, recognizing the international importance of materials in addressing global challenges. Research projects often focus on materials for sustainable technologies, including energy-efficient devices, green manufacturing, and environmentally friendly materials. Students will gain an understanding of global issues related to materials science, such as the demand for materials in developing economies, the need for sustainable resource use, and the role of materials engineering in solving global challenges like climate change. By incorporating international research trends and collaborating with global industry leaders, the program ensures that students are prepared to tackle materials engineering challenges on a worldwide scale.