Materials Science and Engineering BEng

You’ll explore how metals, glasses, polymers, ceramics and composites work throughout their lifecycle. From healthcare and Formula One to aerospace and tech, you’ll be able to choose from roles in a huge range of industries and research areas.

Course structure

Join our three year full-time BEng programme comprising of taught and optional modules including a research project in year 3 on a topic that interests you. You'll be assessed using a combination of exams, written assignments, oral presentations, computer-based tests, laboratory and project reports.

With an estimated 70% of innovation due to advances in materials, your career will put you at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries. Learn from our global experts and benefit from links to key employers as you begin your graduate career.

• Enter a stimulating academic community, where students, staff and industry collaborate to solve research challenges
• Join a small, friendly academic community with enhanced staff contact time and support
• Learn from a wide-range of Materials Science subject experts
• Benefit from strong industrial partnerships during integrated research projects and networking events

• Learn about cutting-edge developments in your chosen areas of interest, with lectures delivered by world-leaders in their fields
• Participate in tutorials that promote independent problem-solving and enquiry-based learning
• Develop a spectrum of skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, time management, and communication through project work
• Gain valuable experience by taking part in practical assignments that simulate real-world tasks and cultivate job-ready skills
• Benefit from 1:1 supervision that offers personalised learning which gives you the opportunity to get tailored guidance and feedback that meets your individual needs

Our School is part of the largest centre for materials research in the UK and our facilities provide you with the best possible environment to grow and succeed. Our first-class teaching and laboratory facilities include state-of-the-art study spaces and computer suites where we use the latest educational technologies to reinvent lab classes and showcase the fundamental principles behind materials engineering.

You can choose to do a year in industry between years 2 and 3. We will support you to find suitable internships and you'll be mentored by academic members of staff throughout the application and your placement. This is an invaluable opportunity to take a role in a company applying your theoretical knowledge to real-world issues.

Alternatively, you can choose to spend a year studying abroad at an international university between years 2 and 3 of your degree. This will give you an opportunity to study in a new environment, experience a new culture and maybe improve your foreign language skills.

Assessment

Assessment of your learning will comprise a mixture of written exams and continually assessed coursework. As well as end-of-year exams and written assignments, assessment methods include oral presentations, computer-based tests, laboratory and project reports.

Each module is assessed independently and most contain some components of continuous assessment. Some modules are completely assessed by either examination or coursework.

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A-levels required: 3.

Required subjects and grades: A-level Mathematics and one of Further Maths or Computer Science or Biology or Physics or Chemistry or Design Technology.
General Studies not accepted, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Foundation Year

Would you like to study this course but lack the entry qualifications? You can consider a Foundation Year programme which can lead to entry onto one of our courses. Learn more:

• UK students (not eligible if studying A-level Mathematics)
• international students

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
• IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
• Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study, normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

Apply

The UCAS code for this course is J5F2.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Our Materials Science and Engineering graduates are making an impact across a wide range of sectors such as Management Consultancy, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, Mining and Metals, and Logistics and Supply Chain. They have gone on to work for leading employers such as Micron Technology, Rolls-Royce, GE Power, AWR and Muscat Engineering Consultancy.

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.