Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To prepare students for an active and effective professional role in the manufacturing industry and particularly, but not exclusively, the following sectors: Plastics, Rubber, Ceramics and Metals.
• To enhance the careers of those already in full-time employment in industry via part-time attendance.

The more specific objectives of the programme are to develop the appropriate professional competence for the following functions: 

• Research and Development related to all aspects of materials, processing methods, characterisation and end-use products;
• Trouble shooting tasks related to materials processing, characterisation and failures in service;
• Evaluation of performance of materials to provide data for product design, specifications and quality control;
• Characterisation of the properties and performance of materials.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications  

IoM³ 'Materials' publication 2001

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The range of industrial materials, ceramic, metal, polymeric, rubber and their composites, and their composition and microstructural constitution.
• The principles underlying the relationship between the synthesis of materials and their subsequent properties, with a greater or lesser knowledge of the individual materials classes or specific properties depending on the specific modules taken.
• The principles underlying the relationship between the properties of materials and their composition and microstructure, with a greater or lesser knowledge of the individual materials classes or specific properties depending on the specific modules taken.
• The underpinning concepts and practical use of a range of characterisation techniques, with a greater or lesser knowledge of any specific technique depending on the specific modules taken.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Explain the origin of the properties of materials and identify how they may be controlled and modified by changes in the process route used and their microstructures.
• Identify and select suitable procedures to predict the performance of materials in specific service conditions.
• Select and identify appropriate experimental techniques to elucidate particular research and/or development goals.
• Analyse a problem and identify appropriate materials and/or process conditions that will address it.
• Deliver a Masters’ thesis according to the dissertation specification.
• Select and identify an appropriate processing method to manufacture products of given shape, material and performance and recommend remedies for any deficiencies related to output and quality.
• Identify, select and suggest suitable preparation schemes and evaluate new material compositions for specific applications.
• Propose suitable procedures for the characterisation of materials and assess their significance in relation to processing and manufacture of end-use products.

In each case, students’ knowledge of the individual materials classes, specific properties and characterisation techniques will depend on the specific modules taken.

At Diploma and Certificate level the areas of subject specific intellectual/cognitive skills are less in number approximately proportional to the reduction in the credits accumulated relative to the MSc award.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Formulate experimental strategies to obtain reliable and accurate data that will help solve a particular problem.
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret (with reference to theoretical concepts) practical data to produce a detailed technical report.
• Explain results according to the changes in the independent variables and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Calculate additional parameters and relate the results to theoretical concepts.
• Use appropriate computer software for the manipulation of experimental and other data suitable for inclusion in reports and for oral presentation.
• Retrieve information from a range of sources.
• Be familiar with the use of analytical and physical testing equipment to carry out suitable experiments for the  compositional, microstructural and performance-based characterisation of materials.
• Be familiar with the use of laboratory processing equipment for the production of materials and manufacture of simple components and test-specimens.
• Assemble and operate suitable testing rigs/equipment for measuring mechanical and physical properties of materials.
• Evaluate and present practical data in a suitable format.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Organise and manage time and resources effectively.
• Apply a critical approach to problem solving in areas related to his/her field of studies.
• Exercise independent learning skills for the gathering of information and acquire new knowledge for work/subject related activities, as well as for professional development.
• Work effectively both independently and in a group.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and present information and ideas in a concise and scholarly manner.
• Demonstrate an adequate level of cognitive and numerical skills for theoretical analysis of new principles.

At Diploma and Certificate level the areas of key/transferable skills are less in number approximately proportional to the reduction in the credits accumulated relative to the MSc award.

4. Programme structure

A candidate on a MSc programme will normally study 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules followed by a project worth 60 credits.

A part-time candidate on a PGDip programme will normally study 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules.

A part-time candidate on a PGCert programme will normally study 60 credits of compulsory modules. 

In the following table, ‘c’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘o’ indicates an optional module. 

Students can substitute an optional module with an o# module if Programme Director and timetabling permits.  

All modules are semester long apart from those marked (ow) which are block taught over one week and those marked * which are by Distance Learning.

Students may take other modules from the University’s Postgraduate catalogue of modules subject to their availability and the agreement of the Programme Director.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Reassessment of modules eligible under Regulation XXI may take place in the University's Special Assessment Period where suitable modules are available.

5.3 Candidates registered on a PGCert or PGDip can progress to PGDip or Masters respectively upon successful completion of modules. 

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification