About Advanced Engineering Materials - Msc in University of Limerick

This programme is designed to produce Masters graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of instrumentation involved in Materials analysis and characterisation together with a detailed knowledge of Materials Science, Materials Processing, and Surface Technology. The specialist modules will allow students to become fully briefed in the material science and engineering associated with high strength materials used in the aero-industry or with techniques for materials and coatings selection design, together with the materials selection methods typically employed by engineering consultants.

This programme is designed to produce Masters graduates who have an in-depth knowledge of instrumentation involved in Materials analysis and characterisation together with a detailed knowledge of Materials Science, Materials Processing, and Surface Technology. The specialist modules will allow students to become fully briefed in the material science and engineering associated with high strength materials used in the aero-industry or with techniques for materials and coatings selection design, together with the materials selection methods typically employed by engineering consultants. From this knowledge base, graduates could expect to work in many manufacturing sectors or consultancy or, to continue their education to PhD level.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the programme are:

• To provide science, engineering and technology graduates with a competitive edge for a career in high technology manufacturing industries
• To provide graduates with analytical skills and knowledge which prepare them for careers in manufacturing, R & D or product / process design
• To develop graduates with excellence in Materials Science and Engineering capability to underpin National and International Industrial development

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

This Master of Science course is a two Semester plus Summer full time programme based on a modular credit system (90 ECTS) and the course outline is given below. In Semester 1, students study analytical techniques (microscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray analysis; X-ray diffraction; IR-, UV- and Raman-spectroscopy, particle size analysis, NMR spectroscopy, specimen preparation), structure of materials (structure – mechanical property relationships for metals, polymers and ceramics, phase transformations with associated strengthening effects, failure processes), advanced materials processing (manufacturing with metals, ceramics, polymers and composites and typical coating methods). 

Semester 1 also includes the study of typical management systems which are needed to standardize and audit manufacturing processes and systems in Industry. Semester 2 involves further study of analytical techniques and modelling software used for materials development /analysis and affords students exposure to Research challenges in Materials Science.
Students choose one elective covering the detailed materials science / engineering associated with composite materials or aerospace metallic materials, and one elective in Semester 2 from either materials selection and design (interaction between material properties and engineering design criteria, in designing components and products for manufacture, computer aided materials selection) or surface degradation and protection (coatings for improved oxidation, corrosion and wear resistance).

During Semester 2 students choose and begin work on a 45 credit research project supervised by world class researchers in Materials Science & Engineering. These projects involve the use of state of the art instrumentation at the University to acquire information on materials and processes suitable for high impact publications or IP protection.

Graduates will typically pursue careers in manufacturing in metallurgical, ceramic, polymer and composite technologies related to a diverse range of manufacturing sectors e.g. aerospace components and engines (including repair), chemical processing and process plant, power generation plant and many other manufacturing Industries. M. Sc. graduates in Advanced Engineering Materials would also be expected to gain employment in consultancy, research and development, product and process development or quality control and assurance.

Academic qualification equivalents

• A four-year or three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university. First-division results are required with a minimum overall grade of 60%*.
• Particular programmes may require an interview and/or work experience.  

         *The programmes listed below have specific entry requirements. Please read carefully if you are interested in applying to one of these       programmes.

Masters of Mechanical Engineering/Aeronautical Engineering

• Students are required to hold a four-year or a three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a recognised university with a minimum average score of 70% or above and no backlogs.
• Students for both courses must also submit a written paper outlining the details of their Final Year Project as part of the application. 

MSc. Nursing

• A four-year or three-year honours degree in a relevant discipline from a first-level university. First-division results are required with a minimum overall grade of 65%.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5* with no less than 6.0 in any component.

  *Please note some programmes have a higher IELTS requirement.

  **Please note, we can only accept Academic IELTS. General IELTS will not be accepted. 

• TOEFL : 580 (paper based) or 90 (internet based)
• PTE: a minimum score of 61 (with no section score below 59)

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University of Limerick Cost of Living

The estimated cost of living for one academic year (9 months) at UL is: