MSc Composite Materials Engineering

What you will study

Full-time

Semester 1

• Engineering Research Methods & PG Studies (Core)
• Engineering Design & Innovation (Core)
• Composite Manufacture, Assembly & Repair (Core)

Semester 2

• Design with Composites-Theory & Practice (Core)
• Analysis, Testing & QA of Composites (Core)
• Environmental & Sustainable Aspects of Composites (Core)

Semester 2/3

• Dissertation (Core)

Part-time

Year 1 – (Every Friday)

Semester 1

• Engineering Design & Innovation (Core)
• Composite Manufacture, Assembly & Repair (Core)

Semester 2

• Design with Composites-Theory & Practice (Core)
• Analysis, Testing & QA of Composites (Core)

Year 2 – (Every Thursday)

Semester 1

• Engineering Research Methods & PG Studies (Core)

Semester 2

• Environmental & Sustainable Aspects of Composites (Core)

Semester 2/3

• Dissertation (Core)

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

Normal entry requirements for full-time and part-time intake will be one:

1. A Bachelor of Engineering Honours Degree, or other Bachelor Honours Degree, normally with an honour’s degree with at least a 2:2 classification or equivalent in an appropriate engineering discipline.
2. Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirement but have substantial professional experience in a relevant specialist area may be accepted, subject to interview and references.
3. Equivalent qualifications of another overseas country are deemed satisfactory by the program team.

Normally, the applicants who applied through entry points (b) and (c) will be required to attend an interview. This is not always possible, e.g., for overseas students, in which case the application form and ‘home’ tutor’s recommendations will be used to decide suitability; phone, internet and video conferencing may also be used. Places on the programmes will be offered based on applicants’ background qualifications and, where appropriate, experiences.

Non-Standard entry criteria

According to the Regulations for Glyndŵr University: ‘Taught master's Degrees’, it is possible for a non-graduate to be admitted to candidature provided that:

1. They have a non-graduate qualification which Glyndŵr University has deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of postgraduate admission, and
2. They held, for a minimum of two years, a responsible position which is relevant to the programme to be pursued within the previous five years.’

Irrespective of a candidate’s entry qualifications, the student must provide evidence to the satisfaction of the interview panel of his/her ability to complete academic work of the required standard to successfully complete the scheme of study proposed.

Teaching & Assessment

You will be assessed throughout your course through a variety of methods including portfolios, presentations and, for certain subjects, examinations.

The programme is informed and guided by the Active Learning Framework (ALF), which incorporates a blended learning approach. This approach is a key part of the delivery and involves teaching, learning support, and the delivery of online sessions. The embedding of ALF provides students with a more flexible approach to their learning and is fundamental in giving all students equal opportunity to succeed.

The learning and teaching methods adopted reflect the QAA Master’s degree characteristics descriptors in the following ways:

1. Lectures are used to impart key information and show case new ways of working which will enable students to develop a sound understanding of the principles of their field of study as well as identifying new ways of working.
2. Case studies, role plays, and group working will be used to facilitate application of the principles more widely. They will also be used to prompt discussion and practise problem solving skills. This will also allow students to evaluate the appropriateness of different approaches to solving problems.
3. The use of portfolios facilitates reflection on the qualities necessary for employment, requiring the exercise of personal responsibility and decision making. Additionally, they will allow students to identify the limits of their knowledge and skills and identify strategies for development.
4. Assessments are used to facilitate learning as well as providing an indication of student achievement.

The programme provides opportunities for formative, diagnostic and summative feedback. The assessment methods used reflect the needs of the student group and allows for the knowledge and learning outcomes of the programme to be tested as well as allowing for the development and assessment of practical and transferable skills.

Where assessed group work is undertaken, you will be expected, through the production of meeting notes and action plans, to demonstrate that you have contributed equally to the task. This element of personal contribution will determine your overall module assessment. i.e., not all students within a group should expect the same mark.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, student-led seminars and guided research.

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject-specific and key skills. It is promoted through guided study or feedback given to students.

We also offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping them deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

Career prospects

The MSc Composite Materials Engineering programme facilitates the need for a range of diverse industries at local, national, and international levels, to provide them with potential future employees of the highest calibre. The programme has been devised to give you opportunities to demonstrate your relevant technical expertise, innovation, commitment, and sound judgment. Thereby producing students who are Engineering professionals and a sought-after asset to future employers. Previous students are either in full-time employment or pursuing a PhD.

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

The course equips you with thorough knowledge and skills in engineering at the forefront of new and emerging technologies. Graduates will be well placed to become subject specialists within the industry or to pursue research careers within academia.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

Wrexham Glyndŵr University’s tuition fees for 2023/24 for MSc Composite Materials Engineering are £7,250.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our Fees and Funding section. 

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Subject to re-validation

As part of its continuous quality assurance and enhancement, the University reviews its courses on a regular basis to ensure that they reflect the needs of students and employers. Periodic review of the existing programmes is required every five years and major changes may be made to the programmes during the re-validation process. As soon as the programmes are re-validated the details of the course will be confirmed. The majority of courses that are still ‘subject to re-validation’ are approved by the validation process; however, this is not guaranteed and should the course not go ahead as planned, or be significantly amended, you will be informed by the university and assistance will be provided to those who have been offered a place to find a suitable alternative course either at Wrexham Glyndwr University or at another provider.

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.