MSc Composite Materials Engineering

Course details
Year of entry
2026
Duration
1 YR (FT) 2 YRS (PT)
Institution Code
G53
Location
Wrexham
Course Highlights
Access
to Advanced Composite Training and Development Centre (ACT&DC) with Airbus
Accredited programme
with IMechE, IET & RAeS
Taught by lecturers
from industrial and research backgrounds
Why choose this course?
The MSc Composite Materials Engineering programme will equip you with the knowledge in manufacturing and characterisation of composite materials and engineering design.
- You will learn the full lifecycle of components designed and manufactured with composites. From the first principles, you will learn the constituent parts of composite material and understand the reasons for selecting each material. From there manufacturing methodologies will be understood. Design using composites will be taught after the different types of failure mechanisms are shown. Finally, repair, recycling and disposal of composites will be discussed in detail.
- Wrexham University shares an Advanced Composite Training and Development Centre (ACT&DC) with Airbus at the Broughton site. This fully equipped specialist composite laboratory will be used throughout the MSc Composite Materials Engineering programme.
- You will be taught by lecturers from industrial and research backgrounds through a combination of lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and computer classes.
- The University is perfectly placed with several composite manufacturers within 30 miles, namely Solvay, Sigmatex and Exel Composites.
- In addition, there are a few SME and large engineering companies that utilise composite materials for their designs and components.
- The programme has been developed to allow different undergraduate qualifications (provided they are from STEM backgrounds) to study for their masters.
Key course features
- Open door policy to meet with tutors
- Additional support provided through workshops
- Hands on practical modules Accredited programme with IMechE, IET & RAeS
What you will study
MODULES
- Engineering Research Methods & PG Studies
- Engineering Design & Innovation
- Composite Manufacture, Assembly & Repair
- Design with Composites-Theory & Practice
- Analysis, Testing & QA of Composites
- Environmental & Sustainable Aspects of Composites
- Dissertation
Entry requirements & applying
Normal entry requirements for full-time and part-time intake will be one:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Wrexham University: ‘Taught master's Degrees’, it is possible for a non-graduate to be admitted to candidature provided that:
- They have a non-graduate qualification which Wrexham University has deemed to be of a satisfactory standard for the purpose of postgraduate admission, and
- 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 learning and teaching methods adopted reflect the QAA Master’s degree characteristics descriptors in the following ways:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.
All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.