MSc in Advanced Composites
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Programme overview
Our MSc programme provides you with an in-depth theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of advanced composites. The programme is based in the Bristol Composites Institute (BCI), which houses state-of-the-art composites manufacturing facilities to help you conduct cutting-edge research in the field of composites engineering. The BCI comprises over 30 academics, 40 post-doctroal researchers and 100 post-graduate students dedicated to composites research, establishing itself as a global leader in this field.
BCI has strong industrial and research links with various international companies and research centres. Many of our MSc students choose projects proposed by our industrial partners for their dissertation projects. This provides them with excellent opportunities to address industry-relevant challenges and significantly enhances their employability for future careers. Furthermore, many of our overseas students secure their jobs in the UK through the Graduate Route visa, which enables them to work for 2 years immediately after completing their degrees.
BCI collaborates closely with the National Composites Centre to create synergies between academia and industry. The NCC was established by the University of Bristol as one of the UK's Catapult centres with the capital investment exceeding £65M, to support industry to test, demonstrate and develop innovative ideas while fostering collaborations between industry, research organisations and academia. The NCC offers our MSc graduates the chance to apply for the NCC internship scheme, which is an excellent opportunity to gain strong industrial research experience.
The BCI offers two types of master degrees: MSc (taught master) and MScR (Master in Science by Research).
MSc (taught)
This taught master programme consists of 9 months of structured taught courses followed by a 3-month research project. This programme is tailored for graduate students with relevant bachelor's or master's degrees who aspire to become composite engineers. Engineers with industrial experience seeking to transition their expertise to composites will also find this programme very suitable.
Taught units
The taught courses will offer comprehensive education in advanced materials, structures, and manufacturing essential to composites industry, covering fundamentals to practical design and manufacturing skills. Particularly, the MSc group project will provide you with an exciting opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you gained during the courseworks to a real-world composite product. Check out our previous projects here - MSc group projects.
The research projects supported by our industrial partners will provide you with valuable opportunities to gain highly industry-relevant research experience.
| Unit name | Unit code | Credit points | Status | Teaching block |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research Project | CADEM0010 | 60 | Mandatory | AYEAR |
| Advanced Topics in Composites | CADEM0009 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
| Composites for Lightweight Structures | AENGM0082 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-2 |
| Composites Design, Manufacture and Product Development | AENGM0091 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
| Composite Materials for Sustainability | AENGM0092 | 20 | Mandatory | TB-1 |
| Candidates should select 40CP of optional units: 20CP in TB-1 and 20CP in TB-2 | ||||
| Technology Innovation in Practice | INOVM0023 | 20 | Optional | TB-1 |
| Wind Energy Systems | AENGM0081 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
| Smart Manufacturing Processes and Technologies | MENGM0065 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
| Advanced Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity | AENGM0088 | 20 | Optional | TB-2 |
| MSc in Advanced Composites | 180 | |||
Dissertation project
Near the end of the first term, a list of projects proposed by our industrial partners and academics will be released to the students for their selection. All project allocations are completed by the end of January, well in advance of the full-time 3-month project period. Starting in February, students begin preliminary literature reviews and project planning with their supervisory teams, alongside their taught courses.
The number of proposals has consistently been 2-3 times greater than the number of students. The project topics cover various aspects of composites, including design, manufacturing, processing, structural analysis, simulation, material characterization, and more. Additionally, students have the opportunity to define their own project topics and select their supervisory team.
Here are some of our industrial partners who have collaborated on MSc projects in the last 5 years. Our MSc programme engages with a variety of renowned companies across different fields, and continues to develop our industrial network.
National Composites Centre, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Airbus, Vestas, Magma Global, Teijin Carbon, Solvay, Rimac Automobile, GMI-Aero, and others.
Entry requirements
Academic requirement
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2:1 (60%) in a STEM subject / 2:1 in a non-STEM subject, fulfilling module requirements (at least one mechanics module or one materials module + one module related to the programme
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Applicants with industrial experience in composites or general engineering will also be assessed on a case by case basis.
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Applicants with grades slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements will also be considered, if they have a relevant postgraduate qualification.
English language requirement
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
MScR (Master in Science by Research)
This research master's program consists solely of a one-year-long research project, without taught courses. It offers you the chance to conduct intensive research on a topic related to composites under the supervision of BCI academics with relevant expertise. This program provides excellent opportunities to establish solid foundations for further research, such as pursuing a PhD or EngD. Therefore, it is ideal for graduate students with degrees closely related to composites or engineers with relevant degrees and industrial experience.
Entry requirements
Academic requirement
MSc by Research applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of an upper second class honours degree (or international equivalent) in science, mathematics or engineering and demonstrate readiness to pursue a research degree.
Applicants should reach out to a potential academic supervisor to discuss eligibility and research project topics before submitting an application, as the application should include a research statement together with a supporting letter from the potential academic supervisor. If you are interested in this programme, please contact the programme director and discuss the process.
English language requirement
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Enrolling in the MSC Advanced Composites course at the University of Bristol has been a transformative experience. The program offers unparalleled depth of knowledge and practical insights directly applicable to the industry to address the real-world challenges. The supportive and focused culture at Bristol ensures that every student receives exceptional guidance and assistance.
Scholarships
There are no specific scholarships dedicated to our MSc program. However, you may apply for university-level scholarships.
For UK students - Bristol Master's scholarship
For international students - ThinkBig International Scholarship
Key contacts
If you have any questions about the program details or application process, please feel free to contact us.
Programme Director
Dr ByungChul (Eric) Kim
General enquiries
Career prospects
Our MSc graduates pursue various career paths based on their long-term aspirations.
- Working in industry (Aerospace - Airbus, Rolls-Royce / Automotive - JLR, Bugatti-Rimac / Wind energy - Vestas / Defence - Babcock / Composites manufacturing - Magma / R&D organisations - National Composites Centre / high-tech start-ups - iCOMAT / consultancy companies, etc.)
- Continuing research through PhD or EngD.
See what some of our recent graduates have to say - testimonials from our MSc graduates.
Working in the UK after your degree
Students can apply for Graduate Route visas, which allow them to work in the UK industry for 2 years upon successful completion of their MSc degrees. Many of our international students have seamlessly transitioned into roles within the UK industry immediately following their degree completion, without any gaps.
For more information, please visit Graduate route.