Program

Materials Technology - 8717

Program Summary

Faculty: Faculty of Science

Contact: School of Materials Science and Engineering

Campus: Sydney

Career: Postgraduate

Typical Duration: 2 Years  

Typical UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC Per Semester: 6

Max UOC Per Semester: 24

Min UOC For Award: 96

Award(s):

Master of Materials Technology (Specialisation)

View program information for previous years

Program Description

The Master of Materials Technology is a 1 to 2 year full-time program, depending upon the granting of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The program is normally taken as a 96 unit of credit program, over a minimum of 4 full-time semesters, or 8 part-time semesters. However, it can be taken as a 72 UOC (1.5 years full-time equivalent) or 48 UOC program (1 year full-time equivalent), subject to RPL.

This program is designed for students wishing to expand and advance their knowledge in Materials Science and Engineering. It provides a comprehensive, yet flexible, study of the full range of materials science and engineering disciplines. The 2 year program offers graduate education for professionals to broaden their knowledge in the design, selection, use and performance of modern materials. Admission is open to students with undergraduate degrees in the chemical or physical sciences, engineering or appropriate related fields.

Program Objectives and Graduate Attributes

The program covers a broad spectrum of materials science and engineering, emphasizing the application of the basic sciences to the understanding of the structure, properties, and processing of materials. It aims to develop well-educated graduates with the skills, attributes and knowledge required in the workplace.

Upon completion of the program, the successful candidates are expected:
  1. To develop the required skills in areas such as problem solving, critical thinking, self-motivation, investigation independence, economic, environmental and social awareness;
  2. To become competent in experimental research and development technique, both in individual and team settings;
  3. To develop a high level of skill in professional communication, both written and oral; and
  4. To have enhanced employment prospects in materials and related engineering, science, design and manufacturing disciplines.

Program Structure

The program consists of 2 years of full-time (or equivalent) study that requires students to complete 96 Units of Credit (UOC) of courses. This comprises 72 UOC of formal coursework plus 24 UOC of research project work. The courses are primarily offered on a full-time, face-to-face basis. However, it is possible for students to progress on a part-time basis at their discretion, provided they satisfy appropriate course prerequisites.

Upper level courses are also provided within the program focusing on different areas of materials engineering: materials engineering, ceramic engineering, process metallurgy and physical metallurgy. Students interested in a particular area can select appropriate courses and complete a thesis relating to the plan.

The courses are designed to ensure depth and breadth, and course content consists of a balanced program of materials engineering lectures and laboratories including mechanical behaviour, metal, ceramic and polymer processing and their properties. Generic and technical skills are developed through coverage of relevant aspects of presentation, communication, organisational, and further management skills.

Normally students must complete:
  1. Compulsory core courses (totalling 24 UOC)
  2. Research Project (24 UOoC)
  3. Elective courses (totalling 48 UOC)

Core Courses (24 UOC)
Students must take the following four core courses:

Research Project (24 UOC)
In addition, all students must complete a 24 UOC Research Project. This project is normally undertaken over 2 Semesters. Therefore students will be required to enrol in (MATS6113 Research Project) twice over two (normally consecutive) semesters.

Elective Courses (48 UOC)
A minimum of 48 UOC of advanced disciplinary electives must be taken. These include dedicated Masters coursework courses from the following list:
As part of the 48 UOC of electives, students may take up to two advanced level 3 or 4 undergraduate courses in Materials Science and Engineering (maximum 12 UOC) from the following list:
Note: These elective courses may share some contents with undergraduate courses, broader and more advanced topics will be assigned to the postgraduates and separate assessments may be carried out if required by the academic. Enroment in postgraduate courswork offered by Schools other than the School of Materials Science and Engineering is permitted as part of the 48 UOC of electives, subject to the approval of the Head of School.

The study program for the Master of Materials Technology can be viewed here.

Academic Rules

Please refer to 'Program Structure' above.

Fees

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  UNSW Fee Website.

Admission Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for the Masters of Materials Technology is one of the following:
  • A Bachelor degree with a minimum weighted average mark (WAM) of 65. The Bachelor degree needs to be in a cognate science or engineering discipline;
  • A Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in the Materials Sciences with a WAM greater than 65;
  • An Honours degree at a recognised university;
  • A Bachelor degree with a minimum WAM of 50-65 PLUS approximately five years professional experience in a relevant field such as in the materials processing or testing industry.
Applicants with other relevant qualifications and experience not listed may apply for admission to this program as follows. This is in accordance with UNSW Policy and Procedure on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they have achieved the same knowledge and skills (learning outcomes) through their formal or informal learning as the qualifications listed for entry for this program. This may be evidenced by qualification certificates, records of assessment activities relating to course or program learning outcomes, examples of experience from the workplace, community, or other context which demonstrate relevant skills, knowledge or competencies, membership (or eligibility for membership) of professional organisations which require attainment of certain qualifications, or testimonials of skills, knowledge or competencies from workplace supervisors. Any relevant documentation should be attached to the application and will be considered by the Academic Coordinator for the Program.

Those that apply for admission to the program from a cognate field and/or apply with an Honours degree may be able to apply for credit based on RPL as outlined below. Those that enter the program from a non-cognate Bachelor or other degrees will only be eligible for credit where it is directly relevant to materials technology.

Recognition for Prior Learning / Advanced Standing

Students with a three year Bachelor degree in materials science and engineering, are eligible for 24 UOC of advanced standing in the program and will only be required to complete 72 UOC of courses. Advanced standing will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Program Coordinator.

Students with an Honours (AQF Level 8) degree in a relevant Science or Engineering discipline may be eligible for up to 48 UOC of Advanced Standing. Advanced Standing may be awarded for Compulsory and/or Elective courses, but all students must complete (at a minimum) the 24 UOC Research Project. Advanced standing will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Program Coordinator.

Relevant Science and Engineering disciplines include:
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
Students who enter the program with a Graduate Diploma or higher qualification in materials science and engineering, may be eligible for up to 48 UOC of advanced standing as determined on a case-by-case basis by the Program Coordinator.

Students who enter the program from a non-cognate degree, but have studied some materials science and engineering electives at a senior level in their undergraduate program, may be eligible for up to 24 UOC of credit as determined by the Program Coordinator.

Pathways

Graduates from this program would expect to find employment in prominent private sector materials industries or in government agencies or consultancies. Students completing 24 UOC of project work in the program may also consider applying for Masters by Research or PhD programs.

Area(s) of Specialisation