MSc in Advanced Engineering Materials in Limerick Ireland | University of Limerick

This program aims to develop Master's graduates with comprehensive expertise in instrumentation for materials analysis and characterization, along with advanced understanding of Materials Science, Materials Processing, and Surface Technology. Through specialized modules, students will gain thorough knowledge of material science and engineering principles relevant to high-strength aerospace materials or coating selection methodologies, mirroring approaches used by engineering consultants. Graduates will be prepared for careers across manufacturing sectors, consultancy roles, or further academic pursuits at the PhD level.
This Master of Science degree is a full-time, two-semester plus summer program following a modular credit system (90 ECTS). The curriculum begins in Semester 1 with analytical techniques (including microscopy, electron microscopy, X-ray analysis, spectroscopy methods, particle size analysis, and specimen preparation), materials structure (exploring property-structure relationships in metals, polymers, and ceramics, phase transformations, and failure mechanisms), and advanced processing methods (covering manufacturing techniques for various materials and coating applications).
Semester 1 additionally incorporates essential management systems for standardizing and auditing industrial manufacturing processes. Semester 2 deepens analytical technique knowledge while introducing modeling software for materials development, alongside exposure to current research challenges in Materials Science.
Students select one specialization elective focusing on composite materials or aerospace metals, plus a second elective covering either materials selection/design (examining property-design interactions and computer-aided selection methods) or surface degradation/protection (exploring coatings for enhanced resistance to oxidation, corrosion, and wear).
During Semester 2, students initiate a substantial 45-credit research project under the guidance of leading Materials Science & Engineering researchers. These projects utilize the university's cutting-edge instrumentation to generate publishable research findings or potential intellectual property.