Professor Eric J. Palmiere is course director of the M.Sc. (Engineering) Aerospace Materials programme at the University of Sheffield, U.K. He is also Professor of Metallurgy and Thermomechanical Processing at the university. He speaks about the curriculum of the programme, career outcomes, application advice, and assuages any fears international students may have. Excerpts from an interview.
About the programme
This degree is fully accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). It is taught over a year and comprises of 70% taught/practical component and a 30% project-based component. The project is based around materials and manufacturing methods utilised in the aerospace sector. This programme is specifically designed to give students the breadth and depth in the fundamentals of aerospace materials and how they can be applied to industrial problems — giving them the skills of direct use to a range of employers. Core modules include: aerospace metals, design and manufacture of composites, science of materials, materials processing and characterisation, materials selection, properties and applications, technical skills development, heat and materials with application, and advanced materials manufacturing.
Advantages
The Faculty of Engineering at The University of Sheffield is one of the biggest and best providers of engineering research and education in the U.K, with over 5,000 students and an annual research income of £65m. Materials science is a vital component of the faculty, within itself, but also as part of interdisciplinary research such as aerospace engineering with strong partnerships with industry leaders globally, such as Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Siemens. The U.K has 17% of the world’s aerospace industry, and Sheffield is in the heartland of it — many international aerospace companies look to the department to discover ways to improve both materials and processes for use in their products.
The University of Sheffield founded and developed a campaign called #WeAreInternational in 2013, which highlights the crucial value of international students to the U.K. The campaign is now supported by more than 160 universities, student groups and organisations across the U.K who are passionate about retaining inclusive, diverse and international environments of study. #WeAreInternational aims to ensure that the positive impact of international students and staff is heard. There are also a number of events, both within the department as well as university-wide for international students to interact and share their experiences. No issues are anticipated as the U.K. goes through Brexit negotiations over the next two years.
Career paths and employers
Most students who successfully complete the programme have a number of options, from pursuing further postgraduate studies either within the U.K or internationally, to finding employment in their home countries with companies associated with the aerospace, automotive, construction or energy sectors. Sheffield’s graduates are working across manufacturing, research and development, technology and construction, and higher education sectors in such roles as: materials and processes engineer, materials engineer, program designer, post-doctoral researcher. Employers include Astrium, Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery, Suzhong Zhongmenzi Technology. Students will tackle real-world projects, attend lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals and master-classes delivered by academic and industry experts, including those from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, among others.
Eligibility
Students must have a recognised honours degree in materials, metallurgy, chemistry or related engineering subject from an approved institution. Additionally, there is an English language requirement of an overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
There are a number of India Merit Scholarships and Shared Commonwealth Scholarships available. Postgraduate master’s loans are possible. 50% merit scholarships are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
