MSc Metamaterials
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 months full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | 2:1 degree in Physics, Natural Science, Engineering, Materials Science, Maths or Chemistry (with a significant component of Physical Chemistry) |
|---|---|
Why study MSc Metamaterials at Exeter?
- Join the next generation of materials scientists and engineers with our MSc in Metamaterials.
- Enhance your knowledge of the physical principles of advanced materials and metamaterials and apply cutting-edge analytical and numerical methodologies to design and fabricate them.
- Gain practical insights into contemporary real-world problems and how innovative solutions can be facilitated through novel material properties.
- Benefit from Exeter’s interdisciplinary research expertise, our industrial partners and connections with the wider metamaterials community.
Top 15 for Physics and Astronomy in three major UK league tables
12th in the Guardian University Guide 2026; 11th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026; 12th in the Complete University Guide 2027
Learn from research-active academics leading in the advanced materials and metamaterials field
Opportunities to connect with industrial scientists and engineers from organisations at the forefront of advanced materials
Contribute to research while studying by undertaking an independent research project linked with one of our research groups.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have a 2:1 degree in Physics, Natural Science, Engineering, Materials Science, Maths or Chemistry (with a significant component of Physical Chemistry).
Applications will also be considered from candidates with a 2:2 in these subject areas or if they have additional industrial experience. In these instances, applicants should refer to the programme director.
Prerequisite experience needed
Assumed knowledge for the core courses in this degree include:
- Basic mathematics for physics: single and multi-variable calculus (differentiation and integration), trigonometry, complex numbers, vectors, vector calculus, Taylor and Fourier series, Fourier transforms.
- Introductory scientific computing: data handling, simple statistics (computing means and variances), plotting functions and histograms, writing simple programs in a general-purpose programming language e.g. Python or C++.
International students may require an ATAS certificate.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
Our MSc has been designed to equip you with the skills for success in the field of advanced materials innovation. The programme draws on the disciplines of Engineering and Physics, providing you with the skill set needed to model, simulate, design and experimentally characterise novel materials with unique properties.
You will develop a well-balanced understanding of the physics of such materials, across a variety of regimes including electromagnetism, acoustics, elasticity and quantum, whilst attaining an engineering perspective on their applications. You will gain the technical skills to solve problems that currently can’t be solved with conventional material properties whilst having the opportunity to gain insight into the innovation and entrepreneurship required to take such developments outside of academia.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
150 credits of compulsory modules, 30 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Metamaterials | 15 | |
| Composite Materials | 15 | |
| Theory and Application of Metamaterials | 15 | |
| Frontiers in Physics Research | 15 | |
| Research Project | 90 | |
ENGM016: Metamaterials
This multidisciplinary module will focus on innovative materials that combine mechanical properties with unusual chemical, optical or electromagnetic properties. These materials include, but are not limited to, nanomaterials, carbon-based and organic materials, hybrid materials and metamaterials. You will investigate the application of these materials through research showcases in opto-electronics, energy harvesting and storage and wearables.
This module will cover the principles behind the behaviour of nanomaterials, as well as nanofabrication techniques and advanced applications of nanostructured and nanoengineered materials, and the issues associated with the manufacturing and commercialisation of such materials.
The aim of this module is to explore the many applications of an expanding range of materials at the nanoscale. Examples of applications of such materials in areas such as opto-electronics, energy harvesting and storage, and wearables.
ENGM017: Composite Materials
This advanced, masters level module, will provide a detail course in the mechanics, manufacturing and design of composite materials. This course will be of great importance to engineers looking to work in the aerospace, automotive industries, where composites usage is every increasing. The module is split between 40% coursework and exam (60%). The coursework will focus on a design for manufacturing and performance of a real-world example of an aircraft structure. It will require students to pool all aspects of the degree together, from understanding of materials, fundamental structures and quantitative methods for design.
This module aims to:
- develop a broad understanding of various types of constituent (reinforcement and matrix) materials
- appreciate the principles which guide their selection for composites design and engineering applications; 3) appreciate the diverse manufacturing techniques/methodologies for composite materials
- understand the relationships between manufacture, properties (in particular, mechanical properties) and performance
PHYM017: Theory and Application of Metamaterials
This module focuses on the implementation of analytical modelling to the industrial applications of metamaterials: rationally designed composites with exotic properties not achievable in nature. You will gain deep mathematical insight into the modelling of resonant periodic systems in electromagnetism, acoustics, and elasticity, gaining proficiency in the powerful transfer matrix method. These skills will be applied in three industrial case studies of metamaterial-based businesses and products: you will delve into the physics and design space that makes these advantageous over conventional solutions, and learn about the manufacturing and commercialisation challenges that must be overcome to bring metamaterials to market and into our lives.
Please note this module has a co-requisite of ENGM016 Metamaterials.
PHYM502: Frontiers in Physics Research
This module will provide you with an appreciation of the frontiers of knowledge and understanding in your chosen area of Physics. You will attend presentations given by leading international researchers as part of the regular departmental seminar programmes. You will be required to take notes during each seminar and select a topic to explore in depth using online research resources such as reviews and research articles and prepare a 5,000 report on your selected topic.
The module aims to deepen your knowledge in your chosen area of research specialism while at the same time developing skills in goal-setting and time-management. It is expected that completing this module you will be better placed to decide upon a research problem to investigate in your research project.
You will also gain knowledge in the generic research skills that will underpin your research project during the MSc programme. These include undertaking a critical literature review; the importance of communicating research; the life cycle of research; referencing; research plagiarism and ethics; and peer-review.
You will you discuss the findings in your report in a viva and apply constructive self-criticism of your final work.
PHYM503: Research Project
A major distinguishing feature of our MSc programme is its substantial project which will require you to apply the knowledge you have acquired to a real problem in a professional research environment. The aim is to foster the skills in open-ended problem solving necessary for the practising physicist. You will be given the opportunity to select a project supervisor from your chosen area of expertise and work together to design a suitable research project. The project will contribute towards 50% of the mark for your degree and will provide you with the key experience in independent research you need to advance your career.
You will work on a project linked to one of our research groups and using the knowledge gained from the modules, you will be ideally positioned to choose an exciting problem to investigate in a topic in an area that interests and motivates you. Over the period of the project, you will learn how to work as part of a research group and to develop advanced skills in research planning, execution, and reporting, possibly leading to publication of your work in an international journal.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Engineering Electromagnetics | 15 | |
| Finite Element Analysis for High Value Manufacturing | 15 | |
| Additive Manufacturing | 15 | |
| Advanced Communication Systems | 15 | |
| Data-Centric Engineering | 15 | |
| Sustainable Manufacturing | 15 | |
| Intellectual Property For Engineering Innovation | 15 | |
| Nanostructures and Graphene Science | 15 | |
| Condensed Matter II | 15 | |
| Quantum Optics and Photonics | 15 | |
ENG3004: Engineering Electromagnetics
A fundamental knowledge of electromagnetics is critical when pursuing a career in electronic engineering, providing you with understanding of how signals travel in conductors and in space for applications in communications and antenna systems and foundation for designing such systems. Beginning with the physical exploration of electromagnetics, you will study the origins of electric and magnetic fields, looking at the historical impact and application of electromagnetism. Furthermore, you will investigate electrostatics and the electric field as well as magnetic forces and magnetostatics, applying this knowledge to real world engineering problems; exploring theories, such as Maxwell's equations, you will develop essential problem-solving tools. Meanwhile, studying communication systems, you will consider elements such as the transmission of mobile phone signals and how radio works, incorporating Hertz's first measurement of radio waves. Assignments will cover practical exercises and open-ended problems to design your microwave waveguides or antenna systems with numerical models.
ENG3022: Finite Element Analysis for High Value Manufacturing
This module will provide a hands-on introduction to Finite Element Analysis for modelling complex structures and materials. This helps to maximise the performance of our designs by analysing the suitability of materials and equipment before and during manufacturing. It will provide a elementary foundation in the mathematical foundations of finite element analysis, building on the stiffness matrix approaches introduce earlier, however it focuses on an introduce to using finite element analysis using a commercial finite element package (ANSYS) to evaluate the manufacturability of different materials to enhance the design and early evaluation of critical design parameters. The module will be 100% coursework with a series of coursework deliverables: coursework 1, which test fundamental understanding, and coursework 2, testing how FEM can be used for engineering design.
This module is suitable for all Engineering students who have taken the prerequisite ENG2011 Solid Mechanics
The aim of this module is making the students familiarised with different FEA applications required for the design and manufacturing including stress analysis, thermal analysis, vibration, and impact & crash analysis. These types of evaluations will help to achieve high value manufacturing by minimising the waste, and required design cycles, for an optimal high-quality product. Such evaluations also help to validate and certify the designs for manufacturing.
ENGM001: Additive Manufacturing
This module is dedicated to additive manufacturing, focusing on parts that are fabricated through additive processes (powder or filament – metallics, polymer or composites) versus the conventional, subtractive methods. As we approach a time where resources scarcity and clean/carbon neutral manufacturing technologies are amongst the key business drivers in many engineering sectors, this module aims to introduce you to the digital manufacturing processes, materials, design and applications.
The syllabus will provide you with in-depth knowledge of additive manufacturing processes for metallics, polymers and composites, from principles of operation to fundamentals of material processing including rheology (powder and polymer melt), sintering mechanisms and models, crystallization characteristics. Properties and green credentials of the technology will also be discussed.
AIMS - intentions of the module:
ENGM002: Advanced Communication Systems
The fast, reliable and low-power communication of information is critical to our modern technologically oriented world. Communication Systems is a field of study that has gained significant importance in recent years due to the rapid advancement of communication technologies and the increasing demand for high-speed and reliable communication networks.
In this module you will learn about the fundamental operating principles of wireless devices and systems for mobile and satellite communications, what factors drive their design, and their current and likely future applications. This includes the Internet of Things, or IoT, which is the network of Internet-based smart devices, or “Things”, that integrate embedded processors, sensors, and communication hardware to collect and exchange data. We will also explore some advanced topics in optical communication systems.
ENGM010: Data-Centric Engineering
The next decade will see a step changes in data-driven technology, impacting all aspects of engineering and industry. By exploiting data being generated presents enormous engineering opportunities to transform both system design and control.
This module focuses on the logic, algorithms, and frameworks that are essential to tackle real-world data and the grand challenges of modern data-driven engineering applicable to the domains such as materials, patient-specific medicine, virtual prototyping, and sustainability.
The module will introduce the students to mathematical foundations and state-of-the-art methods in probabilistic modelling, Bayesian analysis, and probabilistic machine learning.
The module aims at providing a course in mathematical foundations and advanced methods for data-centric engineering at the frontiers of the research of interest at the University of Exeter.
ENGM023: Sustainable Manufacturing
This module aims to broaden your understanding of how to make “manufacturing” more sustainable. We are currently living in a highly globalised world, in which most of our products are manufactured in one country while sold in another country. In the manufacturing process, huge amounts of energy and materials are consumed, a large amount of waste is generated, and various social concerns are raised. Most of the current production and consumption systems are linear, adopting a “take, make and dispose” model and thereby contributing to the depletion of natural resources. To achieve sustainable growth, firms need to shift from linear to circular economy models. In recent years, new technologies are emerging, the international trading policies are changing, and sustainability issues are becoming more important. It is important to understand how these would affect the manufacturing system and supply chain management.
The module provides you with a comprehensive view of sustainable manufacturing from theories and practices. In this module, you will learn the theoretical concepts of sustainable design, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, circular economy, and digital solutions for sustainable manufacturing, understanding the cutting-edge challenges in the context of sustainable manufacturing, and use the practical methods/tools to solve problems. Case studies, methods and tools from the latest research will be provided in the module.
ENSM034: Intellectual Property For Engineering Innovation
Intellectual creations form the basis for designing, developing, and delivering impactful technologies and innovations. Understanding and managing what, when, where, and how to protect these creations is critical and it requires a comprehensive understanding of intellectual property (IP) rights and other protection mechanisms. This module will introduce the fundamentals of intellectual property (IP) rights, core components in managing IP and their relevance to engineering, technology development and innovation. The module will deliver key concepts, frameworks, analytical methods, and practical tools for identifying and assessing the novelty of intellectual creations, exploring different protection mechanisms and IP rights, and exploiting IP for technology transfer and commercialization. The module will include analytics workshops to search and analyse IP databases for exploring existing inventions (prior art) and for analysing technology trends and competitive landscapes for informed dPHY3064: Nanostructures and Graphene Science
In this module students work in groups to prepare presentations for the whole class and follow this by working individually on their own reports, which comprise the majority of the assessed components. The fundamental physics learned in previous core modules on quantum mechanics, solid-state and statistical physics, is used as a basis to describe and explain the operation of devices that exploit both quantum phenomena and the unique characteristics of graphene. As well as demonstrating the application of physics to technology, the module also provides a grounding that will be useful for careers in the electronics and photonics industries.
Our ability to transmit, process, and store information now depends upon the quantum properties of matter and radiation and in some cases may exploit the properties of single quanta. In addition to their potential applications, quantum phenomena continue to provide new ways of probing our understanding of the world and allow us to explore the new physics of nanostructures and nanomaterials, such as graphene.
PHYM003: Condensed Matter II
The module will apply much of the core physics covered in PHY2021, PHY2024, and PHY3051 to novel systems and engage with fundamental electric, magnetic and optical phenomena in metals and dielectrics. The module illustrates and draws on research undertaken in the Department: studies on atomically thin (2D) systems, oscillatory effects in strong magnetic fields, superconductivity, optical and magnetic phenomena.
Pre-requisite modules: PHY2024, PHY3051 and PHYM001 or equivalent modules.
The module aims to develop understanding of effects that played a key role in the development of contemporary solid state physics and to provide a general description of its current trends. The different topics covered will be linked by the idea that electrons in solids can be treated as quasi-particles interacting with other quasi-particles: electrons, phonons, photons. In addition to electrons, other excitations in solids are considered, e.g. Cooper pairs, plasmons and polaritons.
PHYM015: Quantum Optics and Photonics
This module explores how light may be controlled and guided at the level of few photons. It describes how quantum physics may be harnessed in the future to offer new and exciting opportunities in manipulating light, including quantum computing and communication. This module will range over basic physics, mathematical formulation of quantum theory, and topical applications. Pre-requisite modules: PHY1023, PHY2022 and PHY3051.
This module aims to develop a detailed understanding of the physics that underpins quantum optics and photonics, and learn the underlying mathematical language. It will explores solutions to problems from topics at the forefront of current optics research, such as the production and manipulation of light in non-classical states.
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£12,900 full-time
International fees per year:
£28,900 full-time
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
MSc Metamaterials provides an unparalleled student experience, immersing you in our dynamic teaching and research environment from day one. Our interdisciplinary programme fosters a creative environment for you to study, research and innovate. Engaging regularly with research-active academics and industry leaders through seminars, workshops, and tutorials, you will discuss material that is at the very cutting edge of the discipline of advanced materials and metamaterials. You will also attend departmental, national and international colloquia, enhancing your knowledge in the field.
The Centre for Metamaterials Research and Innovation
This programme is part of Exeter’s Centre for Metamaterials Research and Innovation (CMRI), a community of academic, industrial, and governmental partners that harnesses research excellence from theory to application and enables the simulation, measurement, and fabrication of metamaterials and metamaterial-based devices. Our academic expertise spans electromagnetism (from visible and infra-red through to THz and microwave), acoustics and fluidics. The materials we work with have wide application, e.g. imaging, sensing and spectroscopy, acoustic and RF signature reduction, energy storage and harvesting.
Over the last five years, I have highly valued and thoroughly enjoyed working with students from the metamaterials team at the University of Exeter, and collaborating with the academic staff and researchers. Having been closely involved in many student projects, ranging from microwave metamaterials to nutrition science, I am continually impressed by the depth and breadth of scientific capability, talent, and can-do attitude. Our partnership has enabled access to a broad range of world-class facilities, linked scientific excellence to technical delivery, and created a large external network that is particularly relevant to industrial R&D partners such as PepsiCo.
John Bows
R&D Director, PepsiCo
Careers
The MSc Metamaterials programme positions you at the forefront of a sector with soaring demand for skilled professionals. As industries increasingly recognise the transformative potential of advanced materials and metamaterials, your expertise will be sought after for a range of impactful roles.
Employment opportunities
There is a wealth of employability opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Particularly pertinent sectors have roots in advanced and metamaterials for sustainability, where such devices offer ways to tackle the climate crisis through energy efficiency, storage, generation, harvesting and conversion with further applications such as passive cooling, low-power computing, lightweighting in aviation and waste heat recovery.
Industry connections
Through our extensive industry connections, you'll have the chance to engage directly with local industries as well as brand name industrial partners. This exposure not only enriches your academic journey but also provides you with an opportunity to connect with those recruiting in the field.
You will benefit from the CMRI's long term and extensive links with regional and national employers; graduates from CMRI have started successful careers in a range of industries and organisations (e.g. QinetiQ, Snap Inc, Quantum Brilliance, Diabetes UK, Dstl, Institute of Cancer Research, COMSOL, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, GALGUS, BAE Systems, and academic institutions around the globe).
Careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
