The Master of Engineering Science (Materials) is a 72 unit program offered by the School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

The Master of Engineering Science (Materials) articulates with the 36 unit Graduate Diploma in Engineering Science (specialisation in Materials Engineering - M1-M2).

In addition to being taken as a stand-alone degree, it can also be used as a pathway by graduates without an engineering degree to the University's accredited Master of Engineering (Materials) degree. Such a transfer can be done after completing at least one year of study with an average grade of credit or higher

Admission requirements

The admission requirements for the award are one of the following:

  • an engineering degree
  • a science degree
  • an Australian TAFE Diploma or Advanced Diploma (AQF Level 5) qualification in an appropriate field plus 7 years relevant work experience
  • an equivalent overseas qualification.

In addition, whatever qualification is held, students are expected to be able to demonstrate previous study or recognised prior learning in chemistry and/or materials, communication and planning skills, mathematics (equivalent to first year university mathematics) and science (equivalent to university undergraduate topics in physics).

Credit Transfer Arrangements

Students who have completed the Flinders University Graduate Diploma in Engineering Science (specialisation in Materials Engineering - M1-M2) will be eligible for 36 units of credit.

Students who have completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree may receive up to 18 units of credit towards the Master's degree. This credit will be calculated on a like-for-like topic basis.

Course aims

The course provides graduates with:

  • advanced study in both the theoretical and the practical aspects of engineering that builds on a student's previous knowledge and experience
  • an ability to critically analyse and evaluate information and solve problems
  • an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to them
  • well developed written and oral communication skills
  • an understanding of the need to undertake lifelong learning and the capacity to do so
  • preparation for future roles as a technical specialist.

The course provides the foundations that will underpin ongoing professional development, preparing graduates for further study or for a career in an engineering related field or in other areas where the range of skills and knowledge acquired is needed or desirable.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the award, students will be able to:

  • critically evaluate problems and use professional skills and knowledge in the systematic development of complex engineering systems
  • communicate effectively with other science and engineering professionals and the wider global community using a wide range of communication technologies
  • understand and describe the processes through which current knowledge has been developed
  • understand the engineering fundamentals needed to generate a solution appropriate to the social, political, international, economic and environmental contexts in which they are applied
  • plan and execute a research project, applying relevant methodologies and knowledge

Program of study

To qualify for the Master of Engineering Science (Materials), a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the program of study below.

Students who have completed 36 units with a grade of credit or higher will be eligible to transfer to the Master of Engineering (Materials).

The topics selected depend on the entry qualifications. Students must consult with the Director of Studies regarding their Program of Study.

Option - Year 1 topics*

36 units selected from:

CHEM8801  Chemical Reactivity GE  (4.5 units)
CHEM8802  Spectroscopy and Data Analysis GE  (4.5 units)
ENGR8722  Analysis of Engineering Systems GE  (4.5 units)
ENGR8752  Engineering Physics and Materials GE  (4.5 units)
ENGR8761  Engineering Mathematics GE  (4.5 units)
ENGR8801  Fluid Mechanics GE  (4.5 units)
ENGR8812  Engineering Mechanics GE  (4.5 units)
ENGR8xxx  Mechanical Design Project  (4.5 units)
ENGR8xxx  Thermodynamics and Energy Systems GE  (4.5 units)

Core - Year 2 topics**

22.5 units comprising

ENGR7921  Materials Selection in Design  (4.5 units)
ENGR8822  Engineering Materials 2 GE  (4.5 units)
ENGR9704
  Project Management and Innovation  (4.5 units)
ENGR9710A  Masters Project  (4.5/9 units)
ENGR9710B  Masters Project  (4.5/9 units)

Option - Year 2 topics

Plus 13.5 units selected from:

CHEM8701  Applied Spectroscopy and Electrochemistry GE  (4.5 units)
CHEM8702  Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry GE  (4.5 units)
CHEM8711  Organic Synthesis and Mechanism GE  (4.5 units)
CHEM8712  Introduction to Polymer Science GE  (4.5 units)
ENGR7702  Biomaterials  (4.5 units)
ENGR7752  Advanced Solid Mechanics  (4.5 units)
ENGR7811  Advanced Mechanical Design  (4.5 units)
ENGR7871  Corrosion  (4.5 units)
ENGR7881  Electrical, Optical and Magnetic Materials and Devices  (4.5 units)
ENGR7891  Fatigue and Fracture Analysis  (4.5 units)
ENGR7901  Manufacturing Processes and Metal Forming  (4.5 units)
ENGR7911  Materials for Civil and Construction  (4.5 units)
ENGR9811  Solid Mechanics GE  (4.5 units)
FACH8702  Drug Action, Metabolism, Toxicology and Analysis GE  (4.5 units)
MATH7701  Finite Element Methods  (4.5 units)
NANO8701  Structure and Characterisation GE  (4.5 units)
NANO8702  Frontiers of Nanotechnology GE  (4.5 units)
NANO8710  Fundamentals of Nanotechnology GE  (4.5 units)

*Students who have completed an engineering degree may undertake an alternative Program of Study. Students who complete this alternative Program of Study with an average grade of credit or higher will be able to transfer to the Master of Engineering (Materials) and complete in 2 years. Students should discuss their program with the Director of Studies.

**For students who have achieved an average grade of credit or higher at the end of Year 1, an alternative second year program that includes an 18 unit Masters thesis and advanced coursework is available that will facilitate entry to a postgraduate research degree. Students are advised to discuss an alternative Program of Study with their Director of Studies. Note that students who wish to use their masters qualification to satisfy entry into a Flinders University research higher degree program are required to complete an 18 unit thesis.