Advanced Functional Materials

The Masters in Advanced Functional Materials is an inherently multidisciplinary subject that spans Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Nanotechnology. It underpins many of aspects of modern life and its themes are at the heart of global technological challenges, including energy generation and storage, microelectronics and healthcare. University of Glasgow research in the area has spanned the development of photovoltaics for enhanced solar energy systems, next-generation data storage technologies and characterisation of alloys for nuclear reactor design.

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Physical Sciences, Materials Science or Chemistry with a significant component of Physical Chemistry, Nuclear Engineering and Technology, Biomedical Textiles and Technology, Material Physics, Opto-Electronics Information Science and Engineering, Inorganic Non-metallic Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Nanoscience and Engineering with at least 1 credit bearing modules in Electromagnetic Theory and Quantum Mechanics at an average grade of Pass.

We may also accept degrees in a related subject with significant physics content at a 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent). A 2.2 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Physics followed by substantial relevant experience may be considered on an individual basis.

A question based personal statement is required as part of your application

• Physics & Astronomy - Personal Statement Form

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++.

You must also have the following:

1. A basic understanding of diffraction, including application of Fourier transforms, and its use in the study of crystal structure
2. A basic understanding of simple geometric optics including drawing ray diagrams and the use of the thin lens formula
3. Familiarity with undergraduate thermodynamics, including its application to material properties including specific heat capacity, a derivation of the Second Law, and the use of partition functions
4. An awareness of the Schrodinger equation and its solutions for simple systems (e.g. a potential well or radial potential)

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

• 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

• 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

• 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

• 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

• 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

• Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

• Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
  
  • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
• Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
  
  • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

• direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
• essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
• flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

• Pre-sessional courses

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

• Heriot Watt
• Kingston Upon Thames
• Middlesex University
• Manchester University
• Reading University
• Edinburgh University
• ST Andrews University
• UCL
• Durham.

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

Along with careers spanning a range of areas within academia and research and development, roles also include; Material Science Scientist, Senior Analytical Scientist, and Senior Scientist in Materials Characterisation within Pharmaceutical and Manufacturing companies.