The MSc in Energy Materials and Battery Science is designed to develop an in-depth understanding of recent developments in emerging energy materials and their applications, particularly with respect to the battery technology sector which is seeing major government and industrial investment. The programme provides practical training in an array of energy materials characterisation techniques, and aims to develop knowledge of the fundamental principles of the chemistry that underpins commercially important energy materials, such as lithium ion batteries and photovoltaics.
Students have access to fully equipped modern research laboratories and instrumentation in a multidisciplinary research-focused environment. Students have the opportunity to gain an array of interdisciplinary fundamental knowledge and practical skills, developed through specialist lectures, workshops, seminars, and hands-on laboratory and analytical experience.
The programme is designed to help develop experienced, independent scientists in tune with the needs of research and industry in the energy materials sector (e.g. battery development, nanoscience), and more broadly within the analytical and electrochemical sectors.
Explore developments in emerging energy materials and their applications
A focus on the battery technology sector
Specialist research laboratories and instrumentation in a research-focused en
Integrated lectures, hands-on instrument training, and workshops
Complete a research project in a specialist area
A focus on professional and personal development
The course will be delivered through modules that fall into three categories:
Advanced Theoretical Platforms and Topics: modules in this area aim to establish knowledge and understanding of the basis of modern and materials chemistry, and equip students with the skills and experience needed for successful delivery and completion of research investigation projects.
Advanced Methods: these modules look to establish knowledge and understanding of specific instrumental techniques, data analysis, and potential applications. Each module offers hands-on operator training to qualify successful students as independent users of instrumentation. These modules will be delivered in a three-day 'short course' format.
Specialist Topics: these modules provide the context of application for energy materials (e.g. photovoltaics, batteries, bioelectrochemistry) and enable students to develop an awareness of recording/reporting and regulatory requirements that apply in particular sectors. These aspects can be developed through experience of application in context through a research project.
The final stage of the programme enables students to further develop their knowledge and skills, and to gain the experience required for informed development of functional low dimensional materials for applications ranging from solar cells, to drug delivery and therapy. Students can develop their understanding of advanced characterisation techniques. Key skills required for experimental work will be underpinned by integrated lectures, hands-on instrument training, and workshops that focus on the development of skills for experimental design and interpretation of experimental data.
The specialist modules in energy material and battery science are presented as a series of short courses. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills, including critical evaluation of data, selecting and, where appropriate, adapting characterisation methods, and feeding the results of studies into the growth/synthesis of functional materials with required properties. The practical studies, methods, and techniques can be tailored towards the chosen area of specialism.
The professional and personal development modules run over the two terms of the course. Professional skills, employability, and awareness of current trends and application of analytical science can be developed in this module in the context of students' chosen areas of specialism. Students are expected to undertake an independent learning programme based on reflective practice to consolidate and enhance their personal and professional development. A broad range of activities can be included in this portfolio including more advanced or specialist training.
This module aims to provide students skills to critically analyse and adopt topical areas of research and advance instrumentation in the field of chemistry. This information will be utilised to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of how fundamental chemistry theory and experimentation are being applied to contemporary cutting-edge science. The module will draw inspiration from the grand challenges for chemical sciences and will also reflect the current research focus within the School of Chemistry.
The module comprises a series of lectures, workshops, and practical sessions on the background and use of instrumental techniques, and aims to equip students with hands-on skills in the development and modification of methods and protocols, use of equipment, data interpretation, and troubleshooting.
Students can learn to provide an up-to-date account of modern methods and application of advanced theory and experimentation, as well as cover key advanced instrumentation techniques used for material characterisation, while gaining hands-on experience.
This module aims to provide students skills to critically analyse and adopt topical areas of research and advance instrumentation in the field of materials chemistry. This information will be utilised to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of how fundamental chemistry theory and experimentation are being applied to contemporary cutting edge science. The module will draw inspiration from both ‘grand challenges for chemical sciences’ and will reflect the current research focus within the chemistry school.
The module comprises a series of lectures, workshops and experimentation and the content within each topic and instrumental techniques, will aim to build on students' knowledge of basic fundamental chemistry and material science and will deliver in-depth analysis of application of advanced materials (Nanomaterials and catalysis) relevant for energy materials and battery industries. The module will include an overview and some hands-on experience with modern experimental methods relevant to the advanced topics covered.
Computational chemistry plays a vital role in academic and industrial research. This module is designed to develop key skills in this area. Students are introduced to the fundamental concepts of quantum chemistry followed by widely used theories and their applications in research. Hands-on training on modelling of small- and medium-sized molecular systems will be also provided, enabling students the chance to understand and compare their data with experimentally made observations.
This module aims to provide students skills to critically analyse and adopt topical areas of research and advance instrumentation in the field of chemistry. This information will be utilised to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of how fundamental chemistry theory and experimentation are being applied to contemporary cutting edge science. The module will draw inspiration from both ‘grand challenges for chemical sciences’ and will reflect the current research focus within the chemistry school.
The module comprises a series of lectures, workshops and experimentation and the content within each topic and instrumental techniques, will aim to build on students' knowledge of basic physical, organic and inorganic chemistry and will deliver in-depth analysis of its application in the electrochemistry and energy sectors. Students will also have the opportunity to learn to provide an up-to-date account of modern methods and application of advanced theory and experimentation, as well as cover key advanced instrumentation techniques in electrochemistry and provide hands-on experience.
This module comprises two main components:
The first will provide fundamental knowledge concerning strategies for Sampling, Data analysis, Reporting, Quality assurance and Quality control, Numerical and IT skills, and Safety in relation to analytical science.
The second will provide the general introductory principles and a theoretical understanding of a range of instrumental analytical techniques and their applications. The module aims to provide the background knowledge needed for an understanding of the various principles discussed in greater detail in other modules
This module provides students with opportunity to apply chemical knowledge and laboratory skills to an extended practical research study. This is designed to further develop professional skills including the use of online literature and chemical data searching, the ability to critically review relevant published literature, and written and oral presentation of research activities.
This module aims to develop systematic personal and professional development of a student in a specialist area of chemistry to enhance employability. This is achieved through development and execution of a personal learning plan designed using a process of self-reflection around five development themes: personal development; professional skills development; technical skills development; research interests; career development.
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.
Assessment methods on the programme include laboratory and professional reports, problem-solving exercises, presentations (oral, poster, individual, and group), project work, literature reviews, and personal development portfolios.
Competence in data acquisition, recording, and analysis is assessed through inspection of laboratory records. Formal reporting methods will be used to assess the advanced methods module and these allow assessment of students' abilities to contextualise laboratory studies, interpret and validate experimental results, and draw conclusions from experimental data. Formal reports will be used to form the basis for summative assessments in the advanced methods module.
Research skills will be assessed through individual research projects. These include project planning, execution of the planned work that is assessed continuously by the project supervisor, a written report, and an individual presentation.
Postgraduate Application Support
Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.
Second class honours degree or above in a science-related field.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications:
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page:
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.
The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.
Postgraduate Funding Options
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
This programme is designed to help develop experienced, independent scientists, in tune with the needs of research and industry in the energy materials sector, and, more broadly, within the analytical and electrochemical sectors. The programme aims to build a core of operational experience in modern analytical instrumentation and materials chemistry within the context of modern energy materials development such as batteries and photovoltaics.
For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.
Dr Filipe Marques Mota
fmarquesmota@lincoln.ac.uk
To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.
