Advanced Composites

Overview

The composites sector is contributing significantly to industry developments. Advanced composites are technology-enabling and critical to the production of lighter, smarter wing structures; or more efficient wind turbines that yield cheaper, more abundant energy. 

The  Advanced Composites programme is offered by the  University of Bristol .

With the already encroaching effects of climate change, composite materials and structures have an important role to play in contributing to reductions in CO2 emissions and the growing need for a more sustainable future. 

The UK has invested heavily in the science, engineering, and technology of composite materials, including the establishing of the National Composites Centre at the University of Bristol. 

A highly skilled workforce and technical leadership are required to support the industry; this leadership requires a radical and innovative mindset that encompasses engineering knowledge as well as the physical sciences. 

The development of future composites and their applications will require doctoral students with a knowledge of advanced materials science, engineering, and sustainability, together with practical experience of the resulting composites and structures. These highly-skilled engineers not only need to understand technical subjects but should also be able to apply their acquired knowledge within the context of the modern world. 

Career prospects

Recent graduates from the programme have gone on to careers within aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, engineering consultancy, and wind energy sectors. Some have also taken up academic and research positions in UK and international universities, such as MIT.