The PhD is a research-based course that introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. An illustrative list of PhD projects is available on the Department website. Prospective applicants are welcome to make contact with academic staff to discuss the research opportunities available.

Educational aims of the PhD programme

• Give students with relevant experience at master's level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision.
• Give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.
• Give students training in transferable skills to broaden their horizon above and beyond the focus of their research in the Department.

Learning Outcomes

Through completion of a PhD in Materials Science and Metallurgy, students will have:

• gained a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research;
• followed a comprehensive transferable skills training programme to develop skills and attributes for future careers and;
• produced a dissertation for examination.