Engineering Materials PhD

Why choose this course

The study of engineering materials bridges the gap between the physical sciences, where understanding of atomic and molecular phenomena help explain fundamental behaviours, and engineering structures where practical applications of such phenomena are realised.

Our Centre for Engineering Materials provides world-class analysis of ceramics, metals and polymers, as well as composite materials consisting of two or more of these materials, and explores a range of applications where such materials are being used to bring about improved performance or new products. We provide a multidisciplinary environment where doctoral students from different disciplines can meet and work together on applied engineering research topics with direct impacts on society.

A PhD course in engineering materials will allow you to test the cutting-edge of science and make new discoveries. Our excellent characterisation and manufacturing laboratories and facilities are nationally and internationally recognised, and a stage for world-class research.

Our researchers also regularly collaborate with industry, including work with Rolls-Royce, Dstl, and Jaguar Landrover. We’re host to the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre in Thermo-Fluids Systems and the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Micro and Nanomaterials and Technologies.

In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, 80 per cent of our ‘general engineering’ research outputs were rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent.

What you will study
Our PhD in Engineering Materials will give you the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a career in engineering, research or academia. You’ll be intellectually challenged, develop research and management skills, and become an expert in your chosen field of study.

It normally takes around three years to complete a full-time PhD. You’ll be assigned a minimum of two supervisors, who will guide you through your PhD. You’ll learn how to conduct literature reviews, develop your ideas and verify them with experiments, and collaborate and perform interdisciplinary research. Over time, we’ll develop your skills and transform you into an independent researcher.

Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.

Research themes

• Adhesive bonding
• Additive manufacturing & printing
• Ceramics
• Composites
• Design
• Energy generation and harvesting
• Engineering materials
• Materials for infrastructure
• Nanomaterials
• Smart materials
• Surface and interface reactions.