Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies EngD

Why choose this course
The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies (MiNMaT) is a four-year doctoral programme for researchers who aspire to important leadership positions in industry. The course combines industrially-relevant research with taught courses, and gives you the opportunity to work closely with one of our industrial partners.

The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in MiNMaT solves challenging and industrially relevant problems through a profound understanding of processing–microstructure–property relationships. We have a unique focus on characterisation, and provide sponsoring organisations with the use of state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment. As a research engineer, you’ll be recruited to work with a specific sponsor on a mutually agreed project, and based primarily on the sponsoring organisation’s premises.

Our work ranges from the manipulation of atoms and molecules to the design, analysis and development of large structures, leading to innovations in products as diverse as supercapacitors through to jet engines. 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 Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies EngD will give you the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a career in industry, in research or academia. You’ll be intellectually challenged, develop research and management skills, and become an expert in the field. Working in an industrial organisation will give you experience of fast-paced commercial environments, which will be of great value to your future career.

Our doctorate programme is designed to help you develop specialist scientific and technical knowledge while working in an industrial environment. The research you’ll carry out will be unique to you: it will take on an industrially-relevant research problem (or problems) and incorporate a significant degree of advanced characterisation. Most of your research will be done at your sponsor’s premises.

You’ll be supervised by a minimum of two members of academic staff, plus at least one industrial supervisor, who will provide a wealth of experience and expertise in this field of study and in industry. They’ll guide you through your EngD and develop you into an independent researcher and an ‘industry-ready’ graduate.

Course length
Normal registration takes 48 months, however it can take a maximum of 54 months to complete. 

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

• Characterisation
• Manipulation and application of materials at the micro and nano-scale.