Materials and Physics Postgraduate Research

Program Overview

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The University of Salford's Materials and Physics Postgraduate Research program offers advanced research opportunities in physics and materials, leading to MRes, MPhil, or PhD degrees. Students benefit from personalized supervision, state-of-the-art facilities, and a comprehensive training program in research and transferable skills. Graduates pursue careers in academia, industry, and research institutions worldwide.

Program Outline

It encompasses both theoretical and experimental research within the Physics and Materials Research Group, spanning across fields like applied optics, energy storage, photovoltaics, and functionalization of materials. You have the flexibility to pursue Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, conducting original research under the guidance of your academic supervisor.

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Program Objectives:

This program aims to:

• Equip researchers with advanced knowledge and skills in diverse physics and materials fields.
• Facilitate practical research within an area of interest, potentially leading to implementable solutions for professional settings.
• Provide graduates with a doctorate-level qualification, opening doors for higher-level positions or research careers.

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Core Research Topics:

The program covers a broad spectrum of topics in physics and materials, including:

• Applied optics, laser applications, and theory
• Chemical physics complexities
• Nonlinear photonics and metamaterials
• Energy storage & hydrogen technologies
• Extreme conditions physics
• Magnetism & nanomaterials
• Materials characterization and modeling
• Structural analysis and functional materials

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Outline:

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Available Pathways:

The program offers diverse options based on individual needs:

• Master of Research (MRes): 1 year full-time OR 2 years part-time
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil): 1 year full-time OR 2 years part-time
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): 3 years full-time OR 5 years part-time

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Structure and Supervision:

Students receive personalized supervision and access to extensive training and facilities. Initial training focuses on research skills development tailored to your chosen path. Your supervisory team assists in defining a research project that aligns with your interests and expertise.

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Assessment:

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Progression Points:

Throughout your studies, you must demonstrate progress at key milestones to continue. These points serve as checkpoints for you and your supervisor, occurring annually or as predetermined dates. Typical points include completing a Learning Agreement within three months, yearly progress and self-evaluation reports, an interim assessment interview after year one, and internal evaluations in years two and three.

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Research Skills Development:

All research students participate in the Salford Postgraduate Research Training (SPort) program. This comprehensive program equips students with the essential research and transferable skills necessary for academic or industry careers. It covers areas like literature review, data collection methodologies, research governance and ethics, and qualitative research techniques.

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Teaching:

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Training & Research Skills:

SPort provides extensive training on both research and transferable skills throughout your program. It covers crucial aspects like literature review, data collection methods, research ethics, analysis, and various qualitative research approaches.

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Supervision & Support:

You receive dedicated supervision from faculty members with expertise in your research area. The focus is on mentorship and guidance, but students are encouraged to take an active role in managing their learning, initiating discussions, and proactively seeking support from both peers and supervisors.

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Research Facilities:

The program provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories equipped for diverse research needs. This includes spectroscopy facilities for Raman, PL, LIBS, and spectrophotometry; chemical vapor deposition; high-pressure setups (up to 2 Kbar and 1 Mbar); X-ray diffraction; and scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

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Careers:

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Postgraduate Opportunities:

A research qualification in physics or materials often serves as a steppingstone for academic careers. Many alumni hold postdoctoral positions in research universities across the globe.

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Private Sector Employment:

Physics and materials alumni also flourish in various industries. Examples include defense companies (BAE Systems, QinetiQ), oil and petrochemical industries (Petroleum Geoservices, ATMOS International), semiconductor and commercial coating industries (NXP Semiconductors, Hardide, Cacuum Equipment Ltd.), instrumentation companies for scientific analysis (Kratos Analytical, Waters), and medical imaging (Agilent Technologies).

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Other:

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Application Requirements:

Applicants must hold an honors degree in Physics or a closely related subject (see website for details). A master’s degree is recommended, but candidates without one must demonstrate prior research methods training. All applicants will go through an interview. International students require IELTS 6.5 or an equivalent English proficiency qualification.

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Admission Process:

Applications are open year-round with four entry points throughout the year (January, April, July, and October). You should include two academic references in your application demonstrating suitability for postgraduate studies and highlight your research area preference or specific project title.