Metallurgy and Materials PhD/MSc by Research
Program Overview
The Metallurgy and Materials PhD/MSc by Research at the University of Birmingham equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field through intensive research projects and access to world-class facilities. The program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and prepares graduates for successful careers in research, industry, or academia. The School of Metallurgy and Materials is renowned for its top-ranked research and strong industrial collaborations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Metallurgy and Materials PhD/MSc by Research program at the University of Birmingham is a research-focused program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of Metallurgy and Materials Science. The program aims to push the boundaries of discovery and innovation in the field, tackling the challenges of metallurgy and materials through independent inquiry and intensive research projects.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in Metallurgy and Materials Science.
- Develop students' research skills through an intensive research project.
- Foster students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Equip students with the necessary skills for a successful career in research or industry.
Program Description:
The program offers both PhD and MSc by Research options. The PhD program is a 3-year full-time or 6-year part-time program, while the MSc by Research is a 1-year full-time or 2-year part-time program. The program is open to candidates with an upper second-class Honours degree or its equivalent in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering for the PhD. For the MSc by Research, a good Honours degree or its equivalent is required. Students will have access to world-class facilities and equipment, including:
- Polymer-processing laboratories
- Advanced materials processing laboratory (HIP equipment, direct laser fabrication, etc.)
- Shell laboratory and wax-dewaxing facility for investment casting
- Laboratory for hydrothermal synthesis and colloidal processing of ceramics
- World-class mechanical testing laboratories for fracture and fatigue studies
- Creep-testing laboratory for polymers, foams, and high-temperature alloys
- X-ray diffraction facilities Students will also benefit from close industrial support, providing opportunities to create links with the private sector.
Assessment:
The MSc by Research program requires students to complete an original work of merit in the form of a 30,000-word thesis.
Careers:
The program prepares students for a variety of careers in research, industry, and academia. Potential career paths include:
- Research Scientist
- Materials Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Consultant
- Academic
Other:
- The School of Metallurgy and Materials is a major research center with world-class facilities.
- The School is ranked in the top 10 for Engineering research in the UK for Grade Point Average GPA and its 4 research - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
- The School is leading current initiatives such as the High Temperature Research Centre – a brand new joint collaboration between the University and Rolls Royce to enable research and experimentation to deliver rapid high-quality product and process innovation.
- The University of Birmingham has been leading the way in research and education since 1900.
- The School has excellent sporting facilities, a busy schedule of social events, and a beautiful campus in a vibrant, multi-cultural city.
- Students will be assigned two academic supervisors as well as a mentor.
- Support will be offered to train new students to use the equipment needed in research projects.
- Specialized courses are regularly run for doctoral researchers, such as the electron microscopy course, doctoral research induction course, and courses to offer guidance on how to write the report which students will need to submit during their first year.
- A development needs analysis is undertaken to support students in acquiring extra skills to advance their academic, personal, and professional development.
- Routine progress reviews are collaboratively completed by doctoral researchers and their supervisors.
- For some PhD projects, presentations with links to industry presentations may be required.
Annual Tuition Fees 2024/25 academic year £4,786 UK students, full-time £27,360 International students, full-time Learn more about fees and funding. Postgraduate Doctoral Loan A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD. Scholarships We offer a range of
University of Birmingham Summary
Overview:
The University of Birmingham is a leading global university with a strong focus on research and innovation. It is committed to developing solutions for a thriving planet and improving the health of people around the world.
Services Offered:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of Birmingham offers a welcoming environment for students, with opportunities to settle in, make new friends, discover the city of Birmingham, and prepare for their studies. The university also has a vision for its campus development in the next 20 years, aiming to enhance and refine the global campuses.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Global Impact:
The university's research is focused on addressing major global issues, such as climate change and global health.Multidisciplinary Collaboration:
The university encourages collaboration across disciplines to drive innovation and find solutions to complex problems.Pioneering Breakthroughs:
The university is known for its pioneering research and breakthroughs in various fields.Academic Programs:
Other:
The university has five research challenge themes that guide its focus and draw on its vast expertise and resources. These themes showcase the university's pioneering breakthroughs, multidisciplinary collaboration, and significant global impact.
Entry Requirements:
- PhD: Applicants must hold an upper second-class Honours degree or its equivalent in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics or Engineering.
- MSc by Research: Applicants must hold a good Honours degree or its equivalent.
International Requirements:
- General: Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 14/20 from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For students whose first language is not English:
- IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
