PhD in Materials Science and Metallurgy

The PhD is a research-based course that introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge.

The Materials Science Department in Cambridge leads a wide spectrum of cutting-edge materials research with state-of-the-art facilities. The department has a thriving postgraduate school with more than 130 research students studying for postgraduate research degrees in areas that address key problems in materials science (see details via the Materials Challenges page on the department website).

Up to 40 students are admitted to full-time PhD studies in materials science each academic year. The majority start in October, but a small number are admitted in January and April. Students are fully integrated into the department's research culture, join a research group, and are supervised by one or two members of our academic staff.

Students wishing to apply for a PhD in Materials Science should investigate opportunities on the department website. We encourage students to make contact with potential supervisors prior to applying.

The educational aims of the PhD programme are:

• to give students with relevant experience at master's level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision
• to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests
• to 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
• produced a thesis for examination

Open Days

The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:

• Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.

• Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.

For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Masters (Pass). If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. Students should have achieved at least a good upper second-class honours degree in a UK four-year master's degree or a UK three-year bachelor's (honours) degree plus a relevant one- or two-year master's degree or equivalent. Students graduating from a master's level programme that has a range of pass levels should usually be in possession of a 'merit' before embarking on their PhD studies. On occasion, a period of research experience in a relevant area may be taken into account when the academic background of prospective students is considered. University Minimum Academic Requirements Language Requirement

Listening: 7.0, Writing: 7.0, Reading: 6.5, Speaking: 7.0, Total: 7.0, Listening: 25, Writing: 25, Reading: 25, Speaking: 25, Total: 100