Embark on a detailed study of plasma surface engineering, in the cutting-edge facilities of the Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI).

Undertake a period of supervised study as part of the University’s research community.
Learn important engineering technologies, processes and techniques.
Gain hands-on experience of various advanced surface analyses.
Graduate as an employable specialist engineer.
Contribute to the acclaimed work of MERI researchers.

On this course, you'll undertake intensive study into a specific area of plasma surface engineering. You'll benefit from expert tutelage, cutting-edge facilities and a supportive research community. Your finished work will stand alongside widely acclaimed MERI publications – a high proportion of which have been considered 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent'.

Networking opportunities

You’ll be part of the university's community of researchers, with the opportunity to attend and/or contribute to a range of discipline, college and university-wide presentations, training and conferences.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

As this is a research course, most of your work will be carried out independently. You’ll benefit from the support and expertise of your supervisory team – including a Director of Studies and a second supervisor who have specific interest and expertise in your chosen subject area. These may include high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) plasma chemistry, study of thin growth mechanisms and the development of specific coatings to several applications.

You learn through

• independent research
• mentoring with your supervisory team
• laboratory training, including in advanced processes and machinery
• research training, including mandatory ethics and integrity sessions
• teacher training
• close tutelage in academic writing

This course prepares you for a career in

• research
• coating technology development engineering
• sales
• management of coating centres
• work for surface engineering companies

 

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for

• the University of Sheffield
• the University of Manchester
• the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
• the DIAMOND Source Centre
• the Advanced Forming Research Centre
• the University of Strathclyde
• Richter Precision
• Trumpf Huetting Elektronik

 

All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same).

All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.

You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme.

Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies.

Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.