Advanced Metallic Systems DTC FAQ
Why do we need a DTC in Advanced Metallic Systems?
Recent reviews by government/industrial bodies have indentified the serious impact of an increasing shortage of personnel, with Doctorate level training in metallic materials, on the global competitiveness of the UK's manufacturing and defence capability. Furthermore, future applications of materials are increasingly being seen as systems that incorporate several material classes and engineered surfaces into single components, to increase performance.
The primary goal of the DTC is to address these issues head on by supplying the next generation of metallics research specialists desperately needed by UK plc.
We plan to attract talented students from a diverse range of physical science and engineering backgrounds and involve them with highly motivated academic staff from both universities in a variety of innovative teaching and industrial-based research activities.
The programme aims to prepare graduates for global challenges in competitiveness, through an enhanced PhD programme that will;
- Challenge students and promote independent problem solving and interdiscpilnarity,
- Expose them to industrial innovation, exciting new science and the international research community,
- Increase their fundamental skills, and broaden them as individuals in preparation for future management and leadership roles.
How does this differ from a normal PhD?
Because many undergraduate degrees no longer include much material relevant to it, we need to spend some time allowing you to learn about the broader aspects of metallic systems research. For example, if you have a chemistry degree, it is important that you learn relevant aspects of other topics, such as materials science and engineering. We spend a good deal of the first year giving you this experience, as well as getting exposed to the requirements of the industry. You also get the chance to sample research areas in a mini-project during the first year of the programme.
In the later part of the first year, in collaboration with academic advisors, you will develop your own PhD project. Our aim is that these projects should involve more than one supervisor from more than one discipline so that you get the chance to work in an interdisciplinary project. We aim to involve industry in the majority of the DTC PhD projects.
Who can apply?
We welcome applications from graduates who have, or expect to obtain, a good degree (first class or upper second) in a relevant discipline, such as physical, earth or environmental sciences, or an appropriate branch of engineering. If in doubt, please ask us.
You can apply online at:
Using course descriptor: Advanced Metallic Systems DTC PhD
Why does it take four years?
In a conventional PhD, the research topic is generally chosen by the supervisor before the student starts, and the student has 3 to 3.5 years funding. In practice, most students take a few months longer, without funding, to write up, generally making the total duration around four years.
Our DTC PhD takes four years because we want to give you the opportunity to learn about many other aspects of metallic materials research, and because we give you the chance to develop your own PhD project. This takes time, which is why we have a four year programme. However, the preparatory year also gives you a head start, so you should be able to make progress rapidly with your PhD, and it should be possible to complete a DTC PhD within the four year period.
We have therefore allowed a full four years funding for each student. We also have funding to cover the relatively high running and travel costs of our DTC studentships, including support for secondments to overseas laboratories and presenting your results at international conferences.
What will I get out of it?
The principal qualification you will get from the DTC is a PhD. This can be awarded from either Manchester or Sheffield, depending on which university has been the main base for your research project. In addition, work done in throughout the course on transferable skills will lead to a diploma in research management.
How does it work?
Throughout the course students will have registrations in both Manchester and Sheffield. The taught material will be delivered in both Manchester and Sheffield, and the mini project can be carried out in either institution.
Once you have developed your PhD project plan, the lead university for your project will be clear and you will register at that university, with visiting status at the other. Your PhD will be awarded by the lead university.