Types of research degree qualification and modes of study
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship and make an original contribution and substantial addition to knowledge.
A PhD research degree programme has a duration of three to four years full time, depending on the complexity of the project, and up to six years part-time during which you will carry out research in your chosen area, under the supervision of appropriate member/s of the School’s academic staff. Progression is closely monitored and students are required to demonstrate satisfactory progress at the end of each year of registration to be able to progress to the next year. The results of this research shall then be presented in a thesis on which the candidate is assessed at an oral examination.
Depending on your education and work experience you may register directly for a PhD degree, or initially register for an MPhil. You are able to transfer to second year PhD status if satisfactory progress is made in year one. Part-time study is also available.
- This programme route is also available as a split-site option. This allows you to conduct part of your study at a local site near your workplace with supervision from staff in our school.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
If you wish to carry out a shorter piece of research, the MPhil degree may be suitable for you. The Degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded by the University in recognition of the successful completion of a period of supervised research and training, the results of which show convincing evidence of the capacity of the candidate to pursue research and scholarship and represent original work that is appropriately located by the candidate within a wider field of knowledge and investigation.
The MPhil research degree programme has a duration of one year full-time or two years part-time (with an additional one year allowed for the writing up of the thesis, where required), during which you will carry out research in your chosen area, under the supervision of appropriate member/s of the School's academic staff. The results of this research shall then be presented in a thesis on which the candidate is assessed at an oral examination. Progression is closely monitored and students may, if they wish, seek transfer to second year PhD if they are able to demonstrate satisfactory progress and potential of their research to satisfy the requirements for PhD at the end of the first year of registration. Depending on your education and work experience you may register directly for a PhD degree, or initially register for an MPhil. You are able to transfer to second year PhD status if satisfactory progress is made in year one. Part-time study is also available.
- This programme route is also available as a split-site option. This allows you to conduct part of your study at a local site near your workplace with supervision from staff in our school.
MSc by Research
This is a one-year full-time, up to five-years part-time, research degree and provides the opportunity to carry out a substantial research project as well as gain valuable skills and knowledge through a tailored taught package. This programme will normally consist of a 120-credit research project and additional 60 credits of taught content, creating a standard 180 credit Postgraduate MSc Programme.
The taught modules are chosen under guidance of the research supervisor from a selection offered by the School of Materials. The selected modules are assessed before completion of the research project and the dissertation is submitted in September. This programme is therefore designed to allow students to combine masters level taught modules with research skills and training development.
Engineering Doctorate (EngD)
This is a four-year full-time degree which combines the academic strengths of a conventional PhD with the practical benefits of linking the research to the specific needs of a collaborating company. You will also receive training in management theory leading to the award of a Diploma in Management Sciences.
- Further information is available at http://www.mdc.manchester.ac.uk/centres/
Enterprise Doctorate (EntD)
Taught in collaboration with the Manchester Science and Enterprise Centre, this is a four-year taught doctoral programme. You will normally need a first-class degree and a commercial project idea to apply for this programme. You can find out further information by contacting the Manchester Science and Enterprise Centre.
- Further information is available at http://www.mbs.ac.uk/aboutus/enterprise/post/ent-doc.htm
Master of Enterprise (MEnt)
Taught in collaboration with the Manchester Science and Enterprise Centre, this is a one-year full-time, two years part-time research masters, the MEnt is designed to train and support you in developing business ideas. The degree comprises two compulsory enterprise units and two optional units from any discipline as well as a project. Your project combines the subject specific knowledge and enterprise skills required to develop a viable business proposition.
- For further information, please see the MBS pages.
4 year integrated PhD programmes
The School hosts, jointly with the Materials Science Department at the University of Sheffield, a Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Metallic Systems. Which offers an exciting and interdisciplinary approach to postgraduate research training. Students come from a range of engineering and physical science backgrounds and the interactive taught first year provides everyone with an underpinning knowledge of materials science before embarking on a three year Doctoral level thesis project. This is supplemented by training in professional skills and project placements in industry or research institutes in the UK and overseas.