Postgraduate Study

The Department

The Department of Materials has contributed to the advancement and application of knowledge through our teaching and research for well over 40 years.

95% of the Department’s research is of an “international standard”

2008 Research Assessment Exercise

With 18 academics plus a large support team, we have about 85 full and part-time MSc students, about 70 PhD students and about 20 research assistants.

We are also home to state-of-the-art equipment within the Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre, which is considered to be one of the best suites of its type in Europe. Our philosophy is based on the engineering application and use of materials which, when processed, are altered in structure and properties. This includes design considerations and business implications.

Our programmes are enhanced by our close contacts with industry. We offer three flexible MSc courses, with Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate awards for shorter periods of study. They aim to provide a fundamental understanding of the relevant materials and to prepare students for employment. We have long enjoyed an international reputation for our research. Most of our staff are internationally renowned; four have won major prizes in the last five years alone.

Our activities centre on the interactions of structure and properties with processing and product performance, supported by state-of the- art, world-class facilities.

We are immensely proud that our students have voted us No.1 in our subject in the National Student Survey for five out of the last six years. Recently we were ranked 7th in the UK Research Assessment Exercise with 20% of our research classed as “world-leading” and 95% being of an “international standard”. These results are testimony to the quality of learning we provide.

Selection

All UK students are normally interviewed before an offer is made. International students are usually accepted on the basis of their degree performance and prior experience, and on strong recommendation from academics who have established links with the Department.

Assessment

Combinations of written examination and set coursework exercises and laboratory reports. Project: (60 credits); dissertation, literature review and oral presentation. The research project, often industrially sponsored, is carried out in the Department or the student’s place of work.

Bursaries and Scholarships

Bursaries are available for both UK/EU and international students and scholarships are available for good overseas applicants.