MSc(Eng) Ceramic Science and Engineering

Sheffield University has major research expertise in a wide-range of ceramic materials covering Electroceramics, such as Piezo and Ferroelectrics, Carbon-based Refractories, Electronic ceramics for Applications in the Semiconductor Industries and Ionically-conducting Ceramics for Advanced Fuel Cell and Battery Technologies. We have a long and successful track record in training students from around the world in ceramic science and technology, who either subsequently continue to do a PhD or who take up employment in the ceramics industry.

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Our course now permits specialisation in either Functional Ceramics or Structural Ceramics. Most of the teaching is common but, for the final module, students choose between either of these two specialist options. In addition to the teaching (total 120 credits), a research project and dissertation (60 credits) will further allow students to specialise in one area of ceramics.

Why study Ceramic Sciences and Engineering at the University of Sheffield?

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering has a long established international reputation for its research in ceramics, glass and cement. Recent advances in electroceramics and nuclear waste immobilization offer exciting new applications for these materials. Renowned experts in electron microscopy, solid state chemistry and metallurgy allow the Department to maintain its standing as one of the UK´s foremost Materials Science Departments. We have a 5*A rating, held since the UK University Research Assessments were introduced in 1996, recognising the quality and standing of the staff and research within the Department. This was shown by the award of a large EPSRC portfolio grant in 2003 designed to maintain our research position. This ensures that you will learn from a team working at the cutting edge of science and technology.

What Does the Course provide?

The course provides modules in the following topics:

• Advanced Characterisation Techniques, including Electron Microscopy, X-ray and Neutron Diffraction and Thermal Analysis, together with hands-on practical work
• Phase Diagrams of Ceramic Systems
• Cement and Concrete
• Micro and Mesoporous Materials
• Ceramic Processing, including a Turbine Blade Case Study
• Materials Modelling
• Solid State Chemistry of Ceramic Materials
• Glass Science and Technology

and either

• Structural Ceramics, to include: Refractories, Non-oxide Ceramics, High-temperature Materials and Applications

or

• Functional Ceramics, to include: Superconductors and Transition Metal Oxides, Integrated Functional Ceramics

Students will also undertake a research project in a related area.

Some Recently Completed Projects include:

• Y Hu, Synthesis and characterisation of rare earth containing hexagonal perovskites, 2008.
• K Kalantari, BNT based microwave ceramics for mini base stations, 2008.
• Y Tung, Charge compensation mechanism in Nb-doped CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ ceramics, 2008.
• Y Chen, Synthesis of ultramarine type pigments, 2007.
• S Khoygani, Effects of glass addition on the sintering and dielectric properties of Zr_0.8Sn_0.2TiO₄, 2007.
• S Tutu, Molten salt synthesis of titanium carbide coating on graphite, 2007.
• R Guimaraes, Effects of carbon type and content on properties of low-carbon MgO-carbon refractories, 2006.
• R Liu, Synthesis, microstructure and electrical characterisation of hollandite ceramics for nuclear waste immobilisation, 2006.
• L Shi, High-temperature viscosity of melt oxides based on Doremus approach, 2006.
• Y Liu, Positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) effect in Ho-doped barium titanate ceramics, 2005.
• L Ma, Chain silicate fluorcanasite glass-ceramics for dental applications, 2005.
• C Gonah, High temperature treatment of composite cement, 2005.
• H Yuan, Microstructure of sanitaryware and bubble defect on glaze, 2005.

Entry requirements

Honours degree or equivalent in materials, metallurgy, chemistry or a related engineering or science subject from an approved institution.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to take a suitable test, e.g. IELTS minimum score 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 in each component); TOEFL, minimum score 575, plus a score of 4.5 in the Test of Written English, or minimum of 232 in the computer-based TOEFL.

Aims

All our courses aim to give you:

• In-depth technical knowledge and advanced expertise in your chosen materials field
• Excellent analytical and research skills
• Enhanced project planning and management capabilities and experience.

Assessment

• Written examinations on course modules at end of each semester.
• Continuous assessment associated with specific courses.
• Essay on specialised topic; dissertation based on individual research project, which may be experimentally, theoretically or industrially based.

Most modules are assessed by written examination but there is some continuous assessment associated with specific modules. This may include essays on specialised topics or problems exercises. All students produce a 15,000-word dissertation based on their individual research project, which may be experimentally, theoretically or industrially based.

Industrially-based research topics are normally suggested by an industrial organisation, and may involve close co-operation with that organisation.

What Next?

The Department has large industrial contracts with several industries. The skills you will gain will be of use for a range of employers as well as providing an ideal background for possible PhD study.

Contact for further enquiries

Mrs Karen Burton
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Mappin Street
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield
S1 3JD
Tel: +44 (0)114 222 5941
Fax:+44 (0)114 222 5943

email : k.a.burton@sheffield.ac.uk