About this DTC

Advanced metallics systems

The Advanced Metallic Systems DTC

Many of today´s greatest research challenges are inherently multidisciplinary in nature, and require doctoral researchers who not only have a strong core expertise in their `home´ discipline, but can cross disciplinary boundaries effectively.

The Doctoral Training Centre in Advanced Metallic Systems - Challenges in Global Competitiveness, was established in January 2009, with a £6.3M investment from the EPSRC, to provide a national training centre for doctoral scientists and engineers in metallurgy and related disciplines.

The centre is jointly hosted by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Sheffield and The School of Materials at the University of Manchester. All students within the centre:

  • Undertake a formal programme of taught coursework to develop and enhance technical knowledge across metallurgy and materials science and engineering, as well as broadening skills.
  • Undertake a challenging and original research project.
  • Pursue a programme of transferable skills training leading to a Postgraduate Diploma in Personal and Professional Skills.

In partnership with the University of Manchester, we are adopting a radically different approach to PhD study.

The Centre aims to underpin UK manufacturing strategy by addressing a growing doctoral skills gap in metallurgical science and engineering. We offer an exciting and interdisciplinary approach to postgraduate research training, combining an interactive taught first year followed by 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.

This approach to training has attracted strong support from industry. The centre has strong industrial engagement with industrial representatives on its steering committee, and has attracted support for research in terms of CASE-type collaborations, fully funded studentships, or other equivalent co-funding.

How does the DTC differ from a normal PhD?

As many undergraduate degrees no longer include much material relevant to metallic materials, 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 metallurgy and materials science and engineering. We spend a good deal of the first year giving you this experience, as well as enabling you to gain exposure 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 supervisors from both universities 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.

To find out more please visit our website www.metallicsCDT.co.uk.