Programme structure
The first year of this research programme aims to give students a broad knowledge of a range of metallurgical topics, through MSc level modules and group and research projects, in order to make an informed choice of PhD topic. The DTC provides flexibility and travel costs for students to take lectures and projects at the different institutions.
After 6 months of training students develop a PhD project proposal with DTC staff members, which will form the basis of an individual thesis project for Years 2-4. The DTC provides the opportunity and funding for students to undertake part of this research project in industry or other institutions, in the UK or overseas. It is expected that many projects will be interdisciplinary, with co-supervision by academics at Manchester and Sheffield providing the student with access to the world class facilities at both institutions.
In addition to the research and taught element of the DTC programme, students will also engage in other activities, such as:
- Professional and management skills training
- Media and public engagement skills training
- Residential team building weekend
- Industrial study tours
- Annual Summer School
- Regular DTC seminar series
- Annual DTC Conference
The highlight of the DTC calendar will be the annual DTC Conference, which will comprise presentations by all DTC students. This event will be attended by all DTC students, staff and industrial sponsors.
Why does it take 4 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 metallurgical systems 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 throughout the course on transferable skills will lead to a Postgraduate Diploma in Personal and Professional Skills.
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.
