MSc by Research in Manufacturing and Materials Self-funded MSc by Research

An exciting opportunity for candidates who would like to complete an MSc by Research that fits within the broad remit of Manufacturing and Materials.

An MSc by Research in Manufacturing and Materials offers a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise and make a real impact on the field. You'll have the freedom to focus on a research topic of your choice, exploring new ideas and generating insights that could contribute significantly to the current body of knowledge. This experience will equip you with valuable research skills, including methodologies, data analysis, and critical thinking, highly sought after in both academic and professional arenas. Throughout your journey, you'll benefit from personalised mentorship and support from your academic supervisor, an expert in your chosen area. This path is ideal for passionate researchers, independent learners, and those driven to contribute meaningfully to the field of manufacturing and materials.

As an MSc by Research student, you will benefit from:
- Research-intensive focus: Conduct in-depth research in cutting-edge areas of specialism.
- Industry collaboration: Benefit from partnerships with leading companies and research institutions.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Access advanced laboratories and high-performance resources.
- Flexible learning: Tailored research projects aligned to personal interests and career aspirations.
- Career prospects: Develop highly sought-after skills and make an individual contribution to industries including aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing.

Depending on the area of specialism, MSc by Research students may undertake the Researchers Core Development programme alongside PhD students, together with access to the University Doctoral Core Research Methods Training (DCRMT) Programme courses, as well as a tailored programme of seminars and events.

Research Areas:

Additive Manufacturing and Engineering
The Welding and Additive Manufacturing Centre has a proven track record of successfully commercialising research outputs and fostering collaborations with industry. Students will receive extensive support including technical training, regular supervisory meetings, and access to learning resources.

Potential research topics include:
- Advancement in large scale additive manufacturing
- Process optimisation for given requirements (higher productivity and lower defects)
- Structure-property relationships of materials deposited by laser, electric arc, or their combination
- Development of novel materials using additive manufacturing
- Stress and distortion prediction for large components using finite element analysis
- Process monitoring through advanced sensors
- Automation and digitalisation of additive manufacturing workflow
- Application of rapid prototyping in innovative design
- Design for Manufacture
- Prototyping as an iterative development tool
- Low fidelity to production ready components

Contacts: Professor Supriyo Ganguly; Dr Yongle Sun; Dr Paul Lighterness; Dr Surya Krishnaswamy

Manufacturing Technologies
Suited for engineers, scientists, and technical professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of manufacturing systems, manufacturing productivity, materials engineering, and management strategies. Research areas include:
- Advanced materials processing and characterisation
- Smart manufacturing and digital transformation
- Sustainable manufacturing and circular economy
- Manufacturing strategy and operations management

Contact: Dr Jeff Rao

Materials Engineering
A dynamic multidisciplinary effort with numerous innovations driving significant advancements across many sectors. Research projects can be taken in areas including:
- Advanced coating technologies and surface engineering
- Advanced processing technologies
- Materials for extreme environments
- Materials for a hydrogen economy, clean energy generation/storage and net zero future
- Functional materials and advanced smart device, sensor systems
- Composites, advanced materials and self-healing materials
- Computational materials modelling and material informatics
- Additive manufacturing particularly 3D large scale parts and fusion joining

Applicants may be awarded a merit-based Manufacturing and Materials Excellence Scholarship.

Contacts: Dr Sue Impey, Dr David Ayre, Professor Supriyo Ganguly

Entry Requirements:
Applicants should typically hold a degree within any STEM field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or an equivalent international qualification or closely aligned discipline. All cases will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Funding:
This is a self-funded research opportunity. Students will need to cover their own tuition fees and living expenses.

Duration:
One year full-time, two to three years part-time.

Eligibility:
UK, EU, Rest of world.