This course is designed to provide further training in research in Materials Science after a minimum of at least 3 years’ university-level education to UK Bachelor’s level, or overseas equivalent. MPhil students are encouraged to participate in many of the training opportunities and other activities available to students in the University, and become fully integrated members of the Department’s Research School. Students carry out a one-year research programme under the supervision of a member of the academic staff of the Department of Materials Science. The main aims of the programme are: to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; and to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests. By the end of the programme, students will have: a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research; demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field; shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research, research techniques and methodologies and demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research. Students wishing to continue to PhD level research (which takes a minimum of a further 3 years) may apply during the masters year. A conditional offer may be made, contingent on successful completion of the MPhil. Students will be expected to have demonstrated the potential to carry out a further programme of research during their MPhil programme.