The PhD is a research-based course that introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Students are encouraged to take individual responsibility for developing their knowledge and skills in their own subject area, and seek opportunities for training in the Department of Materials Science, and other University departments. However, the PhD is essentially a full time research course. PhD students are encouraged to participate in many of the training opportunities and other activities available to students in the University, including seminars given by members of the University and experts from outside, and external conferences, and to become fully integrated members of the Department’s Research School. Students who receive support from an industrial collaborator may be required to spend some time on placement with the sponsoring organisation. Assessment is by submission of a dissertation not exceeding 60,000 words. The dissertation is examined in an oral examination by one external and one internal examiner appointed individually for each candidate. All PhD students are probationary in the first year. Progression to the second year and registration for the PhD depends on a successful first year review. Towards the end of the first year students are required to submit a written progress report containing a literature review, an account of the research performed and a plan of future work. The report is examined by two assessors and an oral examination of the report will be undertaken. Students are also expected to pass the assessment tests for the in-depth courses attended during their first year.