MRes/PhD in Ultra Precision Engineering
We are recruiting high calibre postgraduate research scientists and engineers for our MRes/PhD in Ultra Precision Engineering programme at Cranfield University. Fully funded studentships are available with a tax free stipend of up to £20,000 per annum, commencing annually, every October.
Interested student may apply via this link. The deadline is July 21st 2018.
This MRes/PhD programme in ultra precision engineering trains postgraduate students to be the precision engineers of the future. The programme is structured in two phases; a one year taught MRes course which is cotaught by Cranfield, Cambridge and National Physical Laboratory followed by a three year PhD research programme.
During the MRes, students will learn advanced high precision techniques and processes including high energy laser micro/nano processing, focused ion beam machining, reactive atom plasma processing, nanofabrication, graphene engineering, printed electronics, machine design and advanced metrology systems. The MRes is designed to give a balance between taught courses, laboratory sessions and research projects to allow students to develop a range of skills.
- We welcome applicants from any field of science or engineering who have obtained a first or upper second class honours degree
- Full EPSRC funding (student maintenance variable per year, plus fees), with additional payments from industrial sponsors taking the tax free stipend up to a possible of £20,000 per annum during the PhD phase and is available for UK students and EU students who have studied for three years full time in the UK. General student eligibility information is available from the EPSRC website http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/eligibility/
- Self-funded overseas/non-EU applicants are welcome to apply for the MRes/PhD but are not eligible for funding from the Centre for Doctoral Training in Ultra Precision Engineering
Upon successful completion of the MRes, students will progress to their PhD from a vast range of subjects including manufacturing engineering, laser processes, photonics, materials science, control systems and machine design.
During the PhD, many students will be offered the opportunity to work alongside industrial partners allowing them to gain valuable business experience whilst receiving additional maintenance top-up, bringing their stipend up to a possible £20,000 per annum tax free.
Many industrial sectors require a high level of precision, such as aerospace, medical devices, automotive, energy, security and defence sectors. Students completing the MRes and PhD will be central players in the ultra precision wealth creation economy.
For further information about the course and for details on how to apply commencing October of each year, please contact the Course Director, Dr Saurav Goel at Cranfield University. Alternatively one can directly submit the application by clicking this link
About the Course
Full-time students register to study on the course for 12 months. The MRes starts in October each year. Students are asked to select six taught modules from a total of fourteen modules. Three modules are compulsory and three are electives. Nine modules are taught one-week intensive modules. Five modules are delivered through laboratory based learning activities. In addition students develop their professional skills through activities such as presentation skills, writing skills, entrepreneurial talks and conference organisation.
Taught Modules
The taught modules cover the vast field of ultra precision engineering. The modules are taught at Cranfield University, University of Cambridge and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). The modules are mostly taught in week blocks with the assignment being set at the end. Where students are taught in block weeks away from Cranfield, accommodation is provided.
Laboratory Modules
The laboratory modules cover in-depth specific areas of ultra precision engineering. The labs immerse students into the practical aspects of ultra precision engineering such as measurement sciences, ultra precision machining, machine performance assessments, energy beam and laser machining. A unique experience is offered to the students. The lab modules are delivered in one- or two-day intervals, with a write up being the main assessment. The laboratory modules are scheduled prior the commencement of research projects.
Group Project
A group project (if decided by the Course Director and managerial team) starts in February and finishes in April. A group project provides students with the opportunity, while working in teams under academic supervision, to take responsibility for an industrially orientated consultancy type project. Success is dependent on the integration of various activities and working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets.
Individual Project
The students are offered a number of individual projects from supervisors who are willing to support these projects. The projects start in January and are completed in September if a group project has not been chosen for the student cohort. The individual project is three months shorter if a group project is set for the cohort. Whatever, the assessment consists of an end of project presentation. The projects are spread across the field of ultra precision engineering. At times, the individual project is spent at the sponsor’s location.
MRes Assessment
In order to obtain a pass, students registered for the MRes in Ultra Precision Engineering at Cranfield University will be required to defend their research methods and results through an examination. Both internal and external examiners will question and assess student research on an individual basis. Students validate each module if they are marked 50% or greater.
