Materials Research and Innovation Specialisms, MPhil/PhD by publication

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Duration: 3 years

Start dates: Throughout the year: the date for commencement of study will be agreed with your supervisor.

Course overview

The innovative PhD by Publication will enable you to achieve the highest level of academic achievement in your subject area through the publication of your work.

You will be a graduate with a strong background of study in the materials science, engineering and technology sectors and you may be working in these sectors. As a research student you will have access to the University’s resources and research expertise which will support your personal and professional development.

The key component of your submission will be the publication of three papers in recognised journals or two papers and an international patent. Your PhD submission will be a thesis made up of three sections: an introduction, in which you will outline, in detail, the key themes of your proposal; your published material; conclusions and recommendations for future work.

It is expected that your published work will receive critical recognition by peers and acknowledgement that it has made a significant contribution to learning, development or manufacture in its field.

Subject overview

IMRI is a multi-disciplinary centre designed to cultivate research and innovation activities in collaboration with industry and other academic institutions. The institute leads the UK, and is internationally known, for its strong applied materials science and engineering applications through the development of new, designer and novel smart and multifunctional materials (fibres, films, foams and particles) at nano and micro levels, as well as associated processing technologies.

There are dedicated laboratories in the institute and state-of-the-art materials fabrication, characterisation and testing laboratories complemented by a suite of materials modelling capabilities.

IMRI also regularly carries out consultancy work for national as well as international clients. Staff also serve on technical advisory boards, international scientific panels and hold honorary appointments in overseas universities.

IMRI is currently funded by the UK government (EPSRC and Technology Strategy Board), local industry consortia (DIUS), the EU (FP7) and international industry collaborations.

Research topics

Skills and expertise within IMRI include: medical and healthcare devices; intelligent materials (auxetic, piezoelectric, photovoltaic and electrorheological); smart microsystems (MEMS, self-powered sensors and actuators, surface acoustic waves, solar cells, nanomanipulators, wearables); technical textiles and fire retardancy.

Projects

Research projects currently being carried out within IMRI include the following:

• Piezoelectric, photovoltaic and solar cell systems for sustainable power regeneration;
• Miniaturised biosensors and actuators for early diagnosis of pathogenic and chronic diseases (including, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and vulnerable heart plaque);
• Wearable chemical-release self-powered and controlled devices for in vitro treatment (including, wound, antimicrobial, thermophysiological comfort and performance sports);
• Functional fibre blends with fire retardant nano particles and encapsulants for protective textiles (including, fire fighting suits, bullet and knife proof police vests and composites);
• Synthesis, applications and mechanisms of action of drugs and metallodrugs.

Funding opportunities

Scholarships are made available through government and industry funds for selected high calibre candidates.

Entry requirements

You should have a good honours degree in a relevant subject, and an MSc (or other postgraduate qualification) in a related subject is preferred.

In addition, you will have substantial experience and expertise in your field of study.

You are also encouraged to apply if you have alternative qualifications or experience that demonstrate you have the appropriate knowledge and skills to begin doctorate-level study.

It is expected that you will be able to demonstrate substantial commitment to the proposal.

If English is not your first language you will need a recognised English language qualification at the appropriate level for this course, i.e. IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

How to apply

Please contact the IMRI Director for initial enquiries and to discuss your proposed area of study.

To apply for admission to a programme of study leading to a higher degree you must complete the University's research degree application form and return it to the Institute for Materials Research and Innovation.

Please visit our 'how to apply for an MPhil or PhD research degree web page' for details.

Further Information

For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:

Prof. Elias Siores (CMRI Director)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903501
E-mail:E.Siores@bolton.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding application forms and other administrative issues please contact:

Bilkis Yusuf (Research Student Administrator, Institute for Materials Research and Innovation)
Tel: +44 (0) 1204 903549
Email: B.Yusof@bolton.ac.uk

For general information about the University of Bolton please contact:

Enquiry Team (Student Services)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk