EngD Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies
The Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies (MiNMaT) is a four-year doctoral programme for researchers who aspire to important leadership positions in industry. Study combines industrially relevant research with taught courses, and it gives you the opportunity to work closely with one of our industrial partners.
Why choose this
programme?
The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in MiNMaT solves challenging and industrially relevant problems through a profound understanding of processing-microstructure-property relationships. We have a unique focus on characterisation, and we provide sponsoring organisations with the use of state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment.
As a research engineer, you’ll be recruited to work with a specific sponsor on a mutually agreed project, and you’ll be based primarily on the sponsoring organisation’s premises.
Our work ranges from the manipulation of atoms and molecules to the design, analysis and development of large structures, leading to innovations in products as diverse as supercapacitors and jet engines.
The University of Surrey ranked 15th in the UK for research power for engineering by the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. We are now also ranked in the top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs – research papers and other published works.
What you will study
Our EngD will give you the knowledge, skills and expertise needed for a career in industry, research or academia. You’ll be intellectually challenged, develop research and management skills, and become an expert in the field. Working in an industrial organisation will give you experience of fast-paced commercial environments, which will be of great value to your future career.
Our doctorate programme is designed to help you develop specialist scientific and technical knowledge while working in an industrial environment. The research you’ll carry out will be unique to you: it will take on an industrially relevant research problem (or problems) and incorporate a significant degree of advanced characterisation. Most of your research will be done at your sponsor’s premises.
You’ll be supervised by a minimum of two members of academic staff, plus at least one industrial supervisor, who’ll provide a wealth of experience and expertise in this field of study and in industry. They’ll guide you through your EngD and develop you into an independent researcher and an ‘industry-ready’ graduate.
Professional recognition
EngD - Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Course length
Normal registration takes 48 months. However, it can take a maximum of 54 months to complete*.
Location
Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Research themes
- Characterisation of materials at the micro and nanoscale
- Manipulation and application of materials at the micro and nanoscale.
Research centres
See a full list of all our academic staff within the School of Mechanical Engineering Sciences.
Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Facilities
Being based at a sponsoring organisation means the facilities you’ll most often use are actually those of the company in which you’re embedded, though you’ll also have access to the University’s facilities.
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants:
- Meeting the expected entry requirements
- Being shortlisted through the application screening process
- Completing a successful interview
- Providing suitable references.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.
September 2025 - Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- To be confirmed
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100 (subject to legal requirements).
- Any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.
Funding
The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in MiNMaT (Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies) is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Fees and living costs are met by the Centre through its funding streams. More detailed information is available from the Centre Manager following an expression of interest.
How to apply
Please contact the Programme Leader, Noelle Hartley, for more information about applying for this course.
Application process
Applicants are advised to contact potential supervisors before they submit an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our application guidance.
After registration
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Code of practice for research degrees
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF).
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions in two stages:
- First when we make an offer.
- Second when students accept their offer and register to study with us (registration terms and conditions will vary depending on your course and academic year).
View our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2023/24 academic year, as a guide on what to expect.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate, some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
It is important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.