Materials

Materials Science at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth exploration of the properties, structure, and applications of materials that form the foundation of modern technology and industry. This multidisciplinary program combines elements of physics, chemistry, engineering, and materials science to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how materials behave and how they can be engineered for specific purposes. Students will examine a wide range of materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and nanomaterials, gaining insights into their synthesis, characterization, and performance.

Throughout the course, students will engage in both theoretical and practical learning, participating in cutting-edge research projects, laboratories, and workshops. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as crystallography, thermodynamics, mechanical properties, electrical and optical characteristics, and materials processing techniques. Emphasis is placed on understanding the relationship between a material's microstructure and its macroscopic properties, enabling students to tailor materials for innovative applications.

The program is designed to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. Graduates will be equipped to contribute to advancements in areas such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy storage, biomedicine, and sustainable development. The close ties of the university with leading research institutions and industries provide students with unique opportunities for internships, collaborative projects, and professional development.

Students enrolled in the Materials Science program at Oxford benefit from world-class teaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant academic community. The program encourages an inquisitive mindset and a rigorous approach to scientific inquiry, fostering an environment where innovation can flourish. Whether aiming to develop new materials or improve existing ones, students will leave the program with a solid foundation in materials science and the skills necessary to drive technological progress in a variety of fields.

As a student on the DPhil in Materials programme you will be part of one of the top-ranked materials departments in the world. This vibrant research school consists of around 28 academic staff, 13 Senior Research Fellows, and around 180 research students and 86 postdoctoral researchers. Research students are of many nationalities and come to the department from diverse backgrounds. They are graduates in the traditional subjects of materials science, physics, chemistry and engineering and also mathematics, earth sciences and biology.

The DPhil in Materials is normally carried out in three and a half years of full-time study under the supervision of an experienced member of staff. It is examined at the end of the programme by means of a written thesis and an oral examination.  A wide range of exciting DPhil projects is available. In common with other UK universities, the first year is a probationary year, soon after which, subject to satisfactory progress, you will normally transfer to full DPhil status. A second formal assessment of progress takes place later in the programme, normally in the middle of the third year. Details of the DPhil programme, including training opportunities (academic courses, research-specific skills and generic transferable career skills) and progression requirements, can be found in the current version of the graduate course handbook.

Research interests of the department extend over most branches of materials science, as well as some aspects of solid state physics and chemistry: they include the study of a wide range of materials of relevance in advanced technological applications, including metals and alloys, composites, semi- and super-conductors, polymers, biomaterials, ceramics and materials for quantum information processing.

Much of the research is carried out in close collaboration with industry. World-leading research takes place on:

• characterisation of materials, where there is emphasis on electron microscopy and related techniques
• processing and manufacturing of materials
• modelling of materials, where there is attention to both structures and processes
• properties of materials
• energy materials, including those for batteries, nuclear fusion and photovoltaics
• quantum information processing, which includes groups working on experimental studies, theory and modelling.

Each of the department's research groups works within one or more of the following broad themes and research projects available to applicants for the DPhil in Materials are listed under these themes:

• energy materials
• structural and nuclear materials
• ceramics and composites
• applied superconductivity
• device materials (including semiconductors and NEMS)
• polymers and biomaterials
• nanomaterials
• processing and manufacturing
• characterisation of materials
• computational materials modelling
• quantum information processing (experimental studies, theory, and modelling)

Further information on current research and individual members of staff is available via the Materials Science website.

An overview of the provision for Materials research students can be found at the Outline of Provision for Materials Research Students webpage. Also available is Guidance on Supervision Arrangements and an Outline of Some Compulsory Requirements for the DPhil in Materials.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a suitable science subject; normally this subject would be one of materials science, chemistry, physics or mathematics, but could include other subjects depending on the area of research chosen.

For candidates offering a UK bachelor's degree or UK integrated undergraduate master's degree normally an overall grade of at least 65% is required. As examples of international equivalents to this requirement: for the US system a GPA of 3.60 out of 4.0 on a four-year bachelor's programme is normally regarded as equivalent and for the Chinese system an overall degree mark of 85% on a four-year bachelor's degree programme is normally regarded as equivalent.

In some countries at least some of their bachelor's degrees are not acceptable for direct progression to a PhD in that country; normally such degrees are not acceptable for entry to the course unless the candidate also holds or expects to achieve a master's degree with an overall mark equivalent to at least 65% in a UK taught master's degree.

Normally the required qualification(s) must be achieved by the date of commencement of the research programme for which you have applied.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: 400 words, accompanied by a list of preferred projects and supervisors
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a range of financing options to support students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Materials Science and related fields. For domestic and international students, tuition fee funding is available through a combination of scholarships, bursaries, government loans, and external funding sources. Undergraduate students may be eligible for Oxford’s Undergraduate Financial Support Scheme, which provides fee reductions and maintenance grants based on financial need. Postgraduate students can apply for Oxford’s Graduate Funding Competition, departmental scholarships, and university-wide awards aimed at supporting research-based study in Materials.

In addition to university-specific funding opportunities, many students secure external grants and scholarships from governmental agencies, industry partners, and charitable foundations. Examples include Commonwealth Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, and industry-sponsored fellowships, which often support students in technical fields such as Materials Science. International students are advised to explore funding options available through their home governments or international organizations, many of which provide dedicated support for studying at Oxford.

Oxford also encourages students to engage in part-time work or research assistantships to supplement their income. The university’s Careers Service offers guidance on employment opportunities both within and outside the university. For students pursuing research degrees, funding packages often include tuition fee waivers and maintenance stipends, which are competitive and depend on the source of the scholarship. The university recommends early application for funding to increase the chances of securing financial support, and many programmes provide specific deadlines for scholarship applications.

Overall, financing a degree at Oxford in the field of Materials benefits from a comprehensive system of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid designed to make study accessible to talented students from diverse financial backgrounds. Prospective students are encouraged to thoroughly research and apply for all relevant funding opportunities well in advance of their planned start date to ensure full financial support during their course of study.

Materials at the University of Oxford offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the structure, properties, and applications of materials. The program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of materials science, including the physical, chemical, and biological aspects relevant to various materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. Students gain practical skills through laboratory work, coursework, and research projects that enable them to evaluate and manipulate materials for a wide range of technological applications. The curriculum emphasizes both fundamental theory and innovative research, preparing graduates for careers in academia, industry, or research institutions. The program is typically structured to include core courses in materials physics, chemistry, and engineering, along with specialized modules such as nanomaterials, biomaterials, and sustainable materials. Students are encouraged to undertake research placements and collaborations with industry to enhance their practical understanding and professional skills. The University of Oxford's state-of-the-art facilities support cutting-edge research across many aspects of materials science, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery. Throughout the course, students develop analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and interdisciplinary understanding critical for advancing materials technology in areas such as electronics, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing. The program aims to produce highly skilled graduates capable of addressing global challenges through the advancement of new materials and their applications.