Theory and Simulation of Materials

The Centre offers a four-year PhD, the first year of which leads to an MSc. Self-funded students may take the MSc by itself as a 12-month full-time course.

This course is aimed at mathematically talented students who relish theoretical and computational treatments of condensed matter that are relevant to major issues facing society today, such as energy supply, global warming, health and security.

It provides a foundation in the theoretical physics of materials and its application in simulations across different length and time scales to problems of technological importance.

With strong links to industry, other leading academic institutions, and government labs in the UK and overseas, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with external organisations, including collaborative research projects.

The first year provides a rigorous training in the required theoretical methods and simulation techniques through the taught MSc programme and includes a 3-month research project which normally acts as an introduction to the PhD research project that follows.

On completion of the MSc in TSM, students undertake their PhD research project, which occupies years 2-4. Each student has at least two supervisors (one of whom may be based in industry or at another university) whose combined expertise spans multiple length- and/or time-scales of materials theory and simulation. Students do not have to make a choice of their research project until May of year 1 and there will be a large range of projects to choose from.

A key emphasis of all research projects is the development and implementation of new theory and code for materials simulation. Research projects being undertaken by current students in the TSM-CDT can be found here. Find out more about what a TSM-CDT research project is all about.

Students in the TSM-CDT are active participants in the Thomas Young Centre (TYC), the London Centre for the Theory and Simulation of Materials, which brings researchers in theory and simulation of materials from all over London (Imperial, UCL, King's College, and Queen Mary's), for an exciting programme of scientific events, workshops and visiting professors from across the globe. 

We welcome applications from suitably qualified, self-funded students for either the 12-month MSc or the four-year PhD.

The normal entrance requirement for the MSc or the PhD is a first class honours degree, or equivalent overseas qualification, in physical sciences or engineering.

For first MSc year

Tuition fees (2015–2016):

• Home/EU Full-time — £11,500
• Overseas Full-time — £28,000