Teaching Overview

The objectives of the Department of Materials at Oxford University are to produce world class graduate materials scientists and engineers, and to conduct world class research into the manufacture, structure, properties and applications of materials, for the benefit of the UK and world community.

The Department of Materials at Oxford is regularly graded one of the best materials departments in the UK, rated top in The Guardian league tables 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 (published in 2013 - 2021). 

In the UK Government's most recent assessment of research excellence in UK universities, the 2021 REF, research from Oxford's Department of Materials and its Department of Engineering Science was jointly submitted to REF Unit of Assessment (UOA) 12 - Engineering^. For this submission 71% of the research activity of the two departments was judged to be in the highest, Grade 4* ('World-leading'), category of excellence and a further 26% as Grade 3* ('Internationally Excellent'). 90% of research impact was judged to be 'World-leading'.     [^There is not a specific REF UOA for Materials.]

The Department provides teaching for a four-year M.Eng. undergraduate programme, which is accredited by the UK Engineering Council:

  • Materials Science (MS) 
    - formerly known as Metallurgy and the Science of Materials (MSOM)

The following research degree programmes are offered by the Department of Materials, further information being available through the weblinks provided:

DPhil in Materials. A three-year or three and a half-year Doctoral programme, known as a PhD elsewhere, for which approximately 33 places are available.

MSc(Research) in Materials. A two year research Masters programme, for which only a small number of places may be available.

An EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training Programme, of four years duration, which involves a significant number of compulsory taught elements.

The Department does not offer any taught MSc programmes.

Only very occasionally can the Department offer short internships for undergraduates from other Universities. If you are interested in an internship please contact a specific member of academic staff indicating why you wish to work in their research group. Blanket applications to several members of staff will not be taken seriously.