Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) A higher degree by research involves training in research methods and systematic, high level study of a research project. The nature of the work and the time it takes to finish the research means a research degree is demanding and needs great commitment. You must present your results in a thesis, explain the methods used in your research and defend them in an oral examination. To get an MPhil you must critically investigate and evaluate an approved topic and display an understanding of suitable research methods. For a PhD you must also make an independent and original contribution to knowledge. Split PhD A split PhD is a research degree programme which is ideal if you are an international student wanting to study from your home country. You register for a Sheffield Hallam University PhD and spend some time studying in Sheffield but are substantially based in your home country. The balance of study between us and the overseas university is agreed between you and your supervisors, depending on the needs of your research programme. The benefits of studying on the split PhD scheme include • you can complete fieldwork in your home country, in an area directly linked to your professional or career development interests • access to local facilities and supervisory support in your home country combined with the expert supervisory guidance of our academics • short, intensive periods of face-to-face working with a dedicated supervisory team in Sheffield, while enjoying the educational, social and cultural benefits of studying in the UK Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI) MERI is a multi-disciplinary research institute encompassing four research centres each with their own specialist groups operating within them. We undertake high quality academic research across a range of disciplines and apply this research knowledge in a commercial and industrial context. Research areas include • polymers and composites • solar energy • structural integrity and corrosion • functional coatings • simulation and modelling • robotics. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise we were the leading post–92 university in metallurgy and materials (UoA29). 75 per cent of our staff were judged to be internationally leading and we obtained a Times Higher Education average score of 2.15 reflecting the quality of our work and world class staff. Our staff include • chemists • materials scientists • physicists • computer scientists • mechanical, electronic and electrical engineers, all working on individual or collaborative projects shared between research centres. Supported by a £6m equipment base, which will shortly undergo a £4m refurbishment, this inter-disciplinary approach enables us to solve complex problems ranging from fracture of artificial implants through to designing surfaces that can withstand frictional temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees centigrade. Solutions to these kinds of problems put MERI at the top in terms of industrial collaboration. The Materials Research and Analysis Service (MARS) is also a key strength in the research institute, established to provide regional business with access to research facilities and analysis, which enhances the capability of companies in terms of new and improved products. Evidence of MERI’s research strength is reflected in the patent portfolio that currently consists of 22 granted patents with another 17 applications in progress. MERI is made up of five centres of excellence • the Thin Films Research Centre • the Centre for Automation and Robotics Research • the Polymers Nanocomposites and Modelling Research Centre • the Structural Materials and Integrity Research Centre • Materials Analysis and Research Services, Centre for Industrial Collaboration (MARS) (CIC)

Research degrees are a vital qualification for most academic careers, and for professional specialisation and development in an existing or planned career. The rigorous analytical thinking they involve also demonstrates ability to potential employers in all areas of work.