Nanoscience

Page contents

• Programme overview
• Entry requirements
• Staff research interests

Programme overview

Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials (BCFN) is an EPSRC-funded Doctoral Training Centre. Our four-year integrated PhD programme begins with a year of training, giving you all the foundational skills necessary for you to prosper in your PhD research:

• Interdisciplinary practical training in all the key characterisation and fabrication techniques in a variety of different labs
• Expert lecture courses in advanced topics
• Real training from scientists working in world-leading companies so you can see real-world applications of research
• A six-month extended project on a topic of your choice
• Transferable skills training in writing, presenting, group work, discussion leading, etc.

The first year of training is based in the state-of-the-art Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information, the lowest-vibration-level nanoscience building in the world.

Students usually move to an academic department in the faculties of Science, Engineering or Medical and Veterinary Sciences for their PhD project but keep close ties to BCFN through regular seminars and events.

Research areas

Functional Nanomaterials is an exciting area of Nanoscience, bridging the traditional disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering. It offers diverse PhD opportunities including:

• Fundamental investigations of atoms and molecules and how they assemble and order
• Research into the fabrication of more complex structures and surfaces
• The possibilities of functional nanostructures in fields as diverse as computing, healthcare, communications, energy storage and production and pharmaceuticals

The BCFN is highly interdisciplinary and all research projects have supervisors in at least two departments. Academic departments involved with the BCFN include Aerospace Engineering, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Clinical Sciences, Dentistry, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Engineering Maths, Mathematics, Ophthalmology, Physics, and Physiology and Pharmacology.

You choose your PhD project at the end of the first year. If you have any questions regarding your research proposal, please contact Dr Terry McMaster, Director of the Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials.

(Back to top)

Entry requirements

An upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related subject.

For information on international equivalent qualifications, please see our International Office website.

Admissions statement

Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.

(Back to top)

Key research interests

(Back to top)