PHD Plasma Surface Engineering

Program Overview

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PHD Plasma Surface Engineering

Course summary

Undertake a period of supervised study as part of the University’s research community. Learn important engineering technologies, processes and techniques. Gain hands-on experience of various advanced surface analyses. Graduate as an employable specialist engineer. Contribute to the acclaimed work of MERI researchers.

How you learn

As this is a research course, most of your work will be carried out independently. You will benefit from the support and expertise of your supervisory team; including a Director of Studies and a second supervisor who have specific interest and expertise in your chosen subject area. You learn through

• independent research
• mentoring with your supervisory team
• laboratory training, including in advanced processes and machinery
• research training, including mandatory ethics and integrity sessions
• teacher training
• close tutelage in academic writing

Applied learning

Networking opportunities

You will be part of the University's community of researchers, with the opportunity to attend and/or contribute to a range of disciplines, college and University-wide presentations, training and conferences.

Course leaders and tutors

David Asquith

Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering

Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in

• research
• coating technology development engineering
• sales
• management of coating centres
• work for surface engineering companies

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for

• the University of Sheffield
• the University of Manchester
• the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
• the DIAMOND Source Centre
• the Advanced Forming Research Centre
• the University of Strathclyde
• Richter Precision
• Trumpf Huetting Elektronik

Equipment and facilities

On this course you work with

• an industrial size HAUZER 1000-4
• K.J. Lesker UHV, Von Ardenne Anlagen Technik Cluster coating deposition systems
• energy-resolved mass spectroscopy
• atomic absorption spectroscopy
• plasma probe analysers
• analytical equipment for characterisation of the mechanical, tribological, high temperature, corrosion and corrosion-erosion properties of thin films
• the microelectronic materials and sensors group at the Thin Films Research Centre (TFRC), operating a range of electrochemical and chemical deposition systems as well as specialised coating characterisation analytical equipment.

We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces designed by our students.

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

City Campus map | City Campus tour

Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

Learn more

Entry requirements

All students

All applicants should hold a strong undergraduate degree (2.1 or above) and/or a relevant masters qualification (or expectation of the same).

All applicants must submit a completed postgraduate application form including a 1500 word research proposal.

You are encouraged to find out more about our staff and their current research to inform the development of your research proposal and to ensure it aligns with our research themes. Before submitting your proposal, please contact the member(s) of staff listed against the relevant research theme.

Applicants are required to give a short 10–15 minute presentation followed by an interview. Interview panel members will include the head of research degrees for the relevant research area or centre, a local postgraduate research tutor and a prospective director of studies.

Where English is not your first language, you must show evidence of English language ability to the following minimum level of proficiency: an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with at least 6.0 in each component or an accepted equivalent. Please note that your test score must be current, i.e. within the last two years.

Additional information for EU/International students

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK postgraduate research students will be aligned to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fees which have not yet been confirmed for 2026/27. For an indication of the tuition fees, please view the 2025/26 course page. An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU postgraduate research students starting part-time study in 2026/27 is £9,300 per year. There will be a final writing up fee of £500. (Note that this course is not suitable for students requiring a Tier 4 visa). An additional bench fee may also be charged for this course, depending on the nature of your project and requirements for specialist facilities. Information on whether a bench fee is chargeable can be provided by the relevant Research Institute, and will be confirmed in your offer letter.

Doctoral student loans

Up to £25,700 available to help you while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.

Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for School of Engineering and Built Environment (PDF, 607KB)