Our MSc course is a 12-month, 90-ECTS, Bologna-compliant MSc in the Theory and Simulation of Materials. This course provides a foundation in theoretical materials physics and its applications in simulations across length and time scales. An outline of the curriculum is below, and more detailed information can be found in our MSc Handbook 2018-19 (PDF). The formal programme specification can be downloaded here.

Curriculum

There are two main elements to the MSc course:

  • Coursework: delivered by lectures, directed reading and computational classes; and assessed by written examinations, problem sets, computational exercises and mini-projects.
  • Research Project: undertaken over 4 months in participating research groups and assessed by a literature review, presentation and a written report.
MSc Lectures 
Core Components

These eight courses are delivered through lectures, hands-on computational classes, discussion groups and rapid feedback classes during the autumn and spring terms.
Option Components
Research Project

This is assessed by a literature review, presentation and a written report at the end of the project, and counts for 40% of the overall course mark.
The project begins at the end of Term 2 and is submitted in mid-September. Each student is required to give an oral presentation about the project at the CDT MSc Conference. The project is carried out at Imperial College, possibly in collaboration with an industrial partner or another academic instution. All students have at least two project supervisors with expertise in different length- or time-scales.
View Past Projects

Prospective candidates should note that a Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma are not currently available on this programme.

The TSM CDT courses are improved every year based on extensive feedback from our students. In addition, our programmes are reviewed on an annual basis by the TSM CDT Advisory Board, comprising senior academics and industry representatives. Current students are invited to submit anonymous feedback through the SOLE survey.

Imperial College works closely with employers and industry, including Industrial Advisory Panels to design Master’s courses which provide graduates with technical knowledge, expertise and transferable skills and to encourage students to take internships and placements. All Master’s courses are designed with employer needs in mind with some Master’s courses accredited by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies. Most Master’s courses offer an opportunity to carry out research projects in industry.