Soft Electronic Materials
Create and optimise new types of electronic materials and devices for a diverse range of applications.
Create and optimise new types of electronic materials and devices for a diverse range of applications
Learn interdisciplinary skills in research, modelling and analysis
Carry out a substantial independent research project and literature review
Course key facts
Qualification
MRes
Duration
1 year
Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£22,100 Home
£44,500 Overseas
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
2:1 in a relevant engineering, mathematical or physical sciences subject
Course overview
Learn how to create and optimise new types of electronic materials and devices for a diverse range of applications on this interdisciplinary course.
Deepen your understanding of a thriving area of research, which targets applications such as light-emitting diodes, batteries, wearable electronics devices and sensors.
You'll engage with highly multidisciplinary science during your studies. The programme will span physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering and bioengineering.
Over 12 months, you'll explore topics including organic and inorganic semiconductors, material synthesis and processing, materials characterisation, and device physics and applications.
Research activities are wide-ranging, from modelling molecules and materials, to measuring and analysing materials and device performance for targeted applications.
The course is comprised of lectures and advanced skills training, as well as a substantial independent research project and thesis.
Why study at Imperial
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Learn from experts Lectures and projects led by world-leading experts from Imperial’s Centre of Excellence in Processable Electronics Includes three Fellows of the Royal Society and five Highly Cited Researchers.
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Multidisciplinary approaches to application-targeted research Research the materials and techniques used in every-day electronic devices
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From solar cells to displays and sensors Research improvements in efficiency, sustainability and cost reduction Explore CPE facilities
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll study the following core modules.
Core modules
Examine the basic properties of semiconducting organic and inorganic materials and consider the methods required to deposit layers of inorganic and hybrid materials.
Engage with materials characterisation techniques relevant to assessing the microstructure and surface/interface properties of relevant electroactive materials.
Research and provide critical summation of scientific literature in your given topic of study.
You'll select a research project proposal in the first term following discussion with potential supervisors.
You’ll also participate in advanced practical skills courses, computational workshops and a journal club to help you successfully complete the project.
Teaching and assessment
Balance of teaching and learning
This is a general guide to how teaching and learning are usually balanced across this course. The methods used may change based on the modules you take.
Key
- Lectures, group teaching and project supervision
- Independent study
- Lab/practical work
- 32% Title 1 goes here
- 35% Title 2 goes here
- 33% Title 3 goes here
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Computational workshops
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Journal clubs
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Seminars
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Industrial visits
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Supervised project work
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Virtual learning environment
Balance of assessment
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Written examinations
- Literature review and project proposal
- Project work
- 33% Title 1 goes here
- 11% Title 2 goes here
- 56% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
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Written exams
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Coursework
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Written reports
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Oral presentation
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Dissertation
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – Round 2 closes on Wednesday 7 January 2026
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Round 1
Business School courses only.
Round 2
- Applications open on Monday 29 September 2025
- Applications close on Wednesday 7 January 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 4 March 2026
Round 3
- Applications open on Thursday 8 January 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 11 March 2026
- Decision by Wednesday 6 May 2026
Round 4
- Applications open on Thursday 12 March 2026
- Applications close on Wednesday 29 April 2026
- Decision by Thursday 2 July 2026
We recommend applying as early as you can – we cannot guarantee that places will be available, or that courses will remain open, in later rounds.
There is no application fee for Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
The application fees for postgraduate courses are:
- £90 for all Master's applications, excluding those to Imperial Business School
- £125 for MSc applications to Imperial Business School
- £150 for MBA applications to Imperial Business School
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
Unless you are from an exempt nationality, you will need an ATAS certificate to obtain your visa and study this course.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt: Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and EEA members.
Use this information when applying for an ATAS certificate to study this course:
- CAH code: CAH07-01-01
- Descriptor: Physics
- Supervisor name: Professor Stefan Soldner-Rembold
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2026 entry
£22,100
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
Overseas fee
2026 entry
£44,500
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
The maximum value of the loan is £12,858 for courses starting on or after 1 August 2025.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Please note:
- The loan is only available if you’re studying a full Master’s course from the start.
- If you start on a Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) and later move on to the Master’s, you won’t be eligible for this loan.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Research and transferable skills gained on this course may lead to careers in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, and bioengineering.
Physics graduates at Imperial are highly sought after in a variety of employment sectors.
Develop strong links with industry, other leading academic institutions, and government labs in the UK and abroad.
Further links
Contact the department
Email: ph-pgt@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Professor Piers Barnes
Visit the Department of Physics website.
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Request info
Find out more about studying at Imperial. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications