ADVANCED THIN FILM TECHNOLOGIES at University of West of Scotland

OVERVIEW

Our MSc in Advanced Thin Film Technologies is ideal for engineering or science graduates planning a career in research, development, production and/or business involving thin film technologies and continuing personal development of current industry professionals.

Thin film technologies are key enablers in a wide range of global research, development, manufacturing, industrial and high technology applications and products.

Our unique course provides up-to-date coverage of evolving thin film technologies and latest developments in the field. It develops the multi-disciplinary skills needed for professional development within this rapidly expanding field and forms the basis for future professional chartered engineer and/or physicist status.

Core topics include thin film materials science, metrology and characterisation, theoretical modelling, physical and chemical-based thin film deposition methods including deposition system engineering and control, plasma processing, thin film devices and applications and research and project management. The MSc content reflects the multidisciplinary nature of advanced thin film technologies and provides students with the necessary broad skill set.

COURSE DETAILS

Our MSc course has three stages containing a mixture of theory and practice core modules. There are three 20-credit modules in Stages 1 and 2 with Stage 3 consisting of a 60-credit theory/practice dissertation module.

A recognised innovative feature of our course is the approach of clinical simulation used for skills demonstration, practice, and development throughout the course, which allows you to practise skills in a realistic environment.

Core topics you will study include:

• thin film materials science
• metrology and characterisation
• theoretical modelling
• physical and chemical-based thin film deposition methods

Course content reflects the multidisciplinary nature of advanced thin film technologies and provides you with the necessary broad skill set. When studying towards your MSc you will undertake experimental project work, providing practical skills in:

• thin film deposition
• characterisation
• modelling

The extensive range of equipment within the Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging will be at your disposal throughout your studies.

For the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) stage, you will study the following core modules:

• Project Management and Research Methods (core, 10 credits)
• Theory of Thin Films (core, 10 credits)
• Thin Film Characterisation (core, 20 credits)
• Thin Film Devices and Applications (core,20 credits)
• Thin Film Material Science (core, 20 credits)
• Thin Film Processes & Principles (I, Physical) (core, 20 credits)
• Thin Film Processes & Principles (II, Chemical) (core, 20 credits)

Successful completion of the PgDip allows you to proceed to the master's dissertation module:

• MSc Advanced Thin Film Technologies Dissertation (60 credits)

Your MSc dissertation allows you to specialise in order to achieve a greater understanding of the implementation and advanced application of thin films. There may be scope to integrate your dissertation with industry, where an engineering supervisor will be allocated to assist your MSc journey and to advise and introduce you to industrial contacts.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Jobs

You will be equipped for global opportunities for employment and a career in:

• research
• development
• manufacturing
• business

Most organisations that implement thin film based technologies employ fully trained, qualified technologists, consultants and technical marketing specialists throughout their lifecycle, with a consequent high global demand for such personnel across a wide range of applications, products and markets.