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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
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Qualification
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MRes
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£21,000 Home
£42,400 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
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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
Key
- Lectures, group teaching and project supervision
- Independent study
- Lab/practical work
- 32% Lectures, group teaching and project supervision
- 35% Independent study
- 33% Lab/practical work
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
Key
- Written examinations
- Literature review and project proposal
- Project work
- 33% Written examinations
- 11% Literature review and project proposal
- 56% Project report
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 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025
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.
Application rounds
Round 1
- Applications open on Friday 27 September 2024
- Applications close on Thursday 16 January 2025
- Decision by Thursday 6 March 2025
Round 2
- Applications open on Friday 17 January 2025
- Applications close on Thursday 27 March 2025
- Decision by Thursday 1 May 2025
Round 3
- Applications open on Friday 28 March 2025
- Applications close on Thursday 15 May 2025
- Decision by Thursday 17 July 2025
Round 4
- Applications open on Friday 16 May 2025
- Applications close on Friday 4 July 2025
- Decision by Thursday 31 July 2025
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course.
- £80 for all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College 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 Michele Dougherty
Get guidance and support for obtaining an ATAS certificate.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£21,000
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.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£42,400
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.
For courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
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
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7512
- Email: l.sanchez@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Professor Ji-Seon Kim
Course Coordinator: Dr Lisa Bushby
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