PGCert in Nanotechnology

About the course

The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Nanotechnology offers a ten-month introduction to the subject for those seeking a thorough grounding in the science and application of nanotechnology.

The PGCert in Nanotechnology is a unique, mainly online, part-time course aimed at professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds who wish to learn more about the foundations of nanotechnology, technological advances and the applications it enables.

The course has been developed to introduce fundamental material essential to the understanding of nanotechnology. Its content has been designed to enhance career development that is recognised and accepted within industry, and there are opportunities to access cutting-edge research and current practice in a wide range of nanotechnology topics.

The online components of this course can be taken from anywhere in the word by those seeking a solid foundation in nanotechnology. Its modular structure provides flexibility while a tutor-led approach lends cohesion and depth to the distance learning experience which has been tailored to enable busy people in full-time employment to study.

This flexible programme is delivered by Begbroke Science Park and the Department for Continuing Education. The online components are delivered through a bespoke virtual learning environment and Adobe Connect, which are supported by a dedicated IT support helpdesk.

Graduate destinations

Most part-time students on this course are already in full-time employment in related fields on commencement of their study.

The Department for Continuing Education regularly follows up with its alumni to find out what they have gone on to do after completing their course.

According to the latest Careers Service report, which covers the period 2009-12, 60% of PGCert in Nanotechnology alumni were in employment six months after completing the course, 30% were undertaking further study, and the final 10% were combining both work and study. Several of the course's alumni have gone on to undertake DPhil and masters' courses.

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a mathematical or physical sciences discipline, eg mathematics, materials science, physics, chemistry, or engineering. Applicants with an undergraduate degree in biology, pharmacy, medicine or business must demonstrate at least A-level (or equivalent) knowledge in mathematics and physics. Alternatively, students will have some practical experience in related fields. This experience would be demonstrated by publications or approximately five years of employment in a related field. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA normally sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.