The course is designed to develop methodological approaches in advanced materials research, organization and planning as well as skills in documentation and presentation of a selected topic. It is aimed to allow students to gain self-confidence and ability to solve emerging problems in materials science and engineering based on experimental and analytical approaches. The course is specifically designed to bridge theoretical knowledge and practice, stimulate the student's ingenuity, and build up skills in conducting independent materials research and creating novel materials and nanomaterials.

The dissertation is carried out on an individual basis. The topics are provided by the programme and are normally associated with departmental research activities. The topic of Advanced Research is selected by students with assistance of the course leader, who has knowledge and expertise of the proposed research. The progress in the course of Advanced Research is closely monitored and regulated in all aspects by the academic staff through his or her research group meetings.

At the beginning of the course, students carry out literature survey and discuss with a project supervisor and research group members to develop a research proposal. The idea and contents of the proposal are presented to a panel for review and assessment.

Each advanced research report is evaluated by an assessor who is an expert in the field and therefore he/she is appointed by the programme committee in accordance with the research field. The report is assessed based on presentation (clarity, conciseness), technical knowledge, understanding, and accomplishment (technical competence, initiative creativity, effort).

The oral presentation is assessed by a team of assessors, appointed by the programme committee, according to the style, structure and presentation clarity, and student's response to panel's questions. The assessment procedures are arranged based on the principle of equal treatment across the student cohort and with respect to an international benchmark to maintain fairness and high education standard. The oral examination is used to validate the extent of the student's understanding of the advanced research report and the degree of self-guidance achieved.