Materials and Manufacturing Academy (M2A)

If you're operating at the top end of the materials and manufacturing sector in Wales, your ongoing success depends on two key factors: firstly, your ability to lead the way with innovative product research and development;  and secondly, your success in attracting high calibre people capable of driving your vital research forward.  The Materials and Manufacturing Academy (M2A) has been set up to provide leading businesses like yours with top quality individuals trained to Masters and Doctoral level, who have what it takes to become the sector's leading players.

Materials and Manufacturing Academy

The business benefits

M2A will support 227 of the most talented individuals in the sector and help them develop the technical, leadership and management skills critical to the success of high value manufacturing and materials businesses in Wales.

As part of the programme, your business will have access to:

  • Subsidised, sector leading industrial research and development.
  • First-class facilities and expertise at Swansea University, a renowned academic centre for advanced materials and manufacturing research.
  • A steady source of top-class research talent for your business.

M2A is an extremely flexible and cost-effective way of conducting research, and because you will get to know the post-graduates very well during their time with your business, you will also have a clear idea of their capabilities and long-term value as future employees.

What support will you get?

The Material and Manufacturing Academy will pay a researcher an annual wage, £20,000 for the Engineering Doctorate / £12,500 for the Masters.  Your business will be required to contribute annually towards costs, £10,500 for the Engineering Doctorate / £4,345 for the Masters. You will have the opportunity to work with them for either one or four years, but there is no obligation to employ the graduate after the research has been completed, nor is there an obligation for the student to take a job offer with your company.

Your commitment

To get involved, your business needs to submit proposals for a one-year Master's or a four year Doctorate research project clearly linked to your company's products, processes or markets.

The post graduate researcher must have at least a 2:1 Degree in science or engineering and be supervised by an academic from Swansea University.  You must also designate a representative from your business to become the student's line manager and mentor.

Is your business eligible?

Any business operating in Wales can co-fund an Engineering Doctorate or a research Masters, providing we are satisfied the research will bring tangible benefits to the long term success of the company. Students enrolled on the M2A must also have a residential address in the Convergence area of Wales and hold a UK passport or have a permanent right to stay.

IT'S TIME to recruit for success

Call the Business Wales Helpline on 03000 603 000 or contact us

Rydym yn croesawu galwadau yn Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.

M2A is part-funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

Programme Checklist EU funds in Wales
Delivery Area All Wales
European Social Fund
Status  Live
Supported by the European Social Fund? Yes
Programme Lead

Swansea University