Crystallization-inducing metal elements are introduced onto an amorphous silicon thin film. A first, low-temperature, heat-treatment induces nucleation of metal-induced crystallization (MIC), resulting in the formation of small polycrystalline silicon “islands”. A metal-gettering layer is formed on the resulting partially crystallized thin film. A second, low-temperature, heat-treatment completes the MIC process, whilst gettering metal elements from the partially crystallized thin film. The process results in the desired polycrystalline silicon thin film.