This programme provides professional training in polymer science and technology for graduates of science, engineering and technology subjects.
Lectures are supplemented by an extensive variety of laboratory exercises, spanning chemical and physical characterisation, and compounding and processing technology experiments on pilot-scale laboratory equipment.
Core study areas include polymer science, polymer process engineering, plastics and composites applications, polymer properties, polymer characterisation, polymerisation and polymer blends, plastics processing technology and a project.
Optional study areas include plastics processing technology, rubber compounding and processing, adhesive bonding, and sustainable use of materials.
See the website http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/materials/polymer-science-tech/
Full-time Modules:
Core Modules
- Polymer Science (SL)
- Polymer Process Engineering (SL)
- Plastics and Composites Applications (SL)
- Polymer Properties (SL)
- Polymer Characterisation (OW)
- Polymerisation and Polymer Blends (SL)
- MSc Project
Optional Modules
- Biomaterials (SL)
- Rubber Compounding and Processing (OW)
- Adhesive Bonding (OW)
Part-time Modules:
Core Modules
- Polymer Science (DL)
- Plastics and Composites Applications (DL)
- Polymer Properties (DL)
- Polymer Characterisation (OW)
- Polymerisation and Polymer Blends (DL)
- Plastics Processing Technology (OW)
- MSc Project
Optional Modules
- Rubber Compounding and Processing (OW or DL)
- Adhesive Bonding (OW)
- Sustainable use of Materials (OW or DL)
Alternative modules:*
- Design with Engineering Materials (DL)
- Polymer Process Engineering (SL)
- Materials Modelling (SL)
Key: SL = Semester-long, OW = One week, DL = Distance-learning
Alternative modules* are only available under certain circumstances by agreement with the Programme Director.
Interviews may be held on consideration of a prospective student’s application form. Overseas students are often accepted on their grades and strong recommendation from suitable referees.
The MSc comprises a combination of semester-long and one week modules for full-time students, whilst part-time students study a mix of one week and distance-learning modules.
MSc students undertake a major project many of which are sponsored by our industrial partners. Part-time student projects are often specified in conjunction with their sponsoring company and undertaken at their place of work.
All modules are 15 credits. The MSc project is 60 credits.
MSc: 180 credits – six core and two optional modules, plus the MSc project.
PG Diploma: 120 credits – six core and two optional modules.
PG Certificate: 60 credits – four core modules.
- Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of written examination, set coursework exercises and laboratory reports. The project is assessed by a dissertation, literature review and oral presentation.
- Accreditation
Both MSc programmes are accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), allowing progression towards professional chartered status (CEng) after a period of relevant graduate-level employment.
Typical careers span many industrial sectors, including plastics, rubber, chemical and additives industries and packaging.
Possible roles include technical and project management, R&D, technical support to manufacturing as well as sales and marketing. Many of our best masters students who are interested in research stay with us to study for a PhD.
Bursaries are available for both UK / EU and international students, and scholarships are available for good overseas applicants.
The Department has contributed to the advancement and application of knowledge for well over 40 years. With 21 academics and a large support team, we have about 85 full and part-time MSc students, 70 PhD students and 20 research associates.
Our philosophy is based on the engineering application and use of materials which, when processed, are altered in structure and properties.
Our approach includes materials selection and design considerations as well as business and environmental implications.
- Facilities
We are also home to the Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre – its state of-the-art equipment makes it one of the best suites of its kind in Europe used by academia and our industrial partners.
The Centre supports our research and teaching activities developing understanding of the interactions of structure and properties with processing and product performance.
- Research
Our research activity is organised into 4 main research groups; energy materials, advanced ceramics, surface engineering and advanced polymers. These cover a broad span of research areas working on today’s global challenges, including sustainability, nanomaterials, composites and processing. However, we adopt an interdisciplinary approach to our research and frequently interact with other departments and Research Schools.
- Career prospects
Over **% of our graduates were in employment and / or further study six months after graduating. Our unrivalled links with industry are
hugely beneficial to our students. We also tailor our courses according to industrial feedback and needs, ensuring our graduates are well prepared
Find out how to apply here http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/materials/polymer-science-tech/
Polymers and polymer composites are increasingly important in our everyday life and can be found everywhere around us.
At the same time, more and more high-performance speciality polymers and polymer nanocomposites have been developed for advanced engineering, plastic electronics and biomedical applications.
Bringing together expertise from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Chemistry, and further supported by the Polymer Centre, the UK’s largest single-university academic network in the field of polymers, this course will provide you with a thorough understanding of advanced topics on polymer and composite science and engineering.
A friendly, forward-thinking community, our students and staff are on hand to welcome you to the department and ensure you settle into student life.
Your project supervisor will support you throughout your course. Plus you’ll have access to our extensive network of alumni, offering industry insight and valuable career advice to support your own career pathway.
Prospective employers recognise the value of our courses, and know that our students can apply their knowledge to industry. Our graduates work for organisations including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, the National Nuclear Laboratory and Saint-Gobain. Roles include materials development engineer, reactor engineer and research manager. They also work in academia in the UK and abroad.
90 per cent of our graduates are employed or in further study 6 months after graduating, with an average starting salary of £27,000, the highest being £50,000.
We have invested in extensive, world-class equipment and facilities to provide a stimulating learning environment. Our laboratories are equipped to a high standard, with specialist facilities for each area of research.
Tools and production facilities for materials processing, fabrication and testing, including wet chemical processing for ceramics and polymers, rapid solidification and water atomisation for nanoscale metallic materials, and extensive facilities for deposition of functional and structural coatings.
Our £3million advanced nuclear materials research facility provides a high-quality environment for research on radioactive waste and disposal. Our unique thermomechanical compression and arbitrary strain path equipment is used for simulation of hot deformation.
You’ll have access to newly refurbished array of microscopy and analysis equipment, x-ray facilities, and surface analysis techniques covering state-of-the-art XPS and SIMS. There are also laboratories for cell and tissue culture, and facilities for measuring electrical, magnetic and mechanical properties.
The Kroto Research Institute and the Nanoscience and Technology Centre enhance our capabilities in materials fabrication and characterisation, and we have a computer cluster for modelling from the atomistic through nano and mesoscopic to the macroscopic.
An interdisciplinary research-led department; our network of world leading academics at the cutting edge of their research inform our courses providing a stimulating, dynamic environment in which to study.
Working alongside students and staff from across the globe, you’ll tackle real-world projects, and attend lectures, seminars and laboratory classes delivered by academic and industry experts.
You’ll be assessed by formal examinations, coursework assignments and a dissertation.
There may be some changes to these modules before you start your course. For the very latest module information, check with the department.
The masters course in Polymer Materials Science and Engineering, offered in partnership with the School of Chemistry, is multi-disciplinary: it provides Chemists, Materials Scientists and Engineers with a rich understanding of both traditional commodity plastics and speciality polymers with increasing applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, and in electronics and nanotechnology. The full range of issues, from fundamental polymer science, through polymer processing, to manufacturing are all covered.
The taught part of the programme is based on discrete compulsory and optional taught course units.
Example of taught units on this course are:
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
The majority of graduates of this programme go on to fill key posts as materials scientists, engineers, managers and consultants in academia, industry and research and development. Some advance to PhD programmes within the School.
This 12-month course is ideal if you want to develop skills in a range of areas. It includes project work and an introduction to research-level theory. You’ll take taught classes for the first two semesters. In the third semester, you’ll work on an extended research project of your own.
Employers value this kind of experience. By the time you graduate, you’ll have proved you can work within a research group, organise your own research, complete a project and communicate your findings.
Our graduates are highly valued in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector. They work all over the world for companies including AkzoNobel, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Corus, Dow Chemicals, GSK, Smith and Nephew and Syngenta. Many move on to PhD study, then careers in research or teaching.
Chemistry is vital to the way we live. It helps power industry and drive economic growth. Polymer science contributes to advances in everything from biology to engineering and medicine. As a researcher in industry or academia you could be involved in work that improves lives and changes the way we see the world.
Top-quality research directly informs our teaching. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) rates 98 per cent of our work world-class or internationally excellent. You’ll learn about the very latest developments from experts in theory and spectroscopy, synthesis, analytical science, chemical biology and materials.
We’ll train you to use our modern analytical instrumentation. We have NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, x-ray crystallography, polymer characterisation methods and advanced microscopy. We also have a team of technicians to assist with spectroscopic services. There are labs for molecular biology, protein chemistry, polymer/colloid synthesis and materials characterisation.
You’ll carry out two smaller laboratory projects prior to starting your main research project, to develop practical and scientific communication skill. You also undertake a Research and Presentation Skills module to further develop the higher level skills needed for research.
Lectured modules consist of a wide range of segments, spanning the breadth of chemistry, from which you can choose, to tailor your MSc to your strengths and interests.
We use a mixture of lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops and individual research projects. You may tailor the area of your research project to your particular interests. Assessment of taught modules is through examination, laboratory reports and coursework. Assessment of the project is through a 15,000-word dissertation, oral presentation and viva, as well as assessed performance during the project.
This course was introduced last year and is aimed at students who want to study advanced topics in mechanical engineering with a focus on power plant technologies.
It provides mechanical engineering graduates with an in-depth technical understanding of advanced mechanical engineering topics relevant to the power generation industry. You’ll also develop generic skills that allow you to contribute effectively in developing company capabilities.
The course helps to make you more employable and also satisfies the further learning requirements necessary to obtain Chartered Engineer status.
You’ll have the opportunity to select technical and specialist classes.
Compulsory modules
You’ll study compulsory modules:
Other specialist instructional modules
These focus on different technical aspects allowing you to tailor learning to your individual needs. When choosing technical modules, you’ll discuss the options with the course co-ordinator. These options include:
Faculty-wide generic instructional modules
You’ll choose three faculty-wide generic modules which satisfy the broader learning requirements for Chartered Engineer status. You'll choose from:
Individual project
MSc students take on an individual project which allows study of a selected topic in-depth. This may be an industry-themed project or one aligned to engineering research at Strathclyde.
Our facilities include many laboratories and research centres including:
We have local access to a 3500-node region supercomputer.
Students take three compulsory modules and a selection of specialist and generic modules.
To qualify for the MSc, students undertake an individual project which allows study of a selected topic in depth, normally industry-themed or aligned to engineering research at Strathclyde.
Assessment is by written assignments, exams and the individual project.
This course is particularly suitable for graduate engineers in these sectors:
The Masters course in Biomaterials is multi-disciplinary. It provides students with a rich understanding of about current clinically used biomaterials and state of the art advances in research to improve these. The clinical application of these biomaterials will be demonstrated along with indepth description of materials structure and processing (e.g. polymer, composite and ceramic). The project component will allow hands-on training for the student in further developing novel biomaterials.
Who is this programme for?
Students from an engineering or medically related background who wish to pursue a career in biomaterials.
Semester 1 (Sept - Dec):
Research Methods course unit (15 credits); Lectures and workshops detailing transferable skills such as project management, time management, essay writing, oral presentation.
Master Class Course Unit (15 credits); Lectures specific to biomaterials design, characterization, manufacture and characterization. Lectures on use of stem cells with biomaterials and tissue engineering applications also included.
Structure & Mechanical Properties of Polymers (15 credits); Module covers masters level detail of polymer technology.
Clinical Applications of Biomaterials (15 credits); lectures series detailing current clinical applications of biomaterials. The module also covers a case study exercise.
Semester 2 (Jan - March):
Composite Materials (15 credits); students will learn about composite material design and implementation for biomaterials.
Nanobiomaterials (15 credits); lecture series on nanobiomaterials manufacture, characterization and use as biomaterials
Summer ( March- Sept):
Research project (90 credits); 5 month research project studying specific biomaterials design or characterisation. Student will have specifically allocated supervisor to provide training in biomaterials. Assessment: Oral presentation and write up: Research aims, hypothesis, Gantt chart, milestones, Write up project in form of journal publication for `Biomaterials' journal.
The MSc in Biomaterials will provide students the opportunity to increase knowledge and skills in the areas of specific materials design and testing for clinical application. Students will have the opportunity to take 90 taught credits with training in state of the art biomaterials design (ceramics, polymers, composites, hydrogels etc with information relating to biological assessment of these materials (e.g. stem cell response, ISO / FDA regulations). Students also have the opportunity to gain 90 credits through a specific research project where they will gain analytical skills and data processing skills relevant to biomaterials design / use.
The full MSc programme is made up of seven taught course units and a four month research project. The taught units are:
Semester 1 (Sept - Dec):
Semester 2 (Jan - March):
Summer (March - Sept):
The programme aims to further your knowlege base in biomaterial structure, manufacture and use, and to develop your critical analysis of biomaterial development and methods of application.
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: [email protected]
The medical device industry is estimated to be increasing at a rate of ~15% per year (Grammenou, 2006). As such it is important to provide scientists that are equipped with the knowledge and skills for the workplace to advance this important clinical need.
The majority of graduates of this programme go on to fill key posts as biomaterials scientists, managers and consultants in academia, industry and research and development. Some advance to PhD programmes within The University of Manchester or external institutes.
Accredited by the Institute of Minerals, Materials and Mining (IOM 3 ) as meeting the Further Learning requirements for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
This challenging inter-disciplinary programme spans the major classes of engineering materials used in modern high technology manufacturing and industry. The course has considerable variety and offers career opportunities across a wide range of industry sectors, where qualified materials scientists and engineers are highly sought after.
This course is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), allowing progression towards professional chartered status (CEng) after a period of relevant graduate-level employment.
Core study areas include advanced characterisation techniques, surface engineering, processing and properties of ceramics and metals, design with engineering materials, sustainability and a project.
Optional study areas include plastics processing technology, industrial case studies, materials modelling, adhesive bonding, rubber compounding and processing, and polymer properties.
See the website http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/materials/materials-science-tech/
Full-time Modules:
Core Modules
- Advanced Characterisation Techniques (SL)
- Surface Engineering (SL)
- Ceramics: Processing and Properties (SL)
- Design with Engineering Materials (SL)
- Sustainable Use of Materials (OW)
- Metals: Processing and Properties (SL)
- MSc Project
Optional Modules
- Plastics Processing Technology (OW)
- Industrial Case Studies (OW)
- Materials Modelling (SL)
Part-time Modules:
Core Modules
- Ceramics: Processing and Properties (DL)
- Design with Engineering Materials (DL)
- Sustainable Use of Materials (OW or DL)
- Metals: Processing and Properties (DL)
- Surface Engineering (DL)
- Plastics Processing Technology (OW)
- MSc Project
Optional Modules
- Industrial Case Studies (OW)
- Adhesive Bonding (OW)
- Rubber Compounding and Processing (OW or DL)
Alternative modules:*
- Polymer Properties (DL)
- Advanced Characterisation Techniques (SL)
- Materials Modelling (SL)
Key: SL = Semester-long, OW = One week, DL = Distance-learning
Alternative modules* are only available under certain circumstances by agreement with the Programme Director.
Interviews may be held on consideration of a prospective student’s application form. Overseas students are often accepted on their grades and strong recommendation from suitable referees.
The MSc comprises a combination of semester-long and one week modules for full-time students, whilst part-time students study a mix of one week and distance-learning modules.
MSc students undertake a major project many of which are sponsored by our industrial partners. Part-time student projects are often specified in conjunction with their sponsoring company and undertaken at their place of work.
All modules are 15 credits. The MSc project is 60 credits.
MSc: 180 credits – six core and two optional modules, plus the MSc project.
PG Diploma: 120 credits – six core and two optional modules.
PG Certificate: 60 credits – four core modules.
- Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of written examination, set coursework exercises and laboratory reports. The project is assessed by a dissertation, literature review and oral presentation.
- Accreditation
Both MSc programmes are accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), allowing progression towards professional chartered status (CEng) after a period of relevant graduate-level employment.
Typical careers span many industrial sectors, including aerospace, power generation, automotive, construction and transport. Possible roles include technical and project management, R&D, technical support to manufacturing as well as sales and marketing.
Many of our best masters students continue their studies with us, joining our thriving community of PhD students engaged in materials projects of real-world significance
Bursaries are available for both UK / EU and international students, and scholarships are available for good overseas applicants.
The Department has contributed to the advancement and application of knowledge for well over 40 years. With 21 academics and a large support team, we have about 85 full and part-time MSc students, 70 PhD students and 20 research associates.
Our philosophy is based on the engineering application and use of materials which, when processed, are altered in structure and properties.
Our approach includes materials selection and design considerations as well as business and environmental implications.
- Facilities
We are also home to the Loughborough Materials Characterisation Centre – its state of-the-art equipment makes it one of the best suites of its kind in Europe used by academia and our industrial partners.
The Centre supports our research and teaching activities developing understanding of the interactions of structure and properties with processing and product performance.
- Research
Our research activity is organised into 4 main research groups; energy materials, advanced ceramics, surface engineering and advanced polymers. These cover a broad span of research areas working on today’s global challenges, including sustainability, nanomaterials, composites and processing. However, we adopt an interdisciplinary approach to our research and frequently interact with other departments and Research Schools.
- Career prospects
Over **% of our graduates were in employment and / or further study six months after graduating. Our unrivalled links with industry are hugely beneficial to our students. We also tailor our courses according to industrial feedback and needs, ensuring our graduates are well prepared
Find out how to apply here http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/programmes/departments/materials/materials-science-tech/
Help Engineer the future with Loughborough University’s School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
