Masters degrees in Polymers equip postgraduates with the skills to study, extract, and process both naturally-occurring and man-made molecular compounds for a range of domestic and industrial proposes.
Related postgraduate socialisms include Polymer and Biopolymer Science, Advanced Materials and Polymer Chemistry. Entry requirements normally include an undergraduate degree such as Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or Textiles.
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.
This programme aims to meet the needs of the fine chemicals, cosmetics, biomaterial, polymers, surface coatings, graphic arts and colorant industries by producing graduates with advanced knowledge and research skills in colour science and in the theory, application and analysis of polymers, fine chemicals and colorants.
You’ll be introduced to a breadth of practical research and high-level academic skills in planning, experimentation and processes, in synthesis and characterisation aspects. Optional modules will also give you the chance to gain specialist knowledge in an area that suits your own interests and potential career plans.
You’ll also develop a range of generic skills such as problem solving, information technology and communication. Our graduates enjoy excellent employment opportunities both in industry and academia.
The course draws upon the internationally recognised research within the school in areas such as 3D woven preforms (for use in the aerospace and other transportation sectors), nanocomposites and technical textiles. The team which delivers the course also has a wealth of industrial experience built from collaborations with key companies including Rolls Royce, Bombardier and Airbus.
Full-time students take four modules per semester for semesters 1 and 2 and then undertake the dissertation (for MSc only) during the summer. Part-time students generally take two modules per semester but this can be altered as required. Part-time students attend one day per week during term time and some of the modules run in the evening.
Upon successful completion of the programme students will be more employable, particularly within the industry. Another important opportunity for MSc students is the academic career and/or research career through a PhD programme such as those offered in the Engineering Research Institute (ERI) which hosts the MSc programme.
Part-time students can undertake work based learning modules.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Offered as part of the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme.
Full-time and part-time students study a number of one-week short-course modules comprising lectures, laboratory sessions and tutorials.
The modules cover metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, nanomaterials, bonding, surfaces, corrosion, fracture, fatigue, analytical techniques and general research methods. Each module is followed by an open book assessment of approximately 120 hours.
There is also a materials-based research project, which is made up of the Research Project Planning and the Project modules.
The MSc in Advanced Materials is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) when a Project is undertaken.
This programme is studied full-time over one academic year and part-time over five academic years. It consists of eight taught modules and a compulsory Project.
Example module listing
The following modules are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that not all modules described are compulsory and may be subject to teaching availability and/or student demand.
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills, qualities and other attributes in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding
Intellectual / cognitive skills
Professional practical skills
Key / transferable skills
We often give our students the opportunity to acquire international experience during their degrees by taking advantage of our exchange agreements with overseas universities.
In addition to the hugely enjoyable and satisfying experience, time spent abroad adds a distinctive element to your CV.
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.
A multi-disciplinary course, students will be introduced to the field of biomaterials, and important factors in the selection, design, and development of biomaterials for clinical applications. You’ll develop an understanding of biomaterials science, engineering, regenerative medicine and associated specialisms.
This course will be of particular interest to students interested in facilitating their development into the medical field aiming to contribute in the health care sector.
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.
Nanoscale Science and Technology research students in nanoLAB cross the traditional disciplinary boundaries of medicine, engineering and the physical sciences. This gives you the chance to thrive on interdisciplinary challenges, collaborate with industrial partners and even create your own spin-off company to commercialise the results of your research.
MPhil supervision is available in:
-Micro and nanoscale design, fabrication, manufacturing and manipulation
-Top-down and bottom-up fabrication
-Nanoscale materials and electronics
-Applications of nano and microelectronics in medical science, including cell biology, neuroscience, human genetics and ageing
-Polymers
-Self-assembly
-Chemistry of nanoscale systems
-Biomolecular engineering - microfluids, bioprobes and biosensor systems, MEMS/NEMS-based sensors and devices
Many research projects cross the disciplinary boundaries of medicine, engineering and the physical sciences. Depending on the source of funding, your project may involve collaboration with an industry partner or you may work in a team with a number of students to develop an idea to the point where, following your degree, you can create a spin-off company to commercialise the results of your research.
There are opportunities for you to develop your business awareness and skills, with training in topics such as intellectual property protection. nanoLAB also hosts regular research seminars, conferences and workshops.
HOW TO APPLY:
Use our Applicant Portal to apply for your course. We have a step-by-step guide to help you.
Before you apply you need to find and contact a research supervisor. Your specific area of research will determine which graduate school you work with and how you find your research supervisor:
There are usually three possible start dates, although in some circumstances an alternative start date can be arranged:
There is no application closing date for this course, but specific deadlines for funding may apply. We may offer studentships to high-quality applicants from June onwards, so early application is recommended.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
If you live outside the UK/EU you must:
The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study at Newcastle University. The deposit is non-refundable, but is deducted from your tuition fees when you register.
This programme brings together the latest developments in materials science and their application into new technology, providing you with specialist knowledge and skills which will enhance your engineering career.
It focusses on the theory and computational simulation of material structures for application into automotive, aerospace, technology and energy sectors. You will gain a strong understanding of the properties and behaviours of different substances, from raw materials to finished products, identifying their strengths and limitations, enabling you to find solutions to complex contemporary problems.
Our particular research strengths are drawn into the masters programme, in areas including functional materials (those with extra functionality such as electro-magnetic screening, self-sensing and active materials, and materials with negative thermal expansion and Poisson’s ratios), polymers, composites and bio-materials.
The programme will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in materials engineering.
This programme is modular and consists of eight core engineering, modules totalling 165 credits, and one 15-credit option module.
The core modules can include;
Some examples of the optional modules are
The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, industrial presentations, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work and a dissertation. It has particular value in developing transferable skills development including management skills, communication skills, computational techniques, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology. Many of these skills will be addressed within an industrial and commercial context.
This specialist engineering programme will equip you with the skills required to be a modern mechanical engineer. It focuses on the latest techniques and technologies used in mechanical engineering, teaching you how to apply these to complex contemporary problems.
You will gain a range of computational skills which will enable you to analyse systems using numerical methods, simulation and optimisation techniques. Sustainability is also emphasised throughout the programme and you will be encouraged to consider responsible solutions to modern day challenges.
The programme is supported by internationally leading research projects in areas such as nano-scale materials engineering, biomedical engineering, 3D analysis from CT scans for prosthetic bone replacement surgery, additive layer manufacturing for high specification applications with aerospace metals, and application and recycling of polymers and composites.
The programme has been designed for mechanical engineers who want to progress their careers, and will enable graduates to proceed to Chartered Engineer status.
This degree has been accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council for the purposes of meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer for candidates who have already acquired an Accredited CEng (Partial) BEng (Hons) undergraduate first degree. Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.
This programme is modular and consists of seven core engineering, modules totalling 150 credits, and two 15-credit option modules.
The core modules can include;
Some examples of the optional modules are
The modules listed here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand
The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, industrial presentations, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work and a dissertation. It has particular value in developing transferable skills development including management skills, communication skills, computational techniques, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology. Many of these skills will be addressed within an industrial and commercial context.
Help Engineer the future with Loughborough University’s School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
