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MSc Polymer Materials Science and Engineering / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course description

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MSc course delivery

The Polymer Materials Science and Engineering MSc is a multidisciplinary course with the aim of giving students a rich understanding of the chemistry, properties, processing, characterisation and application of polymers. A wide range of polymers are considered, including commodity, speciality and those with applications in biomedicine, composites, nanotechnology and electronics. We aim to bring students to the cutting-edge of polymer research, including the latest materials and techniques, with the opportunity to conduct research in world-leading research groups and facilities. 

The MSc course is made up of taught course units and a research dissertation. The taught course units are delivered through a combination of lectures and practical laboratory work.

Aims

  • To provide knowledge and understanding of the link between polymer chemical structures, physical properties, processing methods and ultimate applications.
  • To provide knowledge and understanding of the material science principles that govern the behaviour of polymers and other materials.
  • To develop skills in the synthesis and characterisation of polymers.
  • To develop skills in problem solving, project management and independent research.

Special features

The polymer materials science and engineering program has a strong focus on research from the start. It has an interdisciplinary curriculum, taught by specialists from a range of disciplines, including chemistry, physics, composites, nanomaterials and processing.

Teaching and learning

We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including tutorials, workshops, seminars and research projects.

Find out more by visiting the  postgraduate teaching and learning  page.

Coursework and assessment

We will assess your progress using:

  • written reports
  • oral presentations
  • laboratory reports
  • examinations
  • dissertation project

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
PGT Dissertation MATS63330 90 Mandatory
Introduction to Materials Science MATS64101 15 Mandatory
Research Methods MATS64201 15 Mandatory
Principles of Polymers & Composites MATS68301 15 Mandatory
Control & Design of Polymerisation Reactions MATS68502 15 Mandatory
Polymer Physics & Physical Properties MATS68602 15 Mandatory
Advanced Composites MATS64602 15 Optional
Soft Matter MATS65602 15 Optional

Additional fee information

Additional fee information

If you are made an offer, in order to confirm your place you will be required to make a deposit payment of £1,000 on or before the deadline date stated in your offer letter.

We ask for the deposit as competition for places is high and there is limited availability. The deposit amount is then deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

Once we receive your payment, your place on the course will be confirmed.

The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:

  • You fail to meet the conditions of your offer
  • You are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK
  • Your application for government funding has been unsuccessful

Evidence must be provided before a refund will be processed under any of the circumstances above.

If your offer specifies an English Language condition which you subsequently do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken after the date of the offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions. The English language test certificate provided with your application documents is not accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions as it will pre-date the offer.

If your offer specifies an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require official university documentation as evidence that you have not met the condition from the institution at which you studied.

Scholarships and bursaries

Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.

The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.

For more information, see the Department of Materials Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for master's courses website for more information.

If you are a sponsored student please check the requirements of your sponsorship before registering on a course. If you require further information please contact the Department.

Facilities

The Department of Materials has moved to a brand new, state-of-the-art building, designed to transform the way our students study, research and shape the world. Our new Home for Engineering and Materials boasts a range of teaching spaces, lecture theatres, multi-purpose study areas, social spaces and of course fantastic laboratories.

The excellent materials science labs we have underpin our research and teaching activities. As well as our extensive laboratory facilities, including the electron microscopy suite, 3D printing, polymer processing equipment, corrosion labs, mechanical testing equipment and chemistry laboratories, we also have the National Graphene Institute and Henry Royce Institute right on our campus. Manchester is the place to be if you're a materials scientist!

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk