MSc by Research Textiles and Apparel

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Master of Science (Research)
Duration
12 Months. [Full-Time]
Entry requirements

The minimum academic entry requirement for an MSc by Research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the MSc by Research.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

  • The name of this programme
  • Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name)
  • Your supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • Details of your previous study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.
Before applying we also recommend that you read the Advice to Applicants section.

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MSc by Research Y N N N

Programme description

The MSc by Research degree comprises three taught 15-credit units, to be determined in collaboration with your supervisor based on your previous academic background and the proposed research project, and a substantial 135-credit research project. 

The Department of Materials encompasses an exceptional breadth of research and training in materials, from design and development, to performance and protection and management and marketing. Our multidisciplinary research activity covers broad, socially relevant materials themes that allow us to meet the needs of industry and society.

Our research is organised into eight research themes , although research projects often involve researchers in other groups, other schools, other universities and industry.

Current research in this textiles and apparel is concerned with developing advanced textile materials, technologies and products for a variety of applications, from biomedical devices, advanced composites for aerospace technologies, personal protective devices, sportswear and smart wearables to 3D body scanning and digital platforms for fashion e-business models.

A research degree from the Department and the University is held in the highest esteem and recognised worldwide. Many of our textiles and apparel graduates have progressed to successful academic careers and industry positions in reputable organisations worldwide.

The Department provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level through the Faculty's Graduate Development Training Programme as well as the opportunity to access Alliance Manchester Business Department's doctoral research training programme. You will become part of a strong research culture in the Department, embedded through a programme research seminars given by research students, academic staff and external speakers, as well as an annual Postgraduate Research Conference. There are flexible study packages available, as well as a range of  PhD studentships  and  University funding packages . Please contact us to find out more.

The Department provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level  through the Faculty's Graduate Development Training Programme as well as the opportunity to access Alliance Manchester Business Department's doctoral research training programme. You will become part of a strong research culture in the Department, embedded through a programme research seminars given by research students, academic staff and external speakers, as well as an annual Postgraduate Research Conference.

There are flexible study packages available, as well as an extensive range of postgraduate research studentships and projects , and funding, scholarships and awards with many of our research students sponsored by a variety of Department, University and industry resources.

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.

Open days

Visit our Faculty of Science and Engineering Postgraduate Research page to find out about upcoming open days and webinars.

Fees

Fees for entry in 2024 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2023 were as follows:

  • MSc by Research (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): Band A £4,712; Band B £6,500; Band C £9,500; Band D £13,500; Band E £23,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): Band A £26,500; Band B £28,500; Band C £33,500; Band D £40,500; Band E £54,000

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The programme fee will vary depending on the cost of running the project. Fees quoted are fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for Home students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit the postgraduate fees page .

Always contact the Admissions team if you are unsure which fees apply to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards at university, faculty and department level to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

To be considered for many of our scholarships, you’ll need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor. Therefore, we’d highly recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and make sure you meet nomination deadlines.

For more information about our scholarships, visit our funding page or use our funding database to search for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Contact details

Department
Department of Materials
Contact name
Postgraduate Research Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 161 543 4026
Email
Website
https://www.materials.manchester.ac.uk
School/Faculty

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

The minimum academic entry requirement for an MSc by Research in the Faculty of Science and Engineering is an upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline directly relevant to the MSc by Research.

English language

All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language.  Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test and attain a minimum IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5. in each sub-test.

TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with no subtest below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'.

Pearson Test of English (PTE): At least 70 overall with no subtest below 59. Further information on language requirements can be found on our website . 

Pre-sessional English: We also accept successful completion of a pre-sessional English course run by the University Language Centre to meet our English language requirements.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

In your application you’ll need to include:

  • The name of this programme
  • Your research project title (i.e. the advertised project name or proposed project name)
  • Your supervisor’s name
  • If you already have funding or you wish to be considered for any of the available funding
  • Details of your previous study
  • Names and contact details of your two referees.
Before applying we also recommend that you read the Advice to Applicants section.

Advice to applicants

Before you start your application, you should have: You'll also need to make sure you have the following:
  • Certificates: Certificates and final transcripts of any completed university-level qualifications and interim transcripts for qualifications in progress. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must provide an official English translation.  
  • CV: Summarising your academic record and highlighting experience that demonstrates your potential to conduct research.  
  • English language proof: A certificate or evidence demonstrating your English language ability and proficiency. Applications can be considered without this evidence but any offer would be conditional on meeting minimum requirements.  
  • Referees: Names and contact details of two academic referees who we can get in contact with and will support your application.
This information will be reviewed and used to shortlist you for a funding interview if appropriate; you should therefore ensure that you address all of the above requirements.

Interview requirements

An interview is required for entry to this programme of study.

Deferrals

It is normally possible to defer entry to another entry point within the academic year, with the approval of your supervisory team and funder (if applicable).

You can request a deferral by contacting the Doctoral Academy Admissions Team by emailing fse.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk .  If you request deferral for entry in a subsequent academic year you may be required to re-apply.

Programme details

Programme description

The MSc by Research degree comprises three taught 15-credit units, to be determined in collaboration with your supervisor based on your previous academic background and the proposed research project, and a substantial 135-credit research project. 

The Department of Materials encompasses an exceptional breadth of research and training in materials, from design and development, to performance and protection and management and marketing. Our multidisciplinary research activity covers broad, socially relevant materials themes that allow us to meet the needs of industry and society.

Our research is organised into eight research themes , although research projects often involve researchers in other groups, other schools, other universities and industry.

Current research in this textiles and apparel is concerned with developing advanced textile materials, technologies and products for a variety of applications, from biomedical devices, advanced composites for aerospace technologies, personal protective devices, sportswear and smart wearables to 3D body scanning and digital platforms for fashion e-business models.

A research degree from the Department and the University is held in the highest esteem and recognised worldwide. Many of our textiles and apparel graduates have progressed to successful academic careers and industry positions in reputable organisations worldwide.

The Department provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level through the Faculty's Graduate Development Training Programme as well as the opportunity to access Alliance Manchester Business Department's doctoral research training programme. You will become part of a strong research culture in the Department, embedded through a programme research seminars given by research students, academic staff and external speakers, as well as an annual Postgraduate Research Conference. There are flexible study packages available, as well as a range of  PhD studentships  and  University funding packages . Please contact us to find out more.

The Department provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level  through the Faculty's Graduate Development Training Programme as well as the opportunity to access Alliance Manchester Business Department's doctoral research training programme. You will become part of a strong research culture in the Department, embedded through a programme research seminars given by research students, academic staff and external speakers, as well as an annual Postgraduate Research Conference.

There are flexible study packages available, as well as an extensive range of postgraduate research studentships and projects , and funding, scholarships and awards with many of our research students sponsored by a variety of Department, University and industry resources.

Visit our research projects page to browse our range of currently available projects.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities.

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles.

We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.

All appointments are made on merit.  The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Coursework and assessment

This is a standard one year full-time research degree which provides the opportunity to carry out a research project while gaining valuable skills and knowledge through a tailored taught package. The programme includes 45 credit taught units and a dissertation project equivalent to 135 credits, creating a standard 180 credit postgraduate MSc by Research programme.

Scholarships and bursaries

In the Department of Materials we offer a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support UK and overseas postgraduate researchers.

Funding is also available at university and faculty level and can be viewed on our funding page . Alternatively, you can use our funding database to find scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

We'd recommend you discuss potential sources of funding with your supervisor before applying. They can advise what funding may be available to you, and ensure you meet nomination and application deadlines.

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 .

Careers

Career opportunities

The employment prospects following graduation from our research programmes are excellent; our graduates typically go on to research and development and management/consultant positions in industry and careers in academia.