Polymer Science and Technology
Polymer science and technology is a comprehensive and challenging course offering the very highest standard of teaching and learning experience as well as multiple career opportunities across the vast range of polymer and related industries. The course has been designed to meet the requirements of industry and allow progression towards professional chartered status.
The Polymer science and Technology course at Loughborough’s Department of Materials has a long established reputation as one of the highest quality and most comprehensive polymer courses available. It teaches students the latest science and technology of plastics, rubbers and composites, including aspects of nanotechnology and has been designed to meet the needs of students and industry. It provides excellent employment opportunities, with previous graduates holding responsible positions in companies around the world.
The Department has long established industrial links and carries out a wealth of polymer research benefitting this course with a high percentage of sponsored MSc projects.
Courses available
MSc (180 Credits): One Year Full Time, Typically 3-4 Years Part Time
PG Dipl (120 Credits): Typically 2-3 Years Part Time
PG Cert (60 Credits): Typically 1-2 Years Part Time
Entry requirements
Full time: Good first degree (BEng or BSc) or equivalent in a science or engineering subject.
Part time: As an alternative to the full time requirements, students working in industry with relevant experience may be accepted with an HND or equivalent and would usually begin at PG Certificate level and then, with successful progress, continue to work towards the MSc.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
Key contacts
- Dr Noreen Thomas - Programme Director
- Dr Jane Clarke - Admissions Tutor
- Martin White - Graduate Development Officer
New Programme starting October 2012
Full time study
Core Modules
- Polymer Science SL(1)
- Polymer Process Engineering SL(1+2)
- Plastics and Composites Applications SL(1)
- Polymer Properties SL(1)
- Polymer Characterisation OW(2)
- Polymerisation and Polymer Blends SL(2)
- MSc Project (1+2 through to Sept)
Optional Modules
- Adhesive Bonding OW(1)
- Plastics Processing Technology OW(2)
- Rubber Compounding and Processing OW(2)
- Sustainable use of Materials OW(2)
Alternative Modules*
- Design with Engineering Materials SL(1)
- Materials Modelling SL(2)
Part time study
Core Modules
- Polymer Science DL(1)
- Plastics and Composites Applications DL(1)
- Polymer Properties DL(1)
- Polymer Characterisation OW(2)
- Polymerisation and Polymer Blends DL(2)
- Plastics Processing Technology OW(2)
- MSc Project (timing by arrangement)
Optional Modules
- Adhesive Bonding OW(1)
- Rubber Compounding and Processing OW or DL(2)
- Sustainable use of Materials OW or DL(2)
- Marketing DL(2)
Alternative modules*
- Design with Engineering Materials DL(1)
- Polymer Process Engineering SL(1+2)
- Materials Modelling SL(2)
Key: SL = Semester Long, OW = One Week, DL = Distance Learning
Numbers in brackets indicate when the modules take place (1)=Semester 1
(2)=Semester 2
Notes:
All modules are 15 credits The MSc project is 60 credits. MSc students study 180 credits: 6 core modules plus 2 from the optional module list and the MSc project.
PG Diploma students study 120 credits: 6 core modules plus 2 from the optional module list.
PG Certificate students study 60 credits: 4 modules from the core module list.
*Alternative modules are only available under certain circumstances by agreement with the programme director e.g. weekly taught SL modules are only available to part time students within commuting distance of the University.
Access more detail for these modules (coded 12MPP5xx or 12MPP6xx) in their respective Module Specifications »
- Conductive polyurethane nanocomposites
- Development of Very Low Friction Nylons at Nylacast
- EPDM as an Improved Material for Fuel Cell Seals
- Evaluation of Talc in Rigid PVC
- Extrusion Coating of PVC
- Producing Industrial Scale Aromatic Polyurethane Dispersions
- Improving Long Term Performance of Elastomer Belts
- Influence of nanofillers on rheological aspects of an engineering polymer
- Monitoring crack growth in transparent natural rubber
- One-step synthesis of Polycaprolactone/Hydroxyapatite composites
- Properties of Nylon-12 Polymers for Laser Sintering
- Ultra-thin polyethylene coatings
Example Project Sponsoring Companies
- Teijin Aramid
- Fosrock International
- Robinson Brothers
- Nylacast