The MSc in Polymer Materials Science and Engineering at The University of Manchester offers a multidisciplinary exploration of polymers, providing a comprehensive understanding of their chemistry, properties, processing, characterisation, and diverse applications. This course examines a wide range of polymers, from commodity to speciality materials, with uses in fields such as biomedicine, composites, nanotechnology, and electronics.
Delivered through a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory work, the course equips students with advanced knowledge of the principles linking polymer chemical structures to their physical properties, processing methods, and applications. A strong emphasis is placed on research, with students having the opportunity to work within world-leading research groups and state-of-the-art facilities.
Taught by experts across disciplines including chemistry, physics, composites, and nanomaterials, the course introduces students to advanced synthesis and characterisation techniques while fostering problem-solving, project management, and independent research skills. The culmination of the course is a research dissertation, allowing students to apply their learning to tackle real-world challenges in polymer science and engineering.
This MSc is ideal for those seeking careers in academia or industries where polymers play a pivotal role, such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, or electronics. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical expertise, graduates are well-prepared to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions in this vital and ever-evolving field.
Course duration 12 months (full-time)
Accreditation This course is accredited by by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)
Total self-study time Approximately 30 hours per week (depending on individual background and learning needs)
Teaching time Approximately 12 hours per week
(including pre-recorded and live lectures, seminars and practical exercises)
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE?
Graduating from this course opens doors to a variety of exciting career opportunities, both in academia and industry, thanks to the strong mix of hard and soft skills you’ll develop. Many of our graduates continue their academic journeys, joining world-leading research groups for PhD studies.
Others have ventured into industry, working as materials engineers—one alumnus, for example, now works with a UK company providing scalable, cost-effective ultrasonic sensing solutions for monitoring internal corrosion and erosion in materials.
Additionally, some of our graduates have joined global companies as process engineers. Whether in academia or industry, this course sets you on a path to success in cutting-edge fields.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
Graduates of this course have gone on to fill key posts as materials scientists, engineers, managers and consultants in academia, industry and research and development. Some graduates also continue their research and undertake a PhD.
Our recent graduates have gone to work for companies including:
- The University of Manchester
- Saudi Food & Drug Authority
- Printpak
- Airbus D&S
- UBS Investment Bank
- American University of Beirut
- Nestlé
- Applied Graphene Materials
- QUB
OUR STUDENTS' MSc PROJECTS
The MSc project is one of the most exciting parts of a master’s degree — you are paired with an expert supervisor and get a chance to dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, solve real-world problems, and bring your ideas to life. It’s where everything you’ve learned comes together, showcasing your skills, creativity, and potential to stand out in your field. Here are some projects that our MSc graduates have worked on:
🔎 Development of multifunctional graphene/nylon nanocomposite fibres for wearable electronics
Explore the synthesis of electrically conductive, thermally stable, strong and flexible nylon-based nanocomposite fibres by melt-spinning, using nanomaterials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes as nanofillers.
🔎Development of out-of-autoclave thermosets curing method through Joule heating of graphene/epoxy mixtures and their applications to repair carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) Focused on investigating the potential of graphene/epoxy and carbon nanotubes/epoxy nanocomposites for out-of-autoclave thermosets curing through Joule heating of the electrically conductive network of carbon nanoparticles embedded in the matrix above percolation.
🔎 Natural fibres as reinforcing fillers in Polylactic acid (PLA) composites Investigate how the mechanical and thermal properties of a PLA matrix can be improved and how the processing of such polymer is influenced with the addition of natural fibres into it.
🔎 PET Circularity: An Integrated Approach for Sustainable Recycling Investigate the potential of a new catalytic-sorting synergistic system to significantly enhance closed-loop PET recycling, making it more economically viable while maintaining the required food-grade standards.
Dr Cristina Valles
Lecturer in Polymer Nanocomposties
ACADEMIC VOICE
Delivered through a combination of lectures and hands-on laboratory work, the MSc in Polymer Materials Science and Engineering offers a multidisciplinary exploration of a wide range of polymers used in fields such as biomedicine, composites, nanotechnology and electronics, providing a comprehensive understanding of their chemistry, properties, processing, characterisation, and applications, with the students having the opportunity to work with world-leading research groups and state-of-the-art facilities. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical expertise, graduates are well-prepared to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions in this vital and ever-evolving field.
ALUMNI VOICE
The University is well known for its recent Nobel Prize in Graphene research, which gave me the valuable opportunity to use world-class facilities such as the National Graphene Institute and the Royce Building for my dissertation. My project focused on polymer nanocomposites with graphene and carbon nanotubes, and I worked with academics who are leading experts using the latest technologies. This experience helped me achieve strong results, earning the Department of Materials Course Prize for best academic performance.
In addition to academic side, The University offered excellent career support through CV clinics, interview coaching, and job fairs, which were instrumental during my job search. Overall, the postgraduate course at the University of Manchester is ideal for those looking to grow both academically and professionally.
KyungSeok Lee
MSc Polymer Material Science and Engineering Graduate, Class of 2023
Current role: Materials Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, Polymers and Coating team
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