MSc(Eng) Polymers and Polymer Composites Science and Engineering

Or PhD with Integrated Studies (Advanced Materials)

Our first MSc(Eng) in "Polymers" was established more than 20 years ago and has successfully educated graduates from across the world. Internationally recognized research on polymeric materials in the Department has maintained a curriculum that takes students to the forefront of knowledge in the subject. There is also academic input from colleagues in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and the Department of Chemistry.

What Does the Course provide?

Taught modules:

Core modules taken by all students

• Fundamental Polymer Chemistry
• Biopolymers and Biomaterials
• Polymer Characterisation and Analysis
• Polymer Laboratory Course

(the above courses are taught by the Department of Chemistry in semester 1)

• The Physics of Polymers
• Polymer Materials Science and Engineering
• Polymer Fibre Composite Materials

(the above courses are taught in the Department of Engineering Materials across both semesters)

Students also have the choice of one option from the following in semester 2:-

• Design and Manufacture of Composites
• Smart Polymers and Polymeric Materials
• Macromolecules at Interfaces and Structured Organic Films
• Molecular electronics and photonics

Research Project:

All students also undertake a substantial research project based in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and which runs across the academic year.

Recently completed projects include:

• Ultraviolet initiated surface grafting of N-isopropylacrylamide for biomedical application
• Microwave absorption by nano-particulate conducting polymer composites
• New methods for producing auxetic foams and multifunctional foams
• The effect of a high temperature stage on the strength of sized glass fibres
• Cure monitoring of carbon fibre-epoxy composites using resistance-based sensors
• Plasma polymerisation and characterisation of ethanethiol
• Patterning techniques for plasma polymers
• Development of microwave smart window composite
• Stress transfer in single fibre model composite
• An investigation into developing a self-monitoring system for resin impregnation during VARTM using the change in resistance of carbon fibres
• Probing the dense packing of hyperbranched polymers
• Self-healing of damage within composite materials
• Synthesis and characterisation of Thiol-Terminated polystyrene block copolymers
• Novel acrylonitrile copolymers
• Nanostructures in porous templates examined by small angle X-ray diffraction
• Study of self-assembled structures in amphiphilic block copolymers

Diploma in Polymers and Polymer Composite Science and Engineering

The students undertake all the taught course but do not complete a research project or submit a dissertation. Students who perform at a standard appropriate to the MSc course, in Semester 1 examinations, can apply to be upgraded. This is a good option for students wanting to update their technical knowledge, without the research project element. The diploma course lasts over two semesters only, and attracts a lower fee payment as a result.

Why Study Polymers at The University of Sheffield

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering achieves a consistently high rating in the UK research assessment exercises, demonstrating the strength, depth and quality of the staff. Your research project will place you for a third of your time in Sheffield in one of our internationally recognized research laboratories working on polymers. There is no better to learn than to be working alongside PhD and post-doctoral staff as they study the same materials. You will also have access to our very well equipped laboratories.

What Next?

You will acquire skills of direct use to a range of employers and for research PhD´s.

Alternative Options:

PhD with Integrated Studies

The PhD with Integrated Studies is offered at the University of Sheffield. Leading to a full PhD thesis, the programme is designed to enhance students' subject knowledge and develop a range of subject-specific and important generic research skills. Responding to requests from our international partners for a PhD programme with a greater taught component, the PhD with Integrated Studies provides students with additional skills for the world of work and so enhance their employability on completion of their programme.

The PhD with Integrated Studies is a 4 year course.

Further Information

English Language Training:- To successfully undertake the course it is essential that you have good command of the English language, including technical English. If you would like to improve your English language skills before you register, pre-sessional English language courses are available at the University´s English Language Teaching Centre. Details can be found at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/eltc/courses/summerschool/index.html.

As part of our support to you, we will test your English on entry, and if there are areas where some extra help would be advantageous we will arrange this with our English Language Teaching Centre.

Fees:- details can be found on the Student Services pages of the University web site (http://www.shef.ac.uk/international/enquiry/money/tuitionfees.html). Study leading to a Postgraduate Diploma costs 2/3 of the fees for the full Taught Masters programme (duration of study: 2 semesters).

Maintenance and Living Costs in Sheffield:- details can be found at http://www.shef.ac.uk/international/enquiry/money/costs.html.