The University of Sheffield
Prospective Postgraduates

MSc Polymers for Advanced Technologies

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science

Learn from world-leading experts and prepare yourself for a key role in the future of this rapidly developing field.

About the course

1 year full-time

The course is designed to provide industry with the high-calibre polymer science graduates it needs to develop new products and processes. It's run in partnership with our highly regarded departments of Physics and Engineering Materials, so you'll develop a detailed understanding of modern polymer science and technology.

Through core and optional modules, project work and lab practicals, you'll learn the right mix of theory and skills. You'll gain knowledge of polymer synthesis, physics, characterisation and the latest developments in polymer science.

You'll also learn how to design, perform and communicate an extended research project. And you'll get the chance to look in more detail at the areas that interest you the most.

Entry requirements

You need an honours degree or the equivalent, or relevant experience in chemistry, chemical physics, chemical engineering, materials or a related subject. If you have a different type of qualification, please contact us to discuss.

English language requirements for overseas students

Overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.

Entry requirements for international students 

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Core modules

  • Fundamental Polymer Chemistry
  • The Physics of Polymers
  • Biopolymers and Biomaterials
  • Polymer Characterisation and Analysis
  • Research and Presentation Skills and Polymer Laboratory Skills
  • Extended Research Project

Optional modules

Choose two from:

  • Smart Polymers and Polymeric Materials
  • Polymers with Controlled Structures
  • Design and Manufacture of Composites
  • Polymer Fibre Composite Materials
  • Macromolecules at Interfaces and Structured Organic Films
  • Electronics and Photonics

Teaching

  • Lectures
  • Practicals
  • Workshops
  • Individual research projects

The optional modules in the second semester enable you to specialise in two specific areas of polymer science. You can also tailor your research project to your particular interests.

Assessment

  • Written exams contribute 75 per cent towards your final grade
  • 25 per cent continuous assessment, including essays on specialised topics or assessed workshops
  • 15,000-word dissertation based on your research project

Fees and funding

Financial information for postgraduate taught courses

Your research project

This can be based in an academic group at the University, or in industry. If it's industry-based, the topic is usually suggested by the company you're working with. You may be expected to liaise closely with the company to organise your project.

Any questions?

If you'd like to know more about any aspect of our courses, contact us:

Deborah Coupe
Admissions Secretary
E: polymersmsc@sheffield.ac.uk
T: +44 (0)114 222 9417

Nigel Tu, MSc Polymers for Advanced Technologies

Where your masters can take you

A masters from Sheffield is highly regarded in the global chemical and pharmaceutical sector. Our graduates go on to careers in research, teaching and industry.

Employers include Dow Chemicals, GSK, Syngenta, AstraZeneca, Corus, AkzoNobel, Smith & Nephew, Sigma-Aldrich, Amgen, Organon and Peakdale.

Why your masters matters

Polymer science is vital to our modern way of life. It is central to advances in everything from engineering to biology and medicine.

As a researcher in industry or academia, you could be involved in work that improves people's lives and changes the way we see the world.

A masters from Sheffield is highly regarded in the global chemical and pharmaceutical sector.

Learn from world-class research

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, 100 per cent of our research was classed as internationally recognised and 70 per cent internationally excellent or world-leading.

This research feeds directly into our teaching. As a masters student you'll learn about the very latest developments from experts in Theory and Spectroscopy, Synthesis, Analytical Science, Chemical Biology and Materials.

Labs, equipment and training

We'll train you to use our modern analytical instrumentation, which includes NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, x-ray crystallography, polymer characterisation methods and advanced microscopy.

We also have a team of technicians to assist with spectroscopic services. There are labs for molecular biology, protein chemistry, polymer/colloid synthesis and materials characterisation.

Apply now

You can apply for postgraduate study using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It is a quick and easy process.

Postgraduate Online Application Form