Polymer Technology
Polymer 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 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
- Professor Marianne Gilbert - Admissions Tutor
- Martin White - Graduate Development Officer
Full time study - Module choices
Compulsory Modules (60 Credits)
- Polymer Properties (S2, 20 credits)
- Polymer Science (S1+2, 20 credits)
- Polymer Processing (S1+2, 20 credits)
- Rheology and Mixing (S2, 20 credits)
Further Modules (60 Credits)
- Polymer Blends and Composites (S1, 10 credits)
- Industrial Polymers (S1, 10 credits)
- Characterisation of Polymers (OW, 10 credits)
- Adhesive Bonding (OW, 10 credits)
Up to 20 credits from the further modules list may be replaced by alternative modules by agreement with the Programme Director
- e.g. Science and Technology of PVC (OW, 10 credits)
- e.g. Materials Sustainability and the environment (OW, 20 credits)
Masters Project (60 Credits)
- Individual Research Project
Read more about individual modules in their module specifications »
Key: S1, S2, S1+2 = Taught weekly throughout semester 1or 2 or 1&2
OW = One week block taught DL = Distance learning
Part time study - Module choices
Compulsory Modules (60 Credits)
- Polymer Science 1 (DL, 10 credits)
- Polymer Science 2 (DL, 10 credits)
- Structural Properties of Polymers (DL, 20 credits)
- Plastics Processing and Properties (DL, 20 credits)
Further Modules (60 Credits)
- Characterisation of Polymers (OW, 10 credits)
- Rubber Compounding and Processing (OW, DL, 20 credits)
- Blends and Composites (DL, 10 credits)
- Adhesive Bonding (OW, 10 credits)
- Science and Technology of PVC (OW,10 credits)
Up to 20 credits from the further modules list may be replaced by alternative modules by agreement with the Programme Director
Masters Project (60 Credits)
- Individual Research Project
Read more about individual modules in their module specifications »
Key: S1, S2, S1+2 = Taught weekly throughout semester 1or 2 or 1&2
OW = One week block taught DL = Distance learning
- 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