Polymer Science and Engineering Degree | Postgraduate study

Fees for the 2025-26 academic year: UK: 拢13,250

International: 拢29,950
Entry requirements: 2:2
Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2-5 years
Location: 黑料网
Start date: October 2025
Department: Materials

Polymer Science and Engineering is a fast-moving field with major impacts on the way we live. It allows us to develop sophisticated materials to suit the needs of society and the planet. In this programme, you鈥檒l learn how polymers are made, how they behave and use modern techniques to create new and advanced materials.

Our Polymer Science and Engineering programme has gained an international reputation as one of the most comprehensive and in-depth programmes specialising in this subject area. Taught by a team of international experts, this programme will give you a rich understanding of the chemistry, properties, processing, characterisation and application of polymers.

Focusing on the underlying structures and properties of polymers, related to their utilisation in traditional and emerging industrial applications, this multidisciplinary programme covers the latest science and technology of polymer materials, including aspects of nanotechnology and biomaterials.

You’ll be exposed to the cutting edge of polymer science, preparing you for an exciting career in industry or research. By bridging the gap between the physical sciences, you will gain an understanding of the atomic and molecular structures of polymers to help understand their behaviour.

Why you should choose us

Top 5 in the UK for Graduate Prospects in Materials Technology The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Top 10 in the UK for Materials Technology The Complete University Guide 2025

2nd in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Materials Technology The Complete University Guide 2025

Top 10 in the UK for Materials Technology The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

拢17尘 STEMLab teaching facilities

3rd in the UK for Student Experience in Materials Technology The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Why you should study this degree

Gain a rich understanding of the chemistry, properties, processing, characterisation and application of polymers.
Study a discipline which underpins global industry, in which graduates are highly sought after.
Capitalize on our vibrant history of research and innovation in the cutting-edge field of materials and polymer science.
Immerse yourself in our research-rich culture, which directly informs our teaching.
As a student on this programme you will be part of one of the top-ranked Materials departments in the UK.

Look inside STEMLab

Let one of our current students take you on a personal tour around our 拢17尘 investment - STEMLab.

Martin

Polymer Science and Technology

The teaching quality at 黑料网 is very good 鈥� there are people with experiences from the scientific society as well as from the industry.

Professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), licensed by the UK Engineering Council.

What you'll study

The following information is intended as an example only and is typically based on module information for the 2024/25 year of entry. Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes. Updated are made available ahead of each academic year. Please also see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

Our programme aims to provide you with a toolbox of skills and knowledge to help you to progress into a successful career in Polymer Science and Engineering and related fields.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are to:

Develop skills to critically review the literature and apply them to scientific and engineering problems;
Develop knowledge and understanding of data analysis techniques and their application;
Gain an understanding of and how to apply the ideas to measure unknown quantities.

The aims of this module are to:

Develop a broad understanding of polymer science, including how polymer functionality affects properties;
Evaluate how inter and intramolecular forces affect polymer behaviour both in solution and in bulk;
Apply knowledge of polymer chemistry and physics to predict properties of materials in applications.

The aims of this module are to:

Provide the students with a broad range of knowledge with the principles of the advanced material characterisation techniques;
Acquire in depth knowledge and practical skills in some characterisation techniques including electron microscopy, spectroscopy and thermal analysis used in materials science and engineering.

The aim of the project is to develop the skills required to perform research tasks involving the application of scientific and engineering principles in areas related to the composition, manufacture and performance of materials and related products.

Optional modules (select one)

The aims of this module are to:

Develop an understanding of the principles associated with the modelling of properties of materials at different length and timescale;
Develop the ability to judge the strengths and limitations of different modelling techniques.

The aim of the module is to allow students to allow students to develop an understanding and knowledge of the latest developments in nanomaterials and composites including preparation, processing and properties, and to highlight the use of advanced nanomaterials and composites for various applications.

Compulsory modules

The aims of this module are:

To develop a good understanding of the application of Colloid Science in a range of Chemical Engineering processes.
To introduce and/or reinforce the student's knowledge of molecular interactions manifestation in the colloidal domain and how colloidal phenomena are manifested in the macroscopic world.

The aims of this module is to:

Design an engineering component using fundamental design principles, including an appreciation of design requirements, constraints and approaches;
Apply the principles of materials selection, and the different approaches adopted in commercial material selection systems;
Integrate their knowledge of materials properties, manufacturing techniques and engineering principles in the solution of practical engineering materials design problems.

The aims of this module are to:

Gain a broad knowledge of the fundamental behaviour of thermoplastic and thermoset materials under stress and the principles and operating procedures of polymer conversion processes;
Acquire in-depth knowledge in some specific aspects of polymer processing methods, including sustainable processing and recycling of polymers;
Develop practical skills related to manufacturing processes for polymer products.

Optional modules (select one)

The aims of this module are:

To enable students to gain an in-depth knowledge of the science and engineering principles of clean chemical energy conversions, primarily the electro-chemical energy storage and conversion, including batteries, capacitor, hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, bioenergy utilisation and carbon dioxide utilisation.
To enable students to understand the application of battery, fuel cell and hybrid systems as an enabling clean energy technology for a wide range of applications including transportation, stationary and portable power applications.
To enable students to gain insight into the sustainability of processes, particularly life-cycle assessment and safety.

This module aims to:

Appraise types and properties of materials that can be i) used for biomedical applications, (ii) derived from renewable sources, (ii) degraded in biological environments;
Analyse how material composition and micro/nanostructure influence biological environments and degradation processes;
Assess the design and development of materials of biological relevance and/or from renewable sources.

Compulsory modules

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed by a combination of written examination(s), set coursework exercises and laboratory reports. The project is assessed by a dissertation, literature review and oral presentation.

How you'll study

The combination of high-quality lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes combined with learning of research methodologies and planning, plus presentation skills, provides those who successfully complete the programme with a skill-set that is in great demand both within academia and industry, making our MSc graduates highly-employable.

Lectures
Tutorials
Independent study
Group work
Laboratory work
Practical sessions
Access to online material

Where you'll study

The Department of Materials houses leading facilities for teaching and research into materials, including our industry-leading鈥诹贤� Materials Characterisation Centre, which can characterise materials structures and properties at all length scales.

FEGSEM Jeol 7100

IT Lab

Polymer Processing Lab View 1

Polymer Processing Lab View 2

Polymer Processing Mezzanine View 1

Polymer Processing Mezzanine View 2

Entry requirements

Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

A 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a science or engineering subject.

Country / region equivalent

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters	95%	85%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplom毛 e Nivelit t毛 Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010)	9.5	8.5	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Dipl么me d'Etudes Sup茅rieures	16	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year)	8.5	7.5	6.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum	90% or 3.9	80% or 3.5	70% or 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8)	First Class, 80%	Upper Second, 70%, H2A	Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50)	High Distinction (80% or 85%)	Distinction (75% or 80%)	Distinction (70% or 75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH))	A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden	60% / B / (or 2)	60% / B / (or 2)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma)	4.5 or 90%	4 or 80%	3.5 or 70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB and BAETE accredited courses only)	1st (70%) / 3.5	2nd (60%) / 3.0	2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree	80% / 4.0	65% / 3.25	50% / 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College	1st or GPA 3.75	2:1 or GPA 3.5	2:2 or GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr)	9	7	5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie	80% or 17	70% or 14	60% or 12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise	18	15 or Bien	12 or Assez Bien

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0)	2:2 (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private)	85/78	75/66	67/55

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree	A or 80%	B or 70%	C or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or T铆tulo Profissional	8.5	7.5	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei	First	Upper Second (60%/B/3.1)	Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education)	6	5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Dipl么me d'脡tudes Approfondies or Dipl么me Ing茅nieur (professional title)	18	15/20 (Bien)	12.5/20 (Assez Bien)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters	80% or B+ or 3.5	70% or B or 3.0	60% or C+ or 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Dipl么me d'Ing茅nieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1)	1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien	2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien	2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage	3.7/85%	3.3/75%	2.7/68%
Out of 9	8	6	5
Out of 12	10	8	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / T铆tulo (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years)	6	5.5	5

Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses the to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below:

	First class (70%)	Mid 2:1 (65%)	2:1 (60%)	Mid 2:2 (55%)	2:2 (50%)
Shanghai Rank Top 250	83%	79%	75%	73%	70%
Shanghai Rank 251-500	88%	84%	80%	78%	75%
Shanghai Rank 501+	92%	87%	84%	82%	80%

The University will consider students from Affiliated Colleges in the following way:

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities in the top 250 Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 75%-84%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are 251-500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Applicants from colleges affiliated to universities which are above 500 in the Shanghai rankings will be considered as follows:

School of Business and Economics: not considered
All other programmes if they have achieved or are likely to achieve final marks of 80%-87%.

Applicants from a small number of Chinese universities that specialise in business, management, finance or creative arts will be given special consideration by the University. The full list of these universities and the Shanghai band under which they will be considered can be found below:

Table of Chinese universities for special consideration

‌*Special consideration for programmes in School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences and Institute for Sport Business only.

Students who do not meet the above requirements may occasionally be considered if they have a relevant degree, can show good grades in relevant subjects, and/or have substantial relevant work experience.

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / T铆tulo de [subject area]	4.5	3.75	3.2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado	9	8 or 80	7 or 75

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik	4.5	3.8	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura	5	4	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus	8.5	7.0	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakal谩r (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr	1	1.5	2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale)	12	10	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or T铆tulo de [subject area]	3.8	Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85%	Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
T铆tulo de Licenciado / T铆tulo de [subject area]	8.5 / 85%	8 / 80%	7 / 70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt	3.5	3.2	2.8
Universities only	BA 90%, BSc 85%	BA 80%, BSc 75%	BA 65%, BSc 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, T铆tulo de Ingeniero/Arquitecto	8.5, 85%	7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno	6.5, 65% or Bueno

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad	5 or 91% or A	4 or 81% or B	3 or 71% or C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	A/GPA 4.0	A/GPA 3.5	B/GPA 2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister	3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5)	2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5)	1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Dipl么me d'Ing茅nieur	14	13	11

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system)	5 (95%)	4.0 (85%)	3.5 (75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis 眉ber den Zweiten Abschnitt der 脛rztlichen Pr眉fung	1.5	2.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana	First	Upper second/60%	Lower second/50%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities	8.5	7.0	6
TEI and non-University Institutions	8.5	7	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification	1st, 70% (GPA 3.6)	2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00)	2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage	A	B / 75%	C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA	3.6	3.0	2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years	90% (public university) / 95% (private university)	80% (public university) / 85% (private university)	60% (public university) / 70% (private university)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	GPA 4	GPA 3.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
T铆tulo de Licenciado / Grado Acad茅mico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5	GPA 5 or 90%	GPA 4 or 80%	GPA 3.5 or 70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
1st or 3.5/4	2:1or 3/4	2:2 or 2.5/4	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor	4.5	3.5	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag	8.5	7.5	6.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the	65% (First)	60% (First)	55% (Upper second)
All other Indian institutions	70% (First with distinction)	65% (First)	60% (First)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities	3.3	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran	17	15	13

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq	80%	75%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland	First (70%)	Upper second (60%)	Lower second (50%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea	109/110	100/110	90/110

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures	16	14 (Bien)	12 (Assez Bien)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ	1st (GPA 3.6)	2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B	2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi 鈥� GPA 4.0 scale	85% or A or 3.5	80% or B or 3.0	70% or C or 2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3 or 3.5/5 or 75%	2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale	4.5 or 90%	4 or 85%	3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale	3.9	3.7	3.2
GPA 4.0 scale	3.7	3.4	3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya	First / 70% / A	Upper second / 60% / B	Lower second / 50% / C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.6	3.0	2.6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia	9	7	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
American	90% (3.5)	80% (3.2)	70% (2.8)
French	18	15	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	4.0 or 90%	3.5 or 85%	3 or 80%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine	85 (3.6)	75 (3.0)	65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university	90 (4.0)	85% (3.6)	75% (3.0)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg	18 (excellent)	16 (tres Bien)	14 (bien)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau	1st or GPA 3.7	2:1 or GPA 3.0	2:2 or GPA 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar 袛懈锌谢芯屑懈褉邪薪 / 袘邪褑褑邪谢邪褍褉械褍褋 / 袘邪褑褑邪谢邪褍褉械邪 (Bachelor degree)	10	9	8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only	MSc 75%	MSc 70%	MSc 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification	First Class	2.1	GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta	1st (80%)	2:1 (70%)	2:2 (55%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius	1st or 70%	2:1 or 60%	2:2 or 50%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ T铆tulo (Profesional) de [subject area]	8.5	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licen牛膬 (Diploma of Licentiate)	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
袛懈锌谢芯屑小锌械褑懈邪谢懈褋褌邪 (Specialist Diploma)	90% or 3.5	80% or GPA 3.2	70% or GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies	10 (or 5.0)	9 (or 4.5)	8 (or 4.0)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dipl么me d'Ing茅nieur d'脡tat, Dipl么me d'脡coles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'脡tudes Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle	16	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre	16	14	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree	5 or 85%	5 or 75%	4.5 or 65%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters	80% or A	70% or B	60% or C

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's (after 3 year bachelor degree)	80% or 3.7 GPA	65% or 3.3 GPA	60% or 3.0 GPA

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands	8	7	6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8	First (7.0)	Upper Second (6.0)	Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7	A+ (9.0)	A- (7.0)	B+ (6.0)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year)	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale	6	5	3.0 (on 5 point scale)
5 point scale	4.5	3.8	3.5
4 point scale	3.5	3	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway	A / 1.8	B / 2.3	C / 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options)	A- or GPA 3.7	B or GPA 3.0	C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor plus Masters	1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7	2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0	2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years)	(85%) 3.5	(80%) 3.0	(70%) 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / T铆tulo de [subject area]	91 (A)	81 (B)	71 (C)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree	1st	2:1	2:2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year T铆tulo de Licenciado / T铆tulo de [subject area]	4.5 (85%)	4 (80%)	3.5 (75%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year T铆tulo de Licenciado / T铆tulo de [subject area]	14	13	12

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE)	Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0	Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5	Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003)	5	4.5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado	18	16	14

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr	4.5	4.0	3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits)	1st, 16/20 (80%)	2:1,14/20 (70%)	2:2, 12/20 (60%)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8
GPA 5.0 scale	4.5	3.75	3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees	16/20 or Tres Bien	14/20 or Bien	12/20 or Assez Bien

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters	1st (70%)	2:1 (60% or B)	2:2 (50% or C)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons)	First	Upper second	Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale	3.7	3.0	2.7
GPA 5.0 scale	4.5	3.5	3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakal谩r (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier	1.5 or B	2.0 or C	2.5 or C/high D

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study	1st or 75%	2:1 or 70%	2:2 or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5	4.0 / A	3.5 / B	3.0 / C+
GPA out of 4.3	4.0 / A	3.0 / B	2.7 / C+

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / T铆tulo de Ingeniero / T铆tulo de Arquitecto	8.5	7	6.5
UCM grading	3.0	2.0	1.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree	90%, GPA 3.70	80%, GPA 3.30	70%, GPA 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree	1st, 70%, B+	2:1, 66%	mid 2:2, 60%, B

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen	Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG	B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG	C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5)	10 / 6 / 1	8 / 5 / 2	6 / 4 / 3

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study	80%	70%	60%
Private universities 4 years of study	90%	80%	70%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Category 1 (4 year degree)	80%	75%	70%
Category 2 (4 year degree)	85%	80%	75%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
袛懈锌谢芯屑褋锌械褑懈邪谢懈褋褌邪 - Specialist Diploma	5	4.5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania	1st	2:1	2:2

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT	1st or GPA 3.6	2:1 or GPA 3.0	2:2 or GPA 2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Ma卯trise, Dipl么me National d'Ing茅nieu	16 (tres bien)	14 (bien)	11 (assez bien)

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a M疟hendis Diplomasi	3.5	3	2.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr	5	4.5	4

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda	1st or 4.4	2:1 or 3.8	2:2 or 3.0

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5)	4.5	4.0	3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.0	2.6

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale	3.5	3.2	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year)	9	8	7

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma)	90% or GPA 4.5	80% or GPA 4.0	70% or GPA 3.5

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year)	18/20 or 8/9	16/20 or 7/9	14/20 or 6/9

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale	8.0	7.0	6.0
4-point scale	3.5	3.0	2.8

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's	A or 4.0 or 80%	B+, 3.5 or 70%	B or 3.0 or 60%

	First-class honours (70%)	Upper second-class honours (60%)	Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree	1st or 75%	2:1 or 65%	2:2 or 60%

English language requirements

Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the .

Fees and funding

October 2025 start

UK fee

拢13,250 Full-time degree per annum

International fee

拢29,950 Full-time degree per annum

What's included in your tuition fees Fee status Pay in advance or instalments

The fee stated is for a full-time student undertaking a master’s programme of 180 credits. Part-time students, or those taking a postgraduate certificate or a postgraduate diploma, should divide the published fee by 180 credits and then multiply by the number of credits they are taking to calculate their tuition fees.

Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.

Scholarships and bursaries

There are scholarships and bursaries available to help with funding your study.

10% off tuition fees

黑料网 Alumni Bursary

Up to 20% off tuition fees

Excellence Scholarship

Master's degree funding

Your development

The Department of Materials is committed to helping you develop the skills and attributes needed to progress successfully in your chosen career. As part of this, we pay for all our students to be members of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the professional body in the UK for materials scientists and engineers.

On successful completion of this programme, you will be able to:

Organise and manage time and resources effectively.
Apply a critical approach to problem solving in areas related to your field of study.
Exercise independent learning skills for the gathering of information and acquire new knowledge for work/subject related activities, as well as for professional development.
Work effectively both independently and in a group.

Our academics

Dr Xujin Bao

Programme Director and Senior Lecturer in Materials

Xujin is the Programme Director for the Advanced Materials Science and Engineering and Polymer Science and Engineering MSc programmes, and also coordinates the MSc research projects.

Dr Fiona Hatton

Postgraduate Admissions Tutor and Lecturer in Polymer Chemistry

Fiona鈥檚 research expertise lies in polymer synthesis and characterisation with an interest in self-assembly and sustainability. She teaches on the Colloid Science and Engineering MSc module and the Group Design Project.

Dr Elisa Mele

Senior Lecturer in Biomaterials

Elisa is an expert in biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery, with particular interest in polymers and polymeric composites. She teaches on the Advances in Biomaterials MSc module.

Professor Gary Critchlow

Professor of Surface and Interface Science

Gary has developed patented bioderived/biomimetic materials which address current needs for sustainable materials. His research includes manufacturing large-scale structures for use in aerospace/civil engineering. He teaches the Nanomaterials & Composites and Advanced Joining Methods modules.

Dr Rebecca Higginson

Head of Department and Reader in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering

Rebecca鈥檚 research is focussed on the microstructural evolution of ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. She is an expert in metallic systems used in extreme environments, for example those used in power generation. She coordinates the MSc Group Design Project.

Dr Simon Martin

Reader in Polymers

Simon鈥檚 research is broadly in the area of Polymer Physics. Current research projects include: green chemistry for polymer synthesis and polymer hydrogels for the additive manufacture of elastomeric parts. He teaches on the Research Methods, and the Polymer Science modules.

Your future career

Plastics and polymers is a huge global industry and our graduates are highly sought after. Many go on to work within roles such as process and technology engineering, packaging, recycling and sustainability development, research, technical support and sales across a diverse range of companies.

Recent graduate destinations include:

Unilever
Nestlé
Procter & Gamble
The Renewable Energy Corporation
Morgan Advanced Materials
Intel

Recent graduate roles include:

Production and Sales Coordinator
Production Development Engineer
Research & Design
Materials Science Manager
Research (PhD)

Many of our master’s degree students also choose to continue their studies with us, joining our thriving community of PhD students engaged in materials projects of real-world significance.

Browse all master's degrees

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