Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

The MSc in Polymer Science and Technology aims to prepare students for an active and effective professional role in the manufacturing industry and, particularly but not exclusively, in sectors related to the production and uses of polymer based materials*. The more specific objectives of the programme are to develop the appropriate professional competence for the following functions:

a)    Research and Development related to all aspects of polymer materials, processing methods and end-use products.

b)    Trouble shooting tasks related to materials formulations, polymer processing and failures in service.

c)    Evaluation of performance of polymers to provide data for product design, specifications and quality control.

d)  Characterisation of the molecular composition and morphological structure of polymers and auxiliary materials.

* Materials used for Plastics, Elastomers, Composites and Adhesives.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

Framework for Higher Education Qualifications  

QAA Materials benchmark document

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme the student should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The principles related to the synthesis and characterisation of polymers.
• The nature of industrial plastics, elastomers, composites and adhesives, and their chemical and microstructural constitution.
• The principles underlying the relationship between the properties of polymeric materials and their molecular constitution, morphological features and microstucture.
• The principles and theories related to polymer miscibilties, toughening of rigid polymers and micromechanics of composites.
• The concepts, principles and advanced theories of viscoelastic behaviour.
• The principles related to the physical properties of polymers, the evaluation of their performance and applications for component design.
• The principles of selecting polymer materials for engineering applications, including compounding, processing and their effects on morphological structure and properties. 

At Diploma and Certificate level the areas of knowledge and understanding are less in number approximately proportional to the reduction in the credits accumulated relative to the MSc award.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Identify the type of synthesis that could be used for the production of polymers and devise a procedure for the molecular and morphological characterisation.
• Identify and select industrial polymers and additives (for plastics, elastomers, adhesives and composites), including compounding procedures and characterisation.
• Identify, select and suggest suitable preparation schemes, and evaluate new compounds for specific applications.
• Provide scientifically sound explanations for observed mechanical behaviour of polymers in relation to deformation and fracture properties.
• Identify and select suitable procedures to predict the performance of polymers in specific service conditions.
• Identify and select suitable processing methods for the manufacture of specified end-products, and recommend remedies for any deficiencies related to output and quality. 

At Diploma and Certificate level the areas of subject specific intellectual/cognitive skills are less in number, relating to the coverage provided by the modules studied.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Use/select analytical and physical testing equipment to carry out suitable experiments for the  molecular,  morphological and rheological characterisation of polymers, as well as recording and present the obtained data in a succinct and clear format.
• Use/select laboratory mixers and processing equipment for the production of compounds and manufacture of simple components and test-specimens, recording appropriate data and presenting these in a concise and scientifically meaningful way.
• Assemble and operate/Select suitable testing rigs/equipment for measuring mechanical and electrical properties of polymers.
• Use appropriate computer software for the manipulation of experimental and other data suitable for inclusion in reports and for oral presentation.

At Diploma and Certificate level the areas of subject specific practical skills are less in number approximately proportional to the reduction in the credits accumulated relative to the MSc award.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

• Organise and manage time and resources effectively.
• Apply a critical approach to problem solving in areas related to their field of studies.
• 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.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and present information and ideas in a concise and scholarly manner.
• Demonstrate an adequate level of cognitive and numerical skills for theoretical analysis of new principles.
• Carry out web searches with a specific target.
• Make effective use of electronic databases to obtain background information for a research project.

At Diploma and Certificate level the areas of key/transferable skills are less in number approximately proportional to the reduction in the credits accumulated relative to the MSc award.

4. Programme structure

A candidate on a MSc programme will normally study 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules followed by a project worth 60 credits.

A part-time candidate on a PGDip programme will normally study 90 credits of compulsory modules and 30 credits of optional modules.

A part-time candidate on a PGCert programme will normally study 60 credits of compulsory modules. 

In the following table, ‘c’ indicates a compulsory module and ‘o’ indicates an optional module. 

Students can substitute an optional module with an o# module if Programme Director and timetabling permits.  

All modules are semester long apart from those marked (ow) which are block taught over one week and those marked * which are by Distance Learning. 

Students may take other modules from the University’s Postgraduate catalogue of modules subject to their availability and the agreement of the Programme Director.

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

5.1 In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI.

5.2 Reassessment of modules eligible under Regulation XXI may take place in the University's Special Assessment Period where suitable modules are available.

5.3 Candidates registered on a PGCert or PGDip can progress to PGDip or Masters respectively upon successful completion of modules. 

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification