Program Overview

Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Polymer Materials (L9, 60 ECTS)

Course Overview

This programme offers an understanding of advanced polymers which is vital for engineers and scientists in the design and manufacture of complex devices, and increasingly, this knowledge is playing a key role in the design for recyclability of such devices. Polymer technology is a growing industry in Ireland with the number of companies rising to 230 which boasts an annual turnover of €2.1 billion.

Key Features

• Level 9 Programme (60 ECTS)
• Online/Blended flexible mode of delivery
• Developed in partnership with the Midlands Regional Skills Manager and relevant industry partners
• Personal and supportive approach to teaching and learning
• Problem Based Learning (PBL) based approaches will be used to challenge and expand the students’ knowledge, skills and competence
• Industrial support through guest lectures, and examples of best practice is a key component of the programme
• Includes a ‘real life’ industrial project so that learners can translate theory to practice
• The programme addresses to a significant level all four key areas, which have been deemed by government as being of critical importance at this time: digital skills, transversal skills, management and leadership skills and the workplace of the future

Entry Requirements

• A level 8 award in an engineering / science discipline or a level 8 award in any discipline with 2 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment
• Applicants that do not have the requisite academic qualifications may gain entry to the programme via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in accordance with the institute’s policies
• If you have worked in the manufacturing industry or have experience in a company working with polymers / plastics this may be considered relevant. The duration and amount of experience would be assessed during our Recognition of Prior Learning process

Course Content

Modules

• Core Polymer Materials
• Core Polymer Processing
• Core Polymer Characterisation
• Advanced Polymer Chemistry and Physics
• Advanced Polymer Materials
• Advanced Polymer Processing
• Advanced Polymer Characterisation
• Advanced Polymer Chemistry and Physics
• Team Project

More Information

Delivery

• This programme will be delivered online and TUS Athlone Campus

Why Choose This Course

• This is an applied multidisciplinary programme that gives learners an understanding of the material characteristics, processing behaviour, characterization and application of polymers for advanced manufacturing applications
• If you work in or would like to work in the polymer industry or in any industry that uses polymers (like the medical device, aerospace or automotive industries) and would like to know more about how the materials work
• If you have a level 8 degree and want to get upskilled in the use of polymers / plastics or would like to convert from your current field to a polymer specialisation
• If you have qualifications and experience in the area of working with polymer materials and would like to formalise your experience and work towards Postgraduate Diploma or a Masters

Career Opportunities

• Polymer graduates find employment in advanced manufacturing industries across Ireland and internationally
• Typical roles include process engineers, new product development engineers, material scientists and Research and development engineers in Medtech, Pharma, Automotive and Aerospace companies
• Graduates will be eligible to progress to a Master of Science in Advanced Polymer Materials via the completion of a supplementary thesis

Objectives

• The main programme aim is to equip learners with knowledge of advanced polymer materials for manufacturing areas such as the medical device, automotive and pharmaceutical sectors
• Graduates will be prepared to specify, work with and test polymer materials in addition to gaining process knowledge and an appreciation for new and emerging materials and process methods

Timetable Info

• Programme Delivery: 10 hour per week plus one week lab/practical at the end of each semester
• Dates to be confirmed

Fees

• To be confirmed

Application Deadline

• TBC for Academic Year