Advanced Composites and Polymers PgDip/MSc

Program Overview

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Advanced Composites and Polymers - PgDip, MSc

Overview

The course covers composite and polymer materials and their processing, and is driven by the school's industrial work and research.

Revalidation

The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible. In addition, it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant. This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.

Summary

The course draws upon the internationally recognised research within the school in areas such as 3D woven preforms (for use in the aerospace and other transportation sectors), polymer processing, nanocomposites and technical textiles. During the MSc, you will be embedded in a research group as part of your dissertation. The team which delivers the course also has a wealth of industrial experience built from collaborations with key companies including Rolls Royce, Bombardier and Airbus. The course also attracts part-time students from the local polymer processing sector.

About this course

About

Core modules:

• Composite engineering
• Polymer technology
• Process product optimisation
• Research Methods and Facilities

Students can then tailor the course to their needs and interests by selecting from a wide range of optional modules.

Attendance

Full-time students take four modules per semester for semesters 1 and 2 and then undertake the dissertation during the summer. Part-time students generally take two modules per semester but this can be altered as required. Part-time students typically attend on Fridays during term time and some of the modules run in the evening.

Start dates

• September 2025
• January 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course is delivered through lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes and is supported with extensive online content. The small class sizes provide an excellent learning environment and the material is assessed thorough formal examinations, coursework, class tests and presentations.

Modules

Year one

• Advanced Polymer Engineering
• Composite Engineering

Year two

• Research Methods and Management
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Engineering
• Process Product Optimisation
• Advanced biomaterials for biomedical applications (optional)
• Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices (optional)
• Intelligent Manufacturing (optional)
• Advanced Thermal Fluid Sciences and CFD (optional)
• Design Optimization of Mechanical Systems (optional)
• Research Project (optional)
• Work based learning (optional)
• Computer Aided Engineering for Managers (optional)

Year three

• Masters Dissertation

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course, you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Entry Requirements

PgDip - Normally, an Honours or non-Honours degree or postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering, technology or science discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route. It is possible to transfer onto the MSc version of the course after successfully completing the PGDip.

MSc - Specific details on the admission criteria can be found at the course webpage provided below. Normally, a second class honours degree or better in a relevant engineering, science, physics or technology discipline. Or a postgraduate diploma/certificate in a relevant engineering or technology discipline. In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant working/industrial experience, a portfolio of written evidence may be considered as an alternative entrance route.

English Language Requirements

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Careers & opportunities

Upon successful completion of the programme, students will be more employable within the expanding composite and polymer sectors. In the key aerospace and automotive industries, composites and polymers continue to replace metallics. Another important opportunity for MSc students is the academic and/or research career through a PhD programme such as those offered in the Engineering Research Institute (ERI), which hosts the MSc programme.

Professional Recognition

Accreditations reflect the excellence of our teaching, research, and knowledge exchange and ensure our programmes realise the highest expectations. By studying at Ulster University, you’ll gain insight and be at the forefront of current industry practices, while our many accredited degree programmes open doors to the world’s top professional organisations, making you more attractive to future employers and giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Fees and funding

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

Fees

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2025/26, the following fees apply:

Fees Credit Points	NI/ROI/GB Cost	International Cost*
5	£201.10	£494.70
10	£402.20	£989.40
15	£603.30	£1,484.10
20	£804.40	£1,978.80
30	£1,206.60	£2,968.20
60	£2,413.20	£5,936.40
120	£4,826.40	£11,872.80
180	£7,239.60	£17,809.20
240	£9,652.80	£23,745.60

*International student access to courses is subject to meeting visa requirements. More information can be found in the Visas and Immigration section.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Information on scholarships is available on the University website.

Flexible payment plans are available and students can also apply for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees.

Sustainability at Ulster

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster, every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally. Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.