Advanced Composites & Polymers

Overview

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 science & processing, nanocomposites and advanced manufacturing. During the course 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 in Northern Ireland including Rolls Royce, Spirit Aerospace, Creative Composites, Artemis Technologies and Airbus. The course also attracts part time students from the local polymer processing sector.

Year one

Research Methods & Facilities

Research Project (Part 1)

Research Project

Polymer Technology

Composite Engineering

Process Product Optimisation



Optional:

Biomaterials 1

Bioinstrumentation

Tissue Engineering

Embedded Systems RTOS Design

Digital Signal Processing

Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices

Nanoscale Analysis & Metrology

Manufacturing systems

Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics

Quality Improvement

Entrepreneurship (Engineering)

Computer Aided Engineering for Managers

Mechanics of Sheet Metal Forming

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.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

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.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements



• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

Students can apply for exemptions for specific modules based on prior learning.

Your Application

You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.



Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.

Full-time students take four modules per semester for semesters 1 and 2 and then undertake the dissertation during the summer.

Start Dates: September 2026 & January 2027.

Career options

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.