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. This course is accredited by both IMechE and IET.



Work placement / study abroad

Part-time students can undertake work based learning modules. The course also contains an option module in Product Process Optimisation which includes input from a range of guest lecturers from industry.

F/T Programme:

Modules:

Polymer Technology

Composite Engineering



Optional:

Biomaterials 1

Tissue Engineering

Research Methods & Facilities

Manufacturing systems

Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics

Quality Improvement

Research Project (Part 1)

Computer Aided Engineering for Managers

Mechanics of Sheet Metal Forming

Process Product Optimisation

Bioinstrumentation

Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices

Nanoscale Analysis & Metrology

Entrepreneurship (Engineering)

Research Project (Part 2)

Work based learning 2

Masters Dissertation



P/T Programme:

Year one

Polymer Technology

Composite Engineering



Year two

Research Methods and Management

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Engineering

Process Product Optimisation



Optional:

Advanced biomaterials for biomedical applications

Micro- & Nano-Scale Devices

Intelligent Manufacturing

Advanced Thermal Fluid Sciences and CFD

Design Optimization of Mechanical Systems

Manufacturing systems

Quality Improvement

Research Project

Work based learning

Computer Aided Engineering for Managers



Year three

Masters Dissertation

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

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. 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 2026 & January 2027.

Careers and Opportunities

This course is underpinned by the School’s internationally recognised research in areas such as 3D woven preforms for aerospace and transport, polymer science and processing, nanocomposites, and advanced manufacturing. As part of this post-graduate degree, you will undertake your dissertation within an active research group, gaining hands-on experience at the forefront of materials innovation. The teaching team brings extensive industrial expertise through collaborations with leading companies such as Rolls-Royce, Spirit AeroSystems, Creative Composites, Artemis Technologies, and Airbus. The course also attracts part-time students from the local polymer processing industry, enhancing peer learning and industry relevance.