Composites & Polymers - Advanced

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.



Work placement / study abroad

Part-time students can undertake work based learning modules.



Professional recognition

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.

The following modules will be taught on this course;

• Polymer Technology

• Composite Engineering



Optional Modules

• Biomaterials 1

• Tissue Engineering

• Embedded Systems RTOS Design

• Research Methods & Facilities

• Digital Signal Processing

• 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

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

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.

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

Career options

Upon successful completion of the programme students will be more employable, particularly within the industry. Another important opportunity for MSc students is the academic career and/or research career through a PhD programme such as those offered in the Engineering Research Institute (ERI) which hosts the MSc programme.