MSc Polymer Science and Engineering

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 75% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 92.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
• DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 120.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students to support their education and make studying in the UK more affordable. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, financial need, and the potential for students to contribute to the university community.

International Excellence Awards: These are merit-based scholarships offered to international students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These awards typically cover part of the tuition fees and are designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe.

Global Scholarships: Loughborough offers various global scholarships based on geographical location, supporting students from specific regions or countries with reduced tuition fees.

Postgraduate Taught Scholarships: These are available for international students applying for postgraduate taught programs at Loughborough University. Scholarships typically range from £2,000 to £4,000, depending on the student’s academic qualifications and the program they are enrolled in.

Loughborough University International Research Scholarships: For international students who wish to pursue a research-based postgraduate program, Loughborough offers research scholarships that cover full tuition fees, along with an annual stipend to assist with living costs.

Loughborough University Elite Sports Scholarships: These are available for students who are competing at an elite level in their sport. The scholarship includes financial support, as well as access to the university's world-class sports facilities, coaching, and training programs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Loughborough University offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular countries. These scholarships are designed to support students who demonstrate high academic potential and a commitment to contributing to their home country upon graduation.

Graduates of the MSc Polymer Science and Engineering program at Loughborough University are well-prepared for a wide range of career opportunities in various industries where polymer materials play a pivotal role. The program equips students with a solid foundation in polymer chemistry, materials engineering, and manufacturing, which opens up diverse career pathways in research, development, and production roles. 

Polymer Scientist / Researcher: Graduates can work as polymer scientists or researchers in both industrial and academic settings. In these roles, individuals contribute to the development and improvement of polymer materials, exploring new ways to enhance their properties for applications in fields such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and electronics. Research positions can be found in university laboratories, government agencies, and private-sector companies focused on materials innovation.

Materials Engineer: Polymer engineering is a crucial component of materials engineering, and graduates can work as materials engineers to design and develop new polymer-based materials. They will apply their knowledge of polymer science to create materials that meet specific performance, sustainability, and manufacturing requirements. This career option is prevalent in industries such as automotive, electronics, and manufacturing, where advanced materials are essential for product innovation.

Polymer Processing Specialist: Polymer processing specialists focus on the practical applications of polymer materials in manufacturing processes. This role involves optimizing production techniques for polymer products, such as plastics, films, fibers, and coatings. Graduates in this field are essential to industries where polymer materials are processed and molded into finished products, including the automotive, packaging, and consumer goods sectors.

Product Development Engineer: Product development engineers work on the creation and improvement of polymer-based products, ensuring that they meet performance and safety standards. Graduates in this role can be involved in designing products such as medical devices, packaging materials, consumer goods, and high-performance components used in the aerospace or automotive industries. They work closely with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality control, and marketing, to bring products from concept to production.

Sustainability Specialist: With growing global concerns about the environmental impact of plastic materials, sustainability specialists play an essential role in developing eco-friendly and biodegradable polymers. Graduates in this field can work to innovate sustainable polymer solutions, reduce waste, and enhance the recyclability of plastic products. This is a rapidly growing field, with opportunities in industries such as packaging, waste management, and renewable energy.

Polymer Consultant: Polymer consultants provide expert advice to companies and organizations on the best use of polymer materials in their products and manufacturing processes. They analyze product designs and suggest materials that can improve performance or reduce costs. Consultants may work for consulting firms or as independent contractors, offering specialized services to industries such as automotive, electronics, and construction.

Academia / Teaching and Research: For those interested in academia, Loughborough University's MSc Polymer Science and Engineering also lays the groundwork for further academic pursuits. Graduates can continue their studies at the doctoral level (PhD) and eventually teach or conduct research at universities and research institutes. Teaching opportunities may also be available at technical colleges or institutions offering undergraduate courses in materials science and engineering.

Quality Control / Assurance Manager: In industries where polymer materials are manufactured and used, maintaining high standards of quality is essential. Graduates can work as quality control (QC) or quality assurance (QA) managers, ensuring that polymer-based products meet the necessary specifications, safety regulations, and customer requirements. These roles are vital in industries such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and automotive manufacturing.

Polymer Sales and Marketing Specialist: Graduates with an understanding of polymer science and engineering can also pursue careers in sales and marketing, specifically in the polymer and materials sectors. As a specialist in polymer sales, individuals would be responsible for promoting and selling polymer-based products and materials to businesses across a range of industries, helping companies find the right materials for their needs while developing new business opportunities.