Why Polymer Engineering?
History
Queen’s University has a long tradition of teaching in Polymer Engineering, which dates back to the introduction of its first MSc course in the early 1970s. The present course has been specifically developed to enable high calibre international Science or Engineering graduates to become experts in the technology of modern polymer materials. The course covers every aspect of polymer technology, from the basic synthesis and chemistry of the raw materials, to their processing into a wide variety of end uses. Particular emphasis is placed on the latest technological developments and the course includes modules on biomaterials, medical devices, composite materials (including the latest nanocomposite technologies), computational modelling, and emerging polymer technologies
Research Excellence
The course is based in the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, which has a long-established international reputation for the quality of its research in polymer engineering. Across all UK universities it is one of only 4 mechanical engineering schools to have achieved the highest 5 star rating for its research work in the last two UK national research assessment exercises.
Innovation in Teaching
The School is also very innovative in its teaching methods and it is a leading member of the CDIO consortium. This grouping, which is lead by MIT in the USA, and includes 24 of the world’s major universities, is collaborating on the development of new forms of engineering education.
State of the Art Facilities
There is a strong emphasis within the course on practical experience and there are close links with the University’s internationally renowned research work on polymers. In the last few years this has led to the establishment of the Polymer Processing Research Centre (PPRC) and the Medical Polymers Research Institute (MPRI). These state of the art facilities contain modern processing equipment for major processes such as extrusion, injection moulding, rotational moulding and thermoforming, as well as a full range of test equipment for polymers. Students taking the MSc course have full access to these facilities and will have the opportunity to gain unrivalled practical experience of a wide range of polymer processes.
Opportunities for Further Study
Opportunities for further study are excellent as MSc students are highly trained in research techniques. Annually a high proportion of graduates go on to study for PhDs and many of the school’s most successful research projects have been undertaken by former MSc students. Funding is often available for high calibre international students to undertake PhD study.
