School of Chemistry

The purpose of the programme of study is to produce graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills in colour science and in the theory, application and analysis of polymers and surface coatings. Graduates will be able to plan experimentation and processes, be skilled in synthesis aspects, in characterisation aspects, in information technology and in communication. These skills will be supported by relevant up-to-date knowledge and confidence.

The teaching methods will involve on-site contact with relevant industries, interactive learning initiatives, lectures, tutorials, examples classes and seminars. Training in research planning will support research project work.

Your learning will combine of lectures, tutorials, practical work and on-site contact with relevant industries, including a number of visiting industrial lecturers. The final stage of study is the individual research project, which is normally carried out within one of the department’s research groups and may also involve industrial collaboration.

The programme comprises 180 credits, made up from 6 taught modules, one practical module and a research project dissertation.

Modules on this programme include:

Advanced Colour Science
How we see colour, colorants properties and application methods, colour psychology and also colour reproduction.

Advanced Polymers and Materials Science
Polymerisation and copolymerisation, chemical/physical modification, composites and biopolymeric materials.

Dispersion Science and Technology
Creating and stabilising a dispersion of fine particles in a liquid, including milling and process machinery.

Formulation and Application of Coatings and Inks
Design for existing and novel applications considering safety, the environment, standards and defects.

Instrumental Analysis and Characterisation of Materials
Techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, thermal analysis and particle sizing.

Optical Properties of Coloured Materials
Light emission, absorption, scattering, interference and its interaction with pigments and dyes.

Practical Skills
Develops vital transferable skills such as problem solving, data analysis, presentation, report writing, planning and risk assessment.

Research Project
Focuses on a substantial, often industrially relevant, individual topic which is researched and then practically developed.

First or second class honours degree or equivalent in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering or  related subject. See the How to apply section for more information on admissions.

If English is not your first language, you may require a language qualification to show that your English is of a high enough standard to meet the demands of your course. The University accepts IELTS, TOEFL or PTE qualifications with the following minimum scores:

- IELTS (Academic): an overall score of 6.5 with at least 6.0 in all components;

- TOEFL iBT (internet-based test): an overall score of at least 94 with at least 21 in listening, 23 in reading and speaking, and 24 in writing;

- PTE (Academic): an overall score of 64 with at least 60 in all components.

Other English Language qualifications may be acceptable, please contact us to find out more.

Students on this programme often go on to careers in areas such as fine chemicals (including the specialist areas of colorants, food additives and catalysts), polymers and polymers additives, coatings and ink manufacture and development, dispersions, surfactants and high-technology materials in general. Our graduates have gained employment with such companies as AkzoNobel, Ciba, GE Plastics, Kodak and SunChemical.