Polymers, Colorants and Fine Chemicals MSc

University of Leeds

A programme developed for students with a STEM background, the Polymers, Colorants and Fine Chemicals Masters course is designed to provide you with the principles and theories of polymer and colour science and to learn how to apply these scientific methods to solve real-life challenges.

The course is interdisciplinary, bringing together expertise from a range of specialisms, including chemistry, food science and technology, and design technology and aesthetics. You will be taught by experts from the Schools of Chemistry, Food Science and Nutrition and School of Design to solve problems relevant to contemporary research.

You will also be introduced to a breadth of practical research and high-level academic skills in planning, experimentation and processing in synthesis and characterisation aspects. Optional modules will give you the chance to build up specialist knowledge in areas that align with your interests and career aspirations.

During the Polymers, Colorants and Fine Chemicals Masters course, you will develop your knowledge and research skills you need for a career in a range of industries, including cosmetics, textiles, biomaterials, surface coatings and graphic arts. As well as learning crucial research techniques, you will also develop a range of key skills in problem solving, information technology, presentation and communication.

Course highlights

• Our research in applied colour creation and colour application is globally leading, which we achieve through extensive industrially collaborative research activities, aimed at providing novel, science-based solutions for industry.

• During your studies, you will access specialist facilities and laboratories.

• You will complete an individual extended research project, which is typically carried out within a research group and may also include external industrial involvement.

• You will learn from chemists, food scientists and design technologists to gain the skills and knowledge to succeed in a multidisciplinary environment.

Specialist facilities You will have access to excellent teaching and laboratory facilities, supplemented by extensive computing equipment. Our specialist facilities include the latest equipment for synthetic, physical and analytical chemistry, 500 MHz NMR machines, a cutting-edge CCD-based X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy/ energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry, thermal analysis, particle size analysis, gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, and rheometer. Depending on the modules and projects that you choose to work in, you will also have access to teaching facilities from across the different schools and faculties.