Advanced Materials (Medical & Healthcare)

Mode of attendance: Full-time

Duration: 1 year

Start dates: September & January

Course overview

The MSc Advanced Materials is for you if you are a scientist looking to further develop your skills and knowledge in the field of advanced materials. It will support your current career development if you are already working in this area or it will enhance your prospects if you are preparing to begin a career in the sector.

You will be working with modern and advanced materials and have the opportunity to extend your understanding of the methodologies and applications used in high technology and science-based industries. You will use your already extensive understanding of the properties and behaviour of materials in order to envisage and devise novel applications in response to technological problems and shortcomings.

This is a unique and flexible course in which you may choose to specialise in a particular area of advanced materials. Alternatively, you may study a combination of modules from any of the five pathways, which will result in a non-specific award of MSc in Advanced Materials.

The department will also consider the development of a tailor-made module if you are in a particular group of students with an interest in a specific area, for example one that that is relevant to the organisation in which you are working.

About the course

You will be based at the University of Bolton’s Institute for Materials Research and Innovation (IMRI), a multidisciplinary centre in which research and innovation is carried out in collaboration with industry and other academic institutions.

The centre is the leader in the UK - and is known internationally - for its research and applications development in the field of applied materials science and engineering. Developments carried out within IMRI include new, designer and novel smart and multifunctional materials in fibres, films, foams and particles, at nano and micro levels, as well as associated processing technologies that have the potential for development to compete in the global marketplace.

The course offers five distinct pathways. Each pathway consists of an individual project and four taught modules. Teaching for each module is delivered as a short-course lasting no more than ten days.

If you do not wish to select a specific pathway you may choose a combination of modules from any of the five pathways. This will lead to a non-specific award of MSc in Advanced Materials.

Written work for each module is in the form of an assignment or an integrated learning package (ILP) and consists of three parts, each with set times and deadlines for submission. This work may take the form of essays, assignments, projects, seminars and case study analyses. It is assessed in parts and feedback will be given during the allocated period of self study.

Key skills will be developed, and assessed at appropriate stages during each part of the assignment. Oral presentation of ILPs will be required in all modules.

You will be required to complete the ILP within three months of finishing the module to be awarded full credits.

Individual project work will be undertaken within your workplace wherever possible, ensuring relevance to the employer, access to appropriate facilities and allowing sufficient time to be spent on practical work. Where this is not feasible, projects may be based and carried out at the university.

Each module with its completed integrated learning package is worth 30 credits and your project is worth 60 credits. Accumulation of 180 credits in total leads to the award of MSc.

What you will learn

You will build on your understanding of modern and advanced materials and the methodologies and applications used in high technology and science-based industries, equipping you with the potential to lead future developments in the field of advanced materials.

You will develop your knowledge so that you are able to relate the physical and chemical structure of materials to their macroscopic properties and provide an insight into materials requirements for current scientific and commercial applications.

Your prior knowledge and understanding in your field will enable you to envisage and devise novel applications – particularly for high technology materials – and develop diagnostic and novel approaches to technological problems and shortcomings through the interdisciplinary use of materials.

Your studies will include considerations of the technological, environmental, economical and cultural factors that may influence material choice, manufacturing design, processing conditions and mode of application.

What you will study

MSc in Advanced Materials (Medical & Healthcare)

The following modules are studied:

• Fibre Fundamentals;
• Technical Textiles; Medical Textiles;
• Research Methods in Advanced Materials;
• Research Project in Advanced Materials.

Provided there is sufficient interest in a particular subject, we could tailor make a module to suit company or groups of individual’s interest area. Prior consultation is essential.

Special features

The course is very flexible in terms of your options for study as you can choose a particular pathway which leads to a specific qualification or you may choose a combination of modules from any of the five pathways which will lead to a non-specific award of MSc in Advanced Materials.

Teaching for each module is delivered as a short-course that will last no more than ten days. The rest of your study is very flexible and may be carried out away from the University.

Class sizes are small which means you will be able to work closely with your fellow students and your tutor.

Your subject of study and your personal project means you have the opportunity to work in an area that is of personal interest or that is related to your career.

If you choose to progress to doctorate-level studies at the University after graduation from the MSc you will only be required to pay for two years of your PhD.

Careers and professional development

The MSc in Advanced Materials will support your career development in the field or will give you an excellent base of knowledge and experience if you are looking to begin your career in this sector.

Graduates of the course may also progress to study at doctorate-level.

On completion of your MSc you will also become a member of the University’s alumni association. You can be a lifelong member of the University's community, able to access careers information and guidance, as well as the University's library and other facilities.

Entry requirements

You should have at least an upper second class honours degree (2.1), or equivalent, in a science or technology related subject.

If you have not studied your previous qualifications in English a TOEFL score of at least 575 (written)/230 (computer-based) or an academic IELTS score of at least 6.5 will be required.

We are more than happy to have an informal chat with you about this course, either over the phone or in person. If you wish to meet in person please contact the programme leader to arrange a mutually convenient time. (While we reserve the right to interview it is not our usual practice for this course.)

How to apply

Please apply directly to the University of Bolton using the standard application form.

Please visit our 'how to apply for a taught postgraduate course' web page for details.

Further Information

For an informal discussion and further details about the course please contact:

Dr Mohsen Miraftab (Programme Leader)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903663
E-mail: M.Miraftab@bolton.ac.uk

Donna Zarei (Programme Administrator)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903101
Email: D.Zarei@bolton.ac.uk

For general information about the University and how to apply please contact:

Enquiry Team (Student Services)
Tel: +44 (0)1204 903903
Email: enquiries@bolton.ac.uk