Polymer Chemistry (MSc) (2026 Entry)
Find out more about our Polymer Chemistry taught Master's degree.
Warwick's Department of Chemistry has designed this MSc for students to explore the real-world application of polymers in state-of-the-art research laboratories. Polymer Chemistry will immerse you in a research-led environment, where you can learn about the synthesis and characterisation of polymers. Warwick is highly ranked within UK league tables, and is 67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of ChemistryLink opens in a new window.
Course overview
Do you have a keen interest in global issues like sustainability, renewable energy, and personalised healthcare? Supported by leading experts from academia and industry, this invaluable course explores the real-world application of polymers in state-of-the-art research laboratories.
This Royal Society of ChemistryLink opens in a new window accredited degree course delivers a thorough knowledge and understanding of the world of polymer chemistry, taught by our academics and industrial experts. You will be immersed in a research-led environment where you can learn about the synthesis and characterisation of polymers as well as their physical properties.
This course is ideal if you are looking to undertake a PhD or an industrial career in the fields of polymer synthesis and soft materials.
You can find out more about the Department of ChemistryLink opens in a new window by joining our webinarLink opens in a new window.
Professor Dr Remzi BecerLink opens in a new window is the head of the MSc in Polymer Chemistry. Please contact chem-pgt at warwick dot ac dot uk with any specific Department of Chemistry questions, where our staff are available to discuss any queries.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related subject.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Academic References
We typically ask for one academic reference for taught courses, and two academic references for research courses.
You will be asked to include an email address for your referee(s) when submitting your application and we will contact them for you.
View our guide to academic references.Link opens in a new window
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
Teaching
Candidates for the MSc are required to take eight taught modules (7 core and 1 optional, totalling 80 CATS) and to carry out two research projects, Group Research Project (10 CATS) and Research Project (70 CATS). They also take the Transferable Skills Module (20 CATS).
Class sizes
Class sizes range from 5 to 40 students, dependent on module: some of which are shared across programmes.
Typical contact hours
You should expect to attend around 10-25 hours of lectures and workshops per week and spend approximately six hours on supervised practical (mainly laboratory) work. For each one-hour lecture, you should expect to put in additional time for private study.
Assessment
Examined component (%): Taught modules are generally 75%.
Assessed by coursework component (%): Taught modules are generally 25%; research projects are assessed by a variety of assessment methods.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career
Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations in: academia and teaching; pharmaceutical industry; chemical and materials industry; science consultancy; banking and finance and other areas. For those who wish to deepen their understanding of the discipline, further research degree study such as a Master’s by Research or a PhD can also be studied within the department.
Global Decarbonisation courses will also open up a variety of potential career paths in the rapidly expanding market for climate professionals including employment within a wide range of government, non-government and academic organizations, as well as private companies.
Our department has a dedicated, professionally-qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Careers in Science
- Career Options with Chemistry
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- MSc lunchtime careers presentations
- PhD Transferable Skills careers decision-making session
- Finding experience to boost your CV for Chemistry students
- SME Careers Events - e.g. British Coatings Federation Careers Evening
- Career Options with Chemistry Presentation and Networking Evening
- 1:1 careers sessions offered
Additionally, our Polymers in the Real World module brings in employers to deliver talks on their industries, and to discuss employment and training opportunities with students.
Chemistry at Warwick
Do you share our enthusiasm for chemistry and its applications, from medicine to renewable energy?
We are one of the UK’s top chemistry providers, highly-ranked for both teaching and research. Our courses will offer you an excellent all-round experience that allows you to explore and follow your curiosity.
The skills you will develop will equip you to pursue a future career in a number of industries with a number of employers.
Find out more about our research students’ careers and destinations on our website.
Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
We offer non-accredited and Royal Society of Chemistry accredited course routes, depending on your career aspirations.
- Analytical and Polymer Science (MSc)
- Analytical Sciences and Instrumentation (MSc)
- Chemistry with Scientific Writing (MSc)
- Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
- Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Policy) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
- Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Science) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
- Polymer Chemistry (MSc)
- Polymer Science (MSc)
- Scientific Research and Communication (MSc)
Our Postgraduate Research courses
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Chemistry Funding Opportunities
Find out more about the various funding opportunities that are available on our department websiteLink opens in a new window
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply checklist
Our how to apply checklist helps you prepare for your application
I'm ready to apply
Learn more about the Applicant Portal.
Application deadlines
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2026 opens on 2 October 2025.
Applications close on 2 August 2026 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
Explore ways to connect with us
We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:
- Warwick hosted events
- Postgraduate Fairs
- Live chats
- Talk and Tours
- Department events