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Polymer Science (MSc) (2026 Entry)

Postgraduate Taught

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Find out more about our Polymer Science taught Master's degree.

Warwick's Polymer Science MSc covers core concepts of polymer synthesis, with focus on their physical/material properties and industry translation through dedicated business modules. This MSc is ideal for those looking for a career in polymers and materials processing. Warwick is highly ranked within UK league tables, and is 67th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).


Course overview

The MSc in Polymer Science is designed not only to introduce you to polymer synthesis and characterisation, but also to demonstrate that macro-scale properties span into the nano- and meso- scale.

On this MSc course, you will have the flexibility to choose from elective modules including business-related modules from across the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Medicine (subject to availability). These modules will improve your business knowledge whilst you are becoming an expert in polymer science. The course is ideal if you are looking for a career, not only in a manufacturing company working in the area of plastics, advanced functional materials, nano-materials, but also PhD-level study in this growing and exciting area of science.

You can find out more about the Department of Chemistry 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 Science. 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, Materials Science 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

The first 25 weeks are lecture-based, providing you with a diverse range of skills in analytical sciences to complete a successful 20-week research project.


Class sizes

Class sizes range from 5 to 40 students, dependent on modules: 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% examined.

Assessed by coursework component (%): Taught modules are generally 25% assessed by coursework; 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.


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.

Find your taught course fees  


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 2025/26 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