Polymers and Composites

University of Manchester has opted into the TEF and received a Silver award.

Our polymers and composites research focuses on developing advanced polymers and multi-functional composites for a variety of applications. Research activities in this area include bio-inspired morphing composites, 3D printing polymers, self-healing polymers, stimulus responsive polymers, microgels, hydrogels, and fluorescent gels. A research degree from the School and the University is held in the highest esteem and recognised worldwide. Many of our graduates work in the most prestigious institutions and organisations throughout the world, and much of the School's research has a significant impact on society and commerce.The School provides first-class opportunities and facilities for our students to study specific subjects in-depth to a postgraduate research degree level. There are flexible study packages available, as well as an extensive range of PhD studentships and University funding packages. Many of our research students are sponsored by a variety of School, University and industry resources. Please contact us to find out more.

Students attend the university from over 150 countries around the world and there are various systems in place to help them adapt to their new life. The Student Immigration Team is a dedicated team in place to help with support and advice regarding immigration and visas and are based at the Student Services Centre. The student support centre is a single contact point for all students to help with matters such as finances, examinations, graduation and other matters. There is also help and advice on hand for matter such as integration into the community, learning English and making the most of the time in the UK. The centre of student life is the Students Union (UMIST), which formed at the same time as the university was created in 2004. It is run by an eight-member team rather than a single president. The athletics Union is responsible for the sports clubs within the university and there are over 80 health and fitness classes in addition to 44 sports clubs. There are around 250 societies and clubs in total across many areas of interest including a student run newspaper, radio station, a fundraising organisation, a volunteer project and across the arts and politics arena.