PhD Paper Science: The University of Manchester

Course description

The Paper Science research degrees are part of a dynamic research area within the school. They have close links with industry and much of our research impacts directly on current industry practice. Their academic team are highly rated within the paper science sector, and are regarded as experts in their field.

The range of materials classed as paper is diverse, from bathroom tissue to cardboard; but, despite the physical differences, they have the same chemical composition, consisting primarily of natural cellulosic fibres. The difference in the type of paper arises from the choice of raw material and the influence of the manufacturing process.

Their research covers the influence of factors, such as recycling and process chemistry, on the physical properties of the sheet, and looks at ways to improve them. They also look at improving the efficiency of raw materials and energy in manufacturing processes.

Research projects

Some of their recent research projects include:

• Analysis of factors affecting the pore size distribution of paper
• Measurement and modelling of paper shrinkage during manufacture

The influence of sheet uniformity and starch on the strength of recycled board

Career opportunities

Graduates in paper science readily obtain employment in the paper and related industries, in a wide variety of senior research, technical and managerial positions. Many past graduates now hold significant top level positions within the industry, both in the UK and overseas. In addition, several past graduates are now in academic posts in universities and research institutes, both in the UK and overseas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview:

For direct entry from your undergraduate degree, you will need to be a science and engineering graduate with at least a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. There are alternative routes to a PhD, through completion of other postgraduate qualifications.

English language:

If English is not your first language, you will need to take and meet minimum requirements for the following recognised English language qualifications: IELTS (6.5 with no sub-test under 5.5); TOEFL (570 with 5.0 in TWE); CBTOEFL (230 with 5.0 in TWE).