Distance Learning Options

The London Metropolitan Polymer Centre is a leading UK and European provider of educational and professional development programmes in Polymer Technology. The Centre has a long experience of providing courses to meet the needs of the plastics and rubber industries and this needs requirement has lead to the introduction of more flexible methods of delivery by developing courses at different levels for delivery by distance learning. The Centre thus offers a variety of courses leading to a range of qualifications (recognised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (10M³) for CPD purposes).

What courses are available?

The following courses have already been established:

MSc Manufacture and Design for Polymer Products

For science and engineering graduates wishing to study for a masters degree - this course is run jointly with the Open University (OU). Students select modules from a combination of OU distance learning modules and modules delivered at London Metropolitan Polymer Centre by intensive 3 - 5 day short courses.

National Certificate (NC) in Polymer Technology (Polyflex)

For technicians in the polymer industries - students take a combination of core (compulsory) and optional distance learning modules- A series of practical exercises is also completed either at the place of work or via intensive practical short courses at the University

The following courses are in the process of establishment:

Higher National Certficate (HNC)

and

BEng in Polymer Engineering

We are currently developing these as distance learning courses at higher technician and technologist levels- Both courses are integrated enabling students to progress to the Honours Degree level as their careers develop. The first modules for the HNC course will be available from September 2003 and for the BEng course from September 2004.

What does distance learning entail?:

Distance learning involves studying at a location convenient to you, usually your home or workplace. The courses are designed specifically for people who are working and therefore, due to time constraints or geographical factors, are unable to attend University. Specially prepared learning materials enable course participants to continue to live at home and to work whilst undertaking the course. Study packs provide user-friendly explanations and self-assessment questions to help you study, as well as tutor marked assignments that provide helpful feedback on your progress. Arrangements can be made either to meet with tutors, or for discussion groups, in person or via the Internet- they will also provide you with any further support you require, by means of phone, fax, e-mad or via the web using WebCT (a web- based course delivery package). Additionally, you will receive written feedback on your progress through assignments marked by tutors.

The distance learning mode of study offers the following advantages over the traditional day- release study methods to today's busy professionals in industry:

study at your work place or home
study at your own pace 0 courses can generally be started at any time (the MSc course is restricted by the pre-set dates of short courses)
selection of options (modules) may be tailored to individual needs
your own work experiences can be used as part of your study
successful completion of all courses lead to qualifications widely recognised throughout the polymer industry

Such academic qualifications are not the only benefits to be gained from undertaking these courses. Our experience has shown that these courses enable you to: