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level: PG top_up: false international: true clearing: false full_time: false part_time: false start_month: October, March location: Waterside

Leather Technology MPhil / PhD/ PhD by Published Works

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  3. Leather Technology MPhil / PhD/ PhD by Published Works

Key Facts

  • Level

    PostgraduatePG PhD

  • Duration

    MPhil Full Time (on and off-site): 12 months – 3 years MPhil Part Time (on and off-site): 30 months – 5 years
    PhD Full Time (on and off-site): 2 – 4 years PhD Part Time (on and off-site): 3 – 6 years
    PhD by Published Works Part Time (on and off-site): 1 – 2 years

  • Starting

    October, March

Updated 16/12/2024

Apply Now Open Days

Updated 16/12/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

international@northampton.ac.uk
44 (0)1604 892134

Overview

If you are a graduate in a physical science or similar discipline, this Leather Technology MPhil/ PhD / PhD by Published Works programme offers an excellent route to expand your knowledge and research skills within the leather industry and other allied industries. Successful defence of the final thesis will provide the researcher with the highest qualification that any UK university can award and offer an excellent opportunity to move into higher management positions within the industry.

Find out more about the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies.

Highlights

  • Access to on-site working tannery and laboratories.
  • This course is unique to the University of Northampton.
  • Bursaries and scholarships available for leather students.
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External view of the Creative Hub

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Entry Requirements

We normally ask you to have a recognised first or upper second-class honours degree or Master’s Degree from a UK university or International equivalent in a relevant subject area.

  • Students with lower-level qualifications or qualifications in a different subject area, but relevant experience will also be considered on an individual basis.

    All suitable candidates will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

    All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

    • successful interview by the University
    • suitable Research Supervision Support

    For additional information on how to apply to study with us, how to find a potential Supervisor and what documents are required as part of the application process, please see our How to Apply page.

    More detailed information about the research degrees is available on our Postgraduate Research Information page.

  • If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English language requirement of IELTS at 7.0, with no component less than 6.5 (or equivalent). Applications with IELTS lower than 5.5 in all components will not be considered.

Course Content

  • This Leather Technology PhD programme is a way for you to develop a specialism in the leather industry and improve your technical skills.

    While developing and setting up research projects, you will initially receive general, discipline based and project specific training so that you can go on to conduct your research work effectively and independently. When you finish this course, you will be able to find research and development roles in chemical companies and tanneries or progress into an academic career or enter business at a managerial level.

    We are one of the foremost centres for leather education in the world and we are dedicated to delivering theoretical and practical education at the highest standards.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

  • What is the difference between a full PhD and a PhD by Published works?

    A PhD involves conducting original research and writing a thesis, while a PhD by Published Works is awarded based on a collection of previously published papers demonstrating significant contributions to the field. Additional information about choosing your type of research degree can be found on our How to apply for Research degree study page.

Fees and Funding

2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

Doctor Of Philosophy Degrees

  • UK – Full Time: £5,700
  • UK – Part Time: £2,845
  • International – Full Time: £16,350
  • International – Part Time: £7,640

Doctor of Philosophy Degrees by means of Published Works

Including: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by means of published works.

  • UK – Part Time: £3,600
  • International – Part Time: £7,840
    • £100 to cover PPE (one white lab coat, one blue lab coat, wellington boots and gloves) and contribution to raw material costs
    • student Membership to the Society for Leather Technologists and Chemists (six journals per year and free attendance to the Annual Conference) This is optional and costs £26.50
    • individual Spray Gun, £35 (Sponsorship may be available)
    • a field trip to Italy usually costing around £150, due to subsidies from industry contacts

  • For tuition fee and studentship information, please email researchdegrees@northampton.ac.uk

    For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £5,500
    • UK – Part Time: £2,775
    • International: £15,950

Facilities

We are the only university in the UK to integrate leather technology with fashion, and the only university with a tannery. Industry leading leather experts deliver research, science, technology and supply chain knowledge on an international level. This programme allows you to research an area of particular interest and expand your skills and knowledge in this area whilst working within a research active and commercially focused department.

Is this course for you?

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