Course summary

The leather industry is packed with exciting career opportunities and this course is an excellent route in if you have a science or technology background. It’s also a great way to expand your knowledge and skills if you are already employed in the leather industry. Leather is returning to prominence as alternatives struggle to achieve comparable performance and/or they are derived from non-renewable carbon-based materials. Scientific advances combined with environmental responsibility have transformed the leather manufacture industry into a modern scientific process, creating a highly sustainable material with high value in many sectors such as sports, automobiles, luxury goods and fashion. Our unique MSc in Leather Technology (Professional) will give you the opportunity to enhance your technical skills. We encourage you to develop intellectual creativity and we will provide you with the skills you need to research advanced technologies. You will learn how to discern the differences between technical and entrepreneurial issues, relating them to the needs of the leather industry. 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. Course Structure You will have the chance to work in our tannery with industry and academic experts. Our staff carry our research in various leather subjects, achieving our reputation as a world-leading institute in the field of leather. You will focus on the science and technology of leather manufacture in a way that will prepare you for senior tannery positions. As you develop a critical mind, this course is an excellent base for a move into Research and Development departments in chemical companies, tanneries and brands, or into an academic career. We frequently invite industry leaders to meet and teach you, covering current technical and commercial aspects of leather, covering farm to fashion, including many of its fascinating end uses. Our course is flexible to meet your needs. You must complete seven modules and a research dissertation, of which you will be able to choose one or two to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations. Northampton graduates have been at the forefront of these changes making our leather alumni one of the best bodies in the industry. When you finish this course you can expect easy access into senior industry positions, as this course is ideal for corporate continuing personal development and is delivered so that you are only away from your work for three months, January to March. During this period, the theory and practical elements are taught intensively, allowing you to return to work while you continue with your assessments and research. Alternatively, you can study in the traditional manner, over an entire year on-site at the University of Northampton.