Leather Technology (Leather Science, Environment, Marketing or Business)

BSc (Hons)

The overall aim of the course is to educate the future leaders in the international leather industry. The course covers aspects of the leather supply chain from raw material to end use with leather manufacture as the central theme.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding
International

Course level

Undergraduate

Modes of study

Full time

Location

Park Campus

Entry requirements

In addition to the general entry requirement a typical offer is 220-260 points, which is typically a pass in two A Level subjects, one of which must be a physical science. We also welcome applications from international students.

UCAS details

UCAS code: J430

UCAS description: BSc/MLeatT

School

School of Science and Technology

Attendance

3 years full-time.

Course content

The course is designed for the dedicated student that wishes to develop themselves to their full potential. The BSc will benefit students from all backgrounds, especially those looking to develop a successful international career with an exciting, historic and dynamic industry.

The course is high in practical content with students spending much of their time on practical work in the tannery or laboratories (may be subject to pathway). The depth of understanding of the manufacture and properties of leather is steadily built up throughout the course. Students are required to take 120 credits of study at each stage.

The Leather Science pathway will foster the values and attitude needed for work in a scientific leather discipline with an in-depth understanding of leather manufacture.

The Environment pathway aims to provide a fundamental knowledge and understanding of physical, chemical and biological concepts and principles relevant for a scientific approach to the study of the environment.

The Marketing pathway combines a blend of theoretical marketing principles with the application to real life scenarios. In a demanding business environment a foundation in marketing will provide valuable tools in order to secure the future for all leather and associated industries.

The Business pathway focuses on the tools and skills a business requires in order to succeed. The core business tools revolve around operations management, an essential tool in all areas or industry.

Stage one

At stage one students are introduced to the process of leather manufacture from raw hide or skin to finished leather. The properties, quality and value of the raw material and of part-processed skins are considered in relation to their future use. 60 credits of study comprise the compulsory elements across all named pathways.

Students must select a named pathway to make up an additional 60 credits. Each pathway will be comprised of a range of compulsory and/or elective modules.

Stage two

The second stage develops a more applied approach to the production of leather with specific end uses. An additional focus caters to the aesthetic and technical aspects of the finishing of leather. 60 credits of study comprise the compulsory elements across all named pathways.

Students must select a named pathway to make up an additional 60 credits. Each pathway will be comprised of a range of compulsory and/or elective modules.

Stage three

The final stage of the course further develops leather technology and the student is required to produce a 'leather specification' for submission. The course culminates in a final stage project which brings together all the strands of the course and provides students with an extended practical investigatory experience with a dissertation supervisor. 80 credits of study comprise the compulsory elements across all named pathways.

Students must select a named pathway to make up an additional 40 credits. Each pathway will be comprised of a range of compulsory and/or elective modules.

Special course features

This course is not offered anywhere else in the UK
On-campus tannery for teaching practical leather making
On-campus laboratories for leather testing
Industrial expert led practical workshops and seminars
Named pathways to cater to leather career choices

Typical modules

Leather Technology
Leather Science
Raw Materials and End Use
Finishing
Materials Evaluation
Air and Water - Principles, Processes and Applications
Fundamentals of Environmental Science
Learning for Sustainable Development
Waste Management
Landfill Processes
Mechanical, Biological and Thermal Treatment of Waste
Hazardous Waste Management
Wastes Minimisation and Recycling
Foundations of Marketing
Introduction to Marketing Communication
Tactical and Strategic Marketing
Integrated Marketing Communications
Marketing Management
International Marketing
Web-enabled Organisations
Introduction to Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Operations Management
E-commerce
Supply Chain Operations Management
Principles of Marketing Management

Assessment

This course is assessed in both theory and practical work by a variety of methods including practical reports, research assignments and examinations.

Career opportunities

Graduates are much in demand for technical management in the leather industry in the UK and throughout the world. There are also excellent prospects in chemical sales and technical support, research and development. Students can also find employment as advisers on leather purchasing for companies using leather such as the clothing, upholstery and automotive industries. The Environment, Marketing and Business pathways widen the employment opportunities to all areas of leather and associated industries.

Course progressions

Leather Technology MSc

Leather Technology (International Environmental Management) MSc

Leather Technology (International Marketing) MSc

For undergraduate application information please see our how to apply page.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students for the academic year 2010/2011. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.

Full time fees

£3290

Students who already hold a qualification and are considering studying for another course which is an equivalent or lower level qualification may be considered to have ELQ status for tuition fee purposes. In 2010/11 tuition fees for BA/BSc programmes for ELQ students will be £5,000.