Join our Postgraduate Open Day - Wednesday 20 March

Register now

Chemical Engineering PhD with Integrated Study

Start date
September
Duration
4 years full-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, Combined research and taught, Doctoral research
Fees

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2024/25:
£4,778 (UK)
£27,360 (International Students)
Further fee information is available.

This PhD programme combines a broad foundation in chemical/bioprocess engineering through taught and assessed coursework with the full research training of a traditional PhD. A fully integrated combination of modules provide an individually tailored pathway based on your previous academic experience.

In order to maintain our position as one of the major centres for engineering research in Europe, we seek to recruit excellent research students to assist us in building our world-leading portfolio. 

Many of our research projects involve collaboration with industrial and government organisations and the quality of our research is reflected by our rating in the Research Excellence Framework (REF). We are ranked in the top 10 for Engineering research in the UK for GPA and 4* research In the most recent assessment, (REF 2021).

We offer a broad range of research specialisms in Chemical Engineering, with research themes in Formulation EngineeringEnergy and Healthcare Technologies.

I was also pleased with the support I got at the beginning of the course and the freedom to experiment and plan the research on my own. I am free to plan my own experiments, but in case there is a problem I can always get support.

Karolis Virzbickas, PhD Chemical Engineering

Modules

A fully integrated combination of modules for MSc programmes provide an individually tailored pathway based on your previous academic experience. 


The taught modules (120 credits) can be spread over two or three years and are chosen from a range of topics including:

  • Biochemical Engineering and Bioscience Fundamentals
  • Bioextraction/Bioreaction Processes
  • Advanced Bioreaction Principles
  • Food Process Engineering
  • Exploitation of Biosystems
  • Bioprocess Design

Fees

Annual Tuition Fees 2024/25 academic year

  • £4,778 UK students, full-time
  • £27,360 International students, full-time

Learn more about fees and funding.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.

Scholarships

We offer a range of postgraduate scholarships for taught programmes and research opportunities to ensure the very best talent is nurtured and supported at postgraduate level.

 

How To Apply

Learn more about applying. 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

How to apply

To apply for a postgraduate research programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

Apply now

Our Standard Requirements

The normal entrance qualification is a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject (eg, Chemical/ Biochemical Engineering or any Physical Sciences subject) or a first degree of a lower classification, along with an MSc or evidence of substantial relevant industrial experience. Learn more about entry requirements. 

International Requirements



International Students

English language

For students whose first language is not English, one of the following English language qualifications is required:

 
  • IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band
  • TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) including online: Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015): Advanced – minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
 

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

Our mission is to carry out research of the highest academic quality, which is novel, challenging and relevant to users. 

The School of Chemical Engineering at Birmingham is one of the three largest centres for the postgraduate education of chemical engineers in the UK. We have pioneered development and research in rapidly expanding new areas such as pharmaceuticals and bioproducts, food processing, hydrogen fuel cells and energy research, as well as having leading-edge groups in healthcare technologies

Research Themes

  • Formulation Engineering
    We are developing solutions to problems facing industries in the food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, fast moving consumer goods and speciality products.
  • Energy
    Improving quality of life demands the supply of increasing amounts of energy and consumer chemicals, whilst at the same time global warming has become a major cause for concern. The Energy research theme addresses the challenges of introducing the hydrogen economy to replace the current reliance on carbon-based fuels.
  • Healthcare Technologies
    Our experts are working together to advance new technologies and treatments that enable people to live longer, healthier and happier lives.

A fully integrated combination of modules for MSc programmes provide an individually tailored pathway based on your previous academic experience. 

The taught modules (120 credits) can be spread over two or three years and are chosen from a range of topics including:

  • Biochemical Engineering and Bioscience Fundamentals
  • Bioextraction/Bioreaction Processes
  • Advanced Bioreaction Principles
  • Food Process Engineering
  • Exploitation of Biosystems
  • Bioprocess Design

University Careers Network

Preparation for your career should be one of the first things you think about as you start university. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our Careers Network can help you achieve your goal.

Our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area, offering a specialised team (in each of the five academic colleges) who can give you expert advice. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge.

If you make the most of the wide range of services you will be able to develop your career from the moment you arrive.