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Chemistry PhD/MSc by Research

Start date
Contact the School directly for further information
Duration
PhD: 3 years full-time, 6 years part-time; MSc by Research: 1 year full-time
Course Type
Postgraduate, 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.

We are committed to tackling current and future scientific challenges, and our current research priorities, facilities and infrastructure put us in a strong position to achieve this.

Of course, we also need enthusiastic and enterprising young research workers who are eager to learn, determined to succeed, and committed to carrying out research to the highest standards of excellence. Currently, there are over 100 postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows carrying out research across a broad range of chemical disciplines.

Please consult our research website and decide the area of Chemistry in which you want to work, and with which member(s) of staff.  You can then approach staff members directly, or contact the School Admissions Tutor, who will be happy to provide advice about the admissions process and help put you in touch with members of staff who have similar research interests to your own. Further information can be found on the School of Chemistry PhD pages.

Why study for A Chemistry PhD at Birmingham?

  • Over the last four years, expenditure of over £2 million has allowed the School of Chemistry to purchase new instrumentation and refurbish and redevelop its facilities for research and teaching. This has been accompanied by the creation of several new staff positions. This increased research strength has been recognised by the research councils, who have given substantial support for research in the School in the last few years. With the facilities and opportunities available to our researchers, we can make real contributions to tackling the scientific challenges that face chemists today. 
  • You will provided with an Induction Programme, which generally occurs within the first week of Semester 1. The Induction Programme considers aspects such as the School Structure, Key Personnel, and Safety Matters, and is supplemented by a number of generic and subject specific Training Programmes. 
  • You will also receive training in thesis writing through the requirement to submit two reports (a literature review and end of year one research review) in their first year of registration. These reports are reviewed by two assessors, and feedback is provided. During subsequent years, you may gain experience with paper writing through submission of research for publication.
  • The School also organises an Annual Postgraduate Research Conference in July, at which all PG students attend. Students in their second year of registration produce a poster for this conference, while third year students are required to give an oral presentation. You will be actively encouraged to present your work at National and International conferences, and evidence for the success of our procedures in presentation training is provided by numerous best student talk/poster prize winners at such conferences. 

The best thing about my course was the quality of teaching I received. I also personally really enjoyed getting involved in the sporting activities at the University.

Thomas Carey, PhD Chemistry

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

Please note that you may upload a research proposal when submitting your application form, however, this is not mandatory.

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

Applicants must have 2:1 Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject. 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.

quotation mark

The facilities at The School of Chemistry are really good....the team are very helpful if I come across any problems using the equipment.

Francia, PhD researcher

Research Units

Individual staff research summaries within each unit can be found in the links below

Molecular Synthesis and Biological Chemistry
Research in this unit is focused on answering fundamental questions relating to molecular structure, chemical reactivity and physical properties.

Interactions, Interfaces and Sensing
Research in this Unit involves measurement, technique and instrument development and computation, with applications right across chemistry and with strong links to biosciences, chemical engineering, computer science, materials science, medicine and physics.

Materials Chemistry
Our research is in the area of material design, synthesis and characterisation for applications such as battery and hydrogen storage/fuel cell materials, functional polymers, porous solids for catalysis, gas storage and nuclear waste remediation, nanoscience, drug delivery, recycling and sustainability.

Find a PhD

As a research-led School, which has received significant recent investment for research infrastructure, we offer a high quality research environment that provides its researchers with the best starting point for their future career. Through your time with us, you will not only have acquired the diverse range of skills that equip you for a research career in science, but also have developed key transferable skills that will be invaluable for pursuing a career in any discipline. 

  • You are literate and numerate  
  • You have developed critical and analytical skills
  • You have honed your problem-solving skills
  • You are well versed in communication and presentation skills
  • You can work independently as well as in a team
  • You are practiced in the use of IT
  • You are an expert in your research field

In short, you are ready to face the world!

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.