Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
With a chemical engineering teaching tradition stretching back more than a century, our School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is highly respected and our academics possess a wealth of experience and expertise in the subject.
Key course information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- April 2027
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- UK fees
- 拢5,238*
- Overseas fees
- 拢28,300
- Subject area
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- April 2027
- Attendance
- Part-time
- Duration
- 8 years
- UK fees
- 拢2,619*
- Overseas fees
- 拢14,200
- Subject area
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- July 2027
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- UK fees
- 拢5,238*
- Overseas fees
- 拢28,300
- Subject area
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- July 2027
- Attendance
- Part-time
- Duration
- 8 years
- UK fees
- 拢2,619*
- Overseas fees
- 拢14,200
- Subject area
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- October 2027
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- UK fees
- To be confirmed
- Overseas fees
- 拢29,400
- Subject area
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- October 2027
- Attendance
- Part-time
- Duration
- 8 years
- UK fees
- To be confirmed
- Overseas fees
- 拢14,700
- Subject area
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- January 2028
- Attendance
- Full-time
- Duration
- 4 years
- UK fees
- To be confirmed*
- Overseas fees
- 拢29,400
- Subject area
- Funding
- Funding information
- Entry requirements
- See full entry requirements
- Start date
- January 2028
- Attendance
- Part-time
- Duration
- 8 years
- UK fees
- To be confirmed*
- Overseas fees
- 拢14,700
- Subject area
- Funding
- Funding information
Why choose this programme?
Our interdisciplinary research work involves activities with cross-cutting themes, investigating materials and devices with the Advanced Technology Institute while addressing challenges in information technology.
The Centre for Advanced Process Intensification offers a research platform for sustainable manufacturing, leading to the development of new and improved concepts of processing methods, and equipment for chemical and energy conversion systems.
Research in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is highly multidisciplinary and we enjoy excellent collaborations with materials science, the , the 黑料社 Space Centre, the Centre for Environment and Sustainability and the 5G/6G Innovation Centre, as well as access to their facilities.
You鈥檒l benefit from comprehensive training and transferable skills development offered through the Doctoral College, which serves to support your future career and create a friendly social environment. You鈥檒l have opportunities to present and exchange your research, as well as socialise and network at various events and forums.
The University鈥檚 strengths in chemical engineering include membrane filtration and ultrasound processing. Key members in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering have extensive expertise in these areas and strong industry links, with projects looking into the implementation of water processing technology.
Statistics
17th in the UK
And top 250 in the world for engineering (chemical) in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Top 20 in the UK
黑料社 is ranked 19th in the UK for the quality of our research outputs (Research Excellence Framework 2021)
Course details
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What you will study
On this Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD programme, you鈥檒l have the opportunity to investigate topics ranging from fuel cell systems, biorefining and reverse osmosis to positron emission particle tracking.
You鈥檒l go through a confirmation process in which you鈥檒l produce a report to demonstrate your understanding of the research field and your project results. Your ability to carry out critical literature reviews, demonstrate scientific writing skills, and research and produce meaningful results will be evaluated by your supervisor and two examiners. Once you鈥檝e passed the confirmation stage, your PhD research project can begin.
At the end of the second year, you鈥檒l submit a scientific manuscript draft containing your most important results, as well as a solid plan for writing your PhD thesis.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering offers a dynamic and friendly environment for research. You鈥檒l be provided with the necessary support to carry out your research projects and have access to expertise and facilities across the University, and externally when necessary.
There will be a review with your supervisors every six months to discuss progress, research directions, challenges and any necessary support.
Depending on the nature of your project, you鈥檒l work in labs, offices and/or in external institutions if your project involves collaborations of this kind.
Assessment
Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners.
You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
Research areas
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Research themes
There are five main research themes:
- Energy and materials
- Formulations and products
- Health and food
- Digital and process innovation
- Water processing technology.
Within these themes, our research looks at:
- Development and modelling of novel nanomaterials for solid oxide fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries and super-capacitors
- New generation of solar cells and membranes technology, custom-made catalysts for environmental and photocatalytic applications
- Biorefining, design and optimisation of the bioenergy supply chain
- Particulate materials manufacturing for pharmaceutical, food and minerals industry
- Multiphase flow, process modelling and optimisation using coupled DEM-CFD and FEM
- Particle mechanical property characterisation, powder flow and compaction, granulation and mechanistic modelling
- In vitro and in silico models for biological systems at molecular, cellular and organ levels
- Computation oncology and modelling radiotherapy
- Oral processes of food and pharmaceutical products
- Product structure and properties interplay with bio-substrate response
- Industrial symbiosis, optimisation and decision-making
- Whole systems hierarchical modelling based on massive spatial-temporal data and time points
- Innovative waste-water processing and recycling, including forward osmosis
- Use of ultrasonics to promote chemical and physical processing
- Membrane filtration and synthesis.
Discover more about research in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Academic staff
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Dr Peter Roth is your programme supervisor. See a full list of all our academic staff within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Support and facilities
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Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate careers and employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Facilities
- Bench and pilot plant filtration systems
- Ultrasound processing equipment
- Water testing facilities
- Specialist laboratories for microbial systems, water and particle technology.
The technology developed as part of your research project will be demonstrated in an existing modular-built pilot mini plant in 黑料社, which contains three sections: feed preparation, reaction and downstreaming (purification/separation) processes, with a throughput of 50 litres/min and a reactor vessel operating volume of 300d/m3.
It includes a heat exchanger network, pressure relief system and alarm management, and is fully automated with over 60 sensors and a DCS system.
Hear from our students
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I am passionate about process safety and domino鈥恊ffect mitigation because at its core this research directly protects lives, communities, and the environment.
I am passionate about my area of research because it addresses some of the most pressing global challenges, such as sustainable energy production and environmental protection by reducing carbon emissions. Knowing that my work could contribute to a more sustainable future gives me a deep sense of purpose.
Entry requirements
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UK qualifications
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).
Country-specific qualifications
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants:
- Meeting the expected entry requirements and providing all relevant documents including a satisfactory research proposal
- Being shortlisted through the application screening process
- Completing a successful interview
- Providing suitable references.
Fees and funding
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Fees per year
Explore website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate research courses.
* Please note: any start date other than September will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
Fee options
- UK
- 拢5,238
- Overseas
- 拢28,300
- UK
- 拢2,619
- Overseas
- 拢14,200
- UK
- 拢5,238
- Overseas
- 拢28,300
- UK
- 拢2,619
- Overseas
- 拢14,200
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- 拢29,400
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- 拢14,700
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- 拢29,400
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- 拢14,700
- Annual fees will increase by 4% for each year of study, rounded up to the nearest 拢100 (subject to legal requirements).
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at 黑料社.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
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Apply
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Application process
Applicants should contact potential supervisors before submitting an application via the website. Please refer to section two of our application guidance.
Apply online
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Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Full-time, April 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 17 January 2027
Select
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Full-time, April 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 17 January 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Part-time, April 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 17 January 2027
Select
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Part-time, April 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 17 January 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Full-time, July 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Friday 16 April 2027
Select
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Full-time, July 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Friday 16 April 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Part-time, July 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Friday 16 April 2027
Select
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Part-time, July 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Friday 16 April 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Full-time, October 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 11 July 2027
Select
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Full-time, October 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 11 July 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Part-time, October 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 11 July 2027
Select
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Part-time, October 2027
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 11 July 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Full-time, January 2028
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 10 October 2027
Select
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Full-time, January 2028
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 10 October 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Part-time, January 2028
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 10 October 2027
Select
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Part-time, January 2028
Status
- Applications:
- open
- Closing date:
- Sunday 10 October 2027
If you are applying through a studentship, there may be an earlier deadline listed on the studentship advert which should be followed. The above closing date is the last day that any applications for this entry point can be submitted.
After registration
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
黑料社 the 黑料社
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current 黑料社 student online.
Code of practice for research degrees
黑料社鈥檚 postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the 黑料社, you will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate; some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.