Chemistry
Our PhD programme is designed to allow students to transition smoothly from course-based study towards independent research.
Course key facts
Qualification
PhD
Duration
4 years, 6 years
Study mode
Full-time, Part-time
Delivered by
Location
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South Kensington
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White City
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Entry requirements
Upper second class (2:1) or equivalent degree in a relevant field
Course overview
The Department has a proud history of pioneering chemistry training and research with practical benefits to society which continues today. Our activities cover the full range of fundamental theoretical and experimental chemistry, as well as research at chemistry’s interfaces with other disciplines such as materials, engineering, biology and medicine.
When you join us as a PhD student you become a part of our community of innovative academics and postgraduates. You will have access to world-class research facilities and opportunities that are developing both within the Department and as part of the wider White City campus development.
Our research themes are:
- Sysnthesis and Catalysis
- Chemical Biology and Healthcare
- Environmental and Green Chemistry
- Energy
- Imaging, sensing and Analytical Chemistry
- Materials and Molecular Design
- Theoretical, Computational and Data-driven Chemistry (TCDC).
Structure
Milestones for the first year of study include:
Within 3 months of starting:
Submit a short research plan , summarising the problem they have been set, and their proposed plan to work on it.
Within 12 months of starting (24 months for part-time):
Submit a report summarising the first year’s work, including courses taken. There is a short oral examination to assess this.
Within 24 months of starting (48 months for part-time):
Submit a report describing progress so far, and a work plan for completing the thesis. Assessed with a short oral examination.
Following 36 months of full-time study (72 months of part-time study), all research students must discuss their progress with their supervisor and complete a formal progress report (Year 3 Progress Review). You will also be asked to provide a timeline for your planned thesis submission and to confirm your student registration plans for your final year.
Entry requirements
Supervisors
Look through our research staff and identify a supervisor whose research interests aligns with your research idea and contact them before you apply.
How to apply
Apply online
Applications are accepted throughout the year. We strongly recommend that candidates apply early to increase the chances of securing funding and supervision.
Identify a supervisor whose objectives best match your own research idea and contact them to discuss your idea before you apply.
Find out more about applying to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
Applications are open throughout the year. We encourage you to apply early as scholarships often have early deadlines.
Apply online through .
General information relating to applying to Postgraduate Taught and Postgraduate Research programmes can be found on our Postgraduate Doctoral pages.
Fees and funding
The Department typically admits 65-70 PhD students each year. Funding for these students comes from a diverse range of sources, including the EPSRC, industry, scholarships and self-funded students.
A selection of PhD Studentships are available from the Chemistry Department.
We also have a range of grants and scholarships which you don't need to pay back.
For further information about possible sources of funding please visit our Scholarships page.
Home fee
2023 entry
£4,712 per year
Please note that fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Tuition fees are set for the academic year which runs from 1 September to 31 August. You will pay the fees for the full 12 months of the academic year that your start date falls in.
Please refer to our tuition fees pages for more details of fees are charged and billed.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you are a Home student, you can apply for Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from the UK government to help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.
See an estimate of costs for living in London as an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø student.
There’s different funding if you normally live in Wales.
Fees shown relate to the year of entry advertised only. You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Overseas fee
2023 entry
£33,300 per year
Please note that fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Tuition fees are set for the academic year which runs from 1 September to 31 August. You will pay the fees for the full 12 months of the academic year that your start date falls in.
Please refer to our for more details of fees are charged and billed.
Fees shown relate to the year of entry advertised only. You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out how we assess your fee status.
Scholarships
Further links
Success Guide
The Success Guide for postgraduate students offers you advice and resources to excel at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.
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Support for International Students
We provide specialist immigration advice and run a programme of webinars, trips and events to foster integration, friendship and community.
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Centre for Academic English
Throughout your degree, you can take advantage of a range of CfAE courses and resources designed to help you communicate your STEMM research effectively.
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Library services
Your subject librarian can help you find books and access online resources
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