Program Overview

Introduction to the Chemical Engineering MPhil/PhD Program

The Chemical Engineering MPhil/PhD program at UCL Engineering is designed to evolve students into specialists in cutting-edge areas of chemical engineering. This research degree offers the opportunity to collaborate with world-leading researchers and develop research skills, establishing a niche profile as a future leader in areas such as next-generation process and product manufacturing, energy and sustainability, materials, and future health systems.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Chemical Engineering MPhil/PhD program, applicants must have:

• A UK Master's degree in a relevant discipline with Merit or above
• An MEng degree from a UK university with an upper second-class or above
• An overseas qualification of equivalent standard English language requirements also apply, with the English language level for this course being Level 1.

Course Overview

The MPhil/PhD program is available for full-time and part-time study. Full-time students are expected to complete the program within 3 years, while part-time students have 5 years. The program starts in October, February, and May. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but should be submitted at least three months prior to the preferred start date.

Study Mode

• Full-time
• Part-time

Tuition Fees (2026/27)

• UK students: £6,400 (full-time), £3,200 (part-time)
• International students: £34,700 (full-time), £17,350 (part-time)

About This Degree

This program is ideal for individuals with a background in health, energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, and more, who have a keen interest in developing cutting-edge solutions to grand challenges. Students will work with one or more of the research groups:

• Catalysis & Reaction Engineering
• Electrochemical Engineering
• Molecular & Engineering Thermodynamics
• Multiphase Systems and Product & Process Systems Engineering

Research Areas and Structure

Research in the Department of Chemical Engineering falls primarily into the following domain areas:

• Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
• Electrochemical Engineering
• Molecular and Engineering Thermodynamics
• Multiphase Systems
• Nature-inspired Chemical Engineering
• Product and Process Systems Engineering

Teaching and Learning

Apart from the primary supervisor, students will be assigned a secondary supervisor. The program includes participation in training courses from the UCL Doctoral School, attendance at departmental seminars, and related activities. Students are initially registered for the MPhil degree with the expectation to upgrade to PhD within the first 18 months.

Fees and Funding

Fees for This Course

Additional Costs

The program may be subject to an Additional Fee Element (AFE) to cover costs related to consumables, equipment, materials, attending conferences, etc. The AFE is calculated on a student-by-student basis and is determined by the academic supervisor.

Careers and Employability

Chemical engineering offers great potential for bringing quantitative understanding to the service of the chemical industry. The skills achieved by students make them employable not only in the major chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food, and energy industries but also in other sectors, including environmental technology, biotechnology, management, and finance.

Next Steps

To apply, identify and contact potential supervisors before making an application. The course requires two references. Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with the application.

Year of Entry

Research Degree: Chemical Engineering, Full-time or Part-time.