Program Overview

Introduction to the Chemistry PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research) Program

The Chemistry PhD/MPhil/MSc (Research) program at the University of Glasgow offers a dynamic research environment, with research groups involved in projects across a wide range of traditional subjects such as synthesis, catalysis, and spectroscopy. This research ultimately leads to discoveries in new molecular magnets, plasmonics, battery technology, medical imaging agents, and applications for 3D printing.

Program Details

• PhD: 3-4 years full-time, 6-8 years part-time, with a thesis of maximum 80,000 words.
• MSc (Research): 1-2 years full-time, 2-3 years part-time.
• MPhil: 2-3 years full-time, 3-4 years part-time.

Research Environment

The program provides a truly dynamic research environment, with about 40 academic staff, 120 research students, and 40 research assistants and fellows, all working in close collaboration with industry in the UK and internationally. The university hosts a range of RCUK and industrially-funded research projects and several research fellowships. It is a member of ScotCHEM, which brings together seven universities in Scotland, committed to excellence and providing the highest quality postgraduate education and researcher experience.

Research Areas

The research encompasses traditional organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, organized into the following research groupings:

• Chemical Biology and Precision Synthesis
• Chemical Photonics
• Complex Chemistry
• Energy Conversion and Storage
• Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Supramolecular, Electronic and Magnetic Systems

Illustrative Research Topics

• Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
• Computational theory
• Sensing, imaging, and diagnostics
• Oxidative stress and cancer
• Anti-microbial, viral, and parasitic drugs
• Synthetic biology
• Synthetic methodology and total synthesis of natural products
• Inorganic biology
• Synthetic systems and hybrid devices
• Ultrafast chemical physics
• Photonics and metamaterials
• Solid-state NMR
• Photochemistry and chemical dynamics
• Visualization and manipulation of chemical structures
• Biomaterials
• Microporous solids
• Single molecule magnets
• Sustainable energy and hydrogen storage materials
• Conjugated and non-conjugated polymer synthesis, photovoltaics

Study Options

Entry Requirements

• 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent
• Required documentation:
  • Transcripts/degree certificate
  • Two references
  • CV
  • Name of potential Supervisor

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. Accepted tests include:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online: 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
• TOEFL (ibt, mybest, or at home): 90 overall with Reading 20, Listening 19, Speaking 19, Writing 21
• Pearsons PTE Academic: 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
• Oxford English Test: 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
• LanguageCert Academic SELT: 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
• Password Skills Plus: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• Trinity College Tests: Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests

Fees and Funding

• Fees 2026/27:
  • UK: To be confirmed (2025/26 fee was Ł5,006)
  • International & EU: Ł33,210
• Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.
• Alumni discount: 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes.
• Possible additional fees:
  • Re-submission by a research student: Ł540
  • Submission for a higher degree by published work: Ł1,355
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed: Ł350
  • Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship: Ł790
  • Bench fee (research support costs) to cover additional costs, exact amount provided in the offer letter.

Support

The Graduate School provides the highest level of support to its students, including:

• A wide-ranging and responsive research student training programme
• Mobility scholarships of up to Ł4,000
• A diverse programme of activities
• A residential trip for all new research students
• The opportunity to engage with industry-partners
• Professionally accredited programmes
• Unique Masters programmes run in collaboration with other organisations
• State-of-the-art facilities
• Highly-rated support for international students