Program Overview

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PhD Chemical Process and Energy Engineering

Overview

We aim to provide a thriving research environment and advanced training in a broad range of areas relating to Materials Engineering, Green Process Engineering, Explosions and Fire Research and Energy related topics. Our work is supported via our collaborative research links and is funded by the EPSRC, The Royal Society, European Commission and industrial partners.

Research areas

LSBU has a research centre relating to this field of study:

• London Centre for Energy Engineering

A member of staff, expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme. As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community.

Scholarship opportunities

LSBU PhD Scholarships

LSBU is a modern university with a mission to transform lives, communities, businesses, and society through applied education and insight. We strive to influence the wider world and positively impact the society around us. LSBU's PhD Scholarships are central to this vision.

London South Bank University (LSBU) offers a comprehensive suite of doctoral programmes through its Doctoral College, encompassing PhDs, professional doctorates (such as EdD and Health and Social Care), and master's by Research degrees. These programmes span diverse disciplines, including engineering, psychology, business, law, education, and the arts, providing students with opportunities to engage in impactful research under the guidance of experienced supervisors. LSBU's research culture is characterised by its applied focus, aiming to address real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with industry and community partners. This approach enhances the relevance and impact of its research and provides doctoral students with valuable experience in translating academic findings into practical solutions.

London South Bank University (LSBU) comprises three colleges: the College of Health and Life Sciences, the College of Technology and Environment, and the College of Society and Professions. Across these colleges, LSBU hosts 10 schools where PhD scholarships will be offered.

These scholarships provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers while receiving advanced academic training, supervision, mentoring, civic engagement experience, and access to networking and industry partnerships.

Types of Scholarships

In the 2025/26 academic year, two types of scholarship funding are available:

1. LSBU Chancellor's Scholarships: This round will offer approximately 100 fee-waiver awards, covering tuition fees only for four years.
2. In addition, the College of Technology and Environment will fund ten CTE PhD Studentships. These awards cover three-year tuition fees and an annual stipend of £21,622 (2025/26 rate, including London Weighting). While the fourth writing-up year will not include a stipend, a tuition fee waiver will still be provided.

The Scholarships provide an opportunity to work with leading researchers and receive advanced education, supervision, mentoring, civic engagement, networking opportunities and industry engagement.

Please click on the link to the relevant School to learn more about the specific scholarships we are offering and how to apply:

• College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS)
  • School of Allied Health and Life Sciences
  • School of Nursing and Midwifery
• College of Technology and Environment (CTE)
  • School of Architecture and Planning
  • School of Construction, Property and Surveying
  • School of Engineering and Design
  • Computer Science and Digital Technology
• College of Society and Professions (CSP)
  • LSBU Business School
  • School of Law and Education
  • School of Arts and Social Science

Duration of Scholarships

The scholarships are available for full-time study and are open exclusively to new PhD applicants from the UK, EU, and international countries. Current LSBU PhD students are not eligible to apply. Recipients are expected to complete their PhD within four years (48 months), which includes the writing-up year, examination process, and submission of the final corrected thesis.

Starting dates

Although there is no recruitment deadline, scholarships are expected to begin in September, and specific dates may differ across the colleges.

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should normally have at least a 2.1 honours degree from a UK University, an equivalent qualification, or comparable qualifications from another recognised university. The University will assess your ability and background knowledge for your proposed research. This will include professional experience, publications and written reports.

Fees

Part-time

• Year 1
  • UK fee: £3006
  • International fee: £10560
• Year 2
  • UK fee: £3006
  • International fee: £10560
• Year 3
  • UK fee: £3006
  • International fee: £10560
• Year 4
  • UK fee: £1240
  • International fee: £1240
• Year 5
  • UK fee: £1240
  • International fee: £1240
• Year 6
  • UK fee: £1240
  • International fee: £1240

Full-time

• Year 1
  • UK fee: £5010
  • International fee: £17600
• Year 2
  • UK fee: £5010
  • International fee: £17600
• Year 3
  • UK fee: £5010
  • International fee: £17600
• Year 4
  • UK fee: £1240
  • International fee: £1240

Bench Fees

Bench fees are a standard part of the PhD fee structure at most reputable institutions and are in addition to the main course fees. They cover study related costs such as specialist equipment, study participant fees, research related travel, lab and research consumables, etc. The bench fee for the PhDs Engineering and Engineering and Built Environment Course fees + 5k lab-based; 2k ICT-based.

Careers

A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.

Employability Service

At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:

• Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
• Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
• LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.

Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.

Research skills development

All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars.

When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.

In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.

Transferable skills

A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear analytical thinking, and the ability to turn criticism of others work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career. The excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, a new idea, or a new way of looking at something can be highly rewarding.

Attending conferences

Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and to present their research findings. The progress of all research students is formally monitored by the University's Research Degree Committee.