Program Overview

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Overview of the Chemical Engineering PhD Program

The Chemical Engineering PhD program at the University of Huddersfield is a research-based degree that allows students to explore and pursue a research project built around a substantial piece of work, demonstrating evidence of original contribution to knowledge. Completing a PhD can give students a great sense of personal achievement and help them develop a high level of transferable skills, which will be useful in their subsequent career, as well as contributing to the development of knowledge in their chosen field.

Key Information

Entry Requirements

The normal level of attainment required for entry is:

• a Master's degree from a UK University or equivalent, normally with a classification of merit or distinction, in a discipline appropriate to the proposed program to be followed, or
• an upper second class honours degree (2:1 or above) from a UK university in a discipline appropriate to that of the proposed program to be followed, or
• appropriate research or professional experience at postgraduate level, which has resulted in published work, written reports or other appropriate evidence of accomplishment.

If the first language is not English, students will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, or equivalent.

Start Dates

• 1 October 2025
• 12 January 2026
• 20 April 2026

Application Deadlines

• For September 2025: 13 June 2025 for International and Scholarship Students, 04 July 2025 for Home Students
• For October 2025: 13 June 2025 for International and Scholarship Students, 04 July 2025 for Home Students
• For January 2026: 17 October 2025 for International and Scholarship Students, 14 November 2025 for Home Students
• For April 2026: 23 January 2026 for International and Scholarship Students, 20 February 2026 for Home Students

Duration

The maximum duration for a PhD is 3 years (36 months) full-time or 6 years (72 months) part-time with an optional submission pending (writing-up) period of 12 months. Sometimes it may be possible to mix periods of both full-time and part-time study.

What Can I Research?

There are several research topics available for this degree, including:

• Biodegradable textile synthesis
• Electrochemical Detection of Pesticides
• Exploration of marine yeast in biofuel and biochemical synthesis
• Fabrication of a long-term stability CO2 electrolyser
• Feasibility of industrial application of renewable materials in textile and fashion sector
• Holistic assessment of industrial symbiosis business models
• Modelling of particle deposition on the pipe walls in crude oil transportation
• Novel functional food ingredients and biomaterials from biorefineries
• Sustainable valorisation of agri-food waste
• The development of biorefining strategy for the production of functional biopolymer in textile and pharmaceutical industry
• Valorisation of plastic waste - a circular approach

Each research topic includes an outline, funding information, deadline, and supervisor details.

Teaching and Assessment

As a minimum, students can expect to meet with their supervisors at least once a month (once every two months for part-time students). In practice, students may meet with their supervisors more frequently. This time should include at least an hour of one-to-one supervision with each student.

Self-directed study is to be agreed in liaison with the student and their supervisor. Self-directed study and supervision time should equate to 35 hours per week (for full-time research degrees).

Fees and Finance

• Tuition fees - full-time: In 2025/26, the full-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate researchers will be £5,050.
• Tuition fees - part-time: In 2025/26, the part-time tuition fee for UK postgraduate researchers will be £2,525.

Tuition fees will cover the cost of study at the University. Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years of study may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X).

Why Choose Huddersfield?

The University of Huddersfield has several reasons to choose it, including:

• Teaching staff ranking first in England for the proportion with higher degrees and teaching qualifications
• An average salary of £36,101.44 for postgraduates fifteen months after graduating
• 97% of postgraduate students going on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating

Researcher Environment

The University of Huddersfield provides a thriving research culture, with world-leading facilities, advanced research skills training, and expert careers advice. Postgraduate researchers contribute to this culture and gain access to bespoke training programs, online research training support, and opportunities to work and study abroad via the Turing Scheme.