Program Overview

Overview

The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences is a vibrant centre of research in chemistry. Join us for your MPhil or PhD in Chemistry.

Research Areas

Research in Chemistry is organised into the following groups:

• Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology
  • anti-cancer drug discovery
  • biomolecular imaging
  • computational chemistry
  • chemical biology
• Nanoscience and Materials
  • developing new methods to synthesise, characterise and improve our understanding of materials
  • focus on materials with useful nanoscale properties
• Photonic Materials
  • systems that respond to stimulation by light
  • converting sunlight into chemical potential
  • concentration of excitonic energy
• Structure and Dynamics
  • understanding how structures evolve during a chemical reaction
  • fundamental and applied research fields over broad time ranges
• Synthesis, Reactivity and Catalysis
  • combining the expertise of organic and inorganic chemists
  • advancing fundamental knowledge and capabilities in synthesis and reactivity

Qualifications Explained

• MPhil: Master of Philosophy, available in all subject areas, involves research training and original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.
• PhD: Doctor of Philosophy, involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject, producing a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis.

How You'll Learn

• You'll work closely with an internationally recognised supervisor and receive a high level of training in your specialised subject area.
• Thriving collaborations exist with colleagues in Biology, Medicine, Chemical Engineering and Materials, Cell and Molecular Biology, Electrical and Civil Engineering.
• The School is also associated with the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Institute for Sustainability.

Your Development

• Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme, designed to help you perform better as a researcher, boost your career prospects, and broaden your impact.
• Doctoral training and partnerships, including Centres for Doctoral Training (CDT) and Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTP)/Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA), which combine research expertise and training of leading universities, academic schools, and academics.

Your Future

• Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, with strong links to employers.
• The University supports our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021.
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026.
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.

Facilities

• The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support research and teaching, including modern research laboratories and analytical services, synthesis and characterisation of novel materials lab, computational resources for performing molecular modelling, NMR facilities, and glass-blowing, mechanical and electrical/electronic workshops.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year):
  • MPhil Full time: Not set (Home), £31,900-£42,100 (International)
  • MPhil Part time: Not set (Home)
  • PhD Full time: Not set (Home), £31,900-£42,100 (International)
  • PhD Part time: Not set (Home)
• Scholarships: The University supports our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

• Academic entry requirements:
  • MPhil: 2:2 BSc honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related subject.
  • PhD: 2:1 MChem, or international equivalent, in chemistry or a related subject.
• English Language requirements:
  • IELTS, Pearson, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or other accepted qualifications.
• Admissions policy: The University's admissions policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.

How to Apply

• Start Dates: September, with January and April start dates considered on an individual basis.
• Closing Dates: No application closing date, but specific deadlines for funding may apply.
• Specialised application information: Contact a potential supervisor to discuss your planned research before applying.
• Deposit: £1,500 deposit required for international students or students from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who need a visa to study in the UK.