Program Overview

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Overview

The Chemical Engineering MPhil and PhD programs at Newcastle University attract a diverse range of students from various disciplinary backgrounds, including statistics, maths, electrical engineering, chemistry, and physics. These programs offer the opportunity to work on multidisciplinary research projects in collaboration with colleagues across the University or from external organizations.

Research Areas

Research in the department of Chemical Engineering is cross-disciplinary, focusing on investigating novel processes, materials, and concepts that can deliver transformational routes for a sustainable and circular economic framework. The department works in a range of sectors, including biomedics, food, water, waste, and energy, and investigates solutions for relevant health, environmental, and material problems.

Advanced Materials

The department works on a wide range of materials topics, including new material development, optimizing materials processing, testing and evaluation at component scale and at high spatial resolution, modeling, failure analysis, and biological and bio-inspired processes to develop new functional materials. Much of this work relates to materials and processes for renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, carbon capture, and storage.

Process Intensification

Process intensification is the philosophy that processes can often be made smaller, more efficient, and safer using new process technologies and techniques, resulting in order of magnitude reductions in the size of process equipment. This leads to substantial capital cost savings and often a reduction in running costs.

Qualifications Explained

• MPhil: An MPhil is available in all subject areas, providing research training and the opportunity to undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 - 50,000 word thesis.
• PhD: A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award involving original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD, students produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis.

How You'll Learn

The program includes intensive subject-specific supervision, training in research methodologies, and core skills. Students may also have the opportunity to undertake paid laboratory demonstrations and tutoring to gain teaching experience.

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods depend on the modules but typically include a combination of:

• Thesis
• Viva

Your Development

The Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development program is designed to help students perform better as researchers, boost their career prospects, and broaden their impact. The program covers techniques for effective research, methods for better collaborative working, essential professional standards, and requirements.

Facilities

The School of Engineering has a wide range of chemical engineering facilities for teaching and research, including a bioprocessing laboratory, Centre for Process Innovation, ExxonMobil Design Suite, Hiden Catlab, electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, chemical analysis laboratory, and more.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for 2026 entry vary by qualification and residency status. Home students' fees are not set, while international students' fees range from £33,500 to £41,450 per year. The university offers various scholarships, including Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships, to support students.

Entry Requirements

The academic entry requirements for the program include a 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject. Combinations of undergraduate qualifications, master's qualifications, and relevant work experience can also be considered. English language requirements apply, and students must meet the minimum IELTS, Pearson, or Duolingo English Test scores.

How to Apply

Before applying, students should find and contact a research supervisor from the School of Engineering to discuss their proposed research. The application process involves submitting an application through the university's application portal, which includes uploading required documents. A deposit may be required for international students, and some students may need an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate.

Open Days and Events

The university hosts various open days and events, including overseas events, where prospective students can learn more about the programs and meet with university staff.

Quality and Ranking

Newcastle University is recognized for its research excellence, with 42% of its research classified as 4* world-leading. The university is ranked among the top 140 globally and top 160 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The School of Engineering is also ranked among the top 150 for Engineering - Chemical in the QS World University Rankings by Subject.