Program Overview

Chemistry PhD / MSc (Res)

The University of Birmingham offers a research-based PhD programme in Chemistry, seeking to recruit excellent researchers to assist in building a quality portfolio. This programme provides a high-quality research environment that will give students the best starting point for their future career.

Programme Structure

• Students will mainly be based in the School of Chemistry, but many research projects involve collaboration with industrial and government organisations.
• Students are expected to undertake both Taught Modules (120 credits) and Research as part of this programme.
• The programme is structured into three years, with specific milestones and requirements for each year.

Year 1

• Students will undertake around 60-120 of their required 120 credits.
• This will be alongside starting their research, with a Scoping report due 3 months into the programme and a First Year Report at around 8 months in.

Course Highlights

• Birmingham is ranked 76th in the QS World University Rankings 2026, maintaining its position in the top 100 universities globally and placing it 11th amongst UK universities.
• The programme offers a high-quality research environment with 100 postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows carrying out exciting research across a broad range of chemical disciplines.
• Students will join a thriving research department carrying out research across a range of chemical disciplines, with units in Molecular Synthesis and Biological Chemistry, Interactions, Interfaces and Sensing, Materials Chemistry.

What Makes a Chemistry PhD at Birmingham Different?

• Students will make a real contribution to tackling challenges faced by chemists today.
• They will join a research-led school with significant recent investment for research infrastructure, working in a high-quality research environment that provides its researchers with the best base for quality research.
• The programme offers the opportunity to carry out research in the Molecular Sciences Building, a brand-new extensive research facility.

The Birmingham Doctoral Programme

• The Birmingham Doctoral Programme is a structured research experience co-ordinated by the University Doctoral School.
• It offers world-class supervision, a tailored development framework, and real-world engagement opportunities that prepare students to flourish, whatever their future holds.

Research Projects

• At Birmingham, students can apply for an advertised PhD or propose their own research.
• An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body.
• If students want to pursue their own research project, they can apply to the research programmes to propose this, which is self-funded, although scholarships are available.

Research Themes

• Research in the School of Chemistry covers a wide range of areas, including materials, molecular synthesis, chemistry for biodiscovery and medicine, computational chemistry, and physical chemistry.

Entry Requirements

• To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course.
• A 2:1 Honours degree (or the equivalent) in a relevant subject is required.
• International students will need to demonstrate a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band is required.
• Equivalent qualifications, such as TOEFL, Pearson Test of English, or Cambridge English, are also accepted.

Research Proposal

• If students are proposing their own research topic, they will need to submit a research proposal.
• The proposal should be a clear and concise summary of the research, including the main research questions and the methods intended to use.

Fees and Scholarships

• The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
• Fees for 2026 entry are £5,181 for full-time and £2,591 for part-time students.
• A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants.

Application Process

• To apply for a postgraduate research programme, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online.
• If students are applying to an ‘advertised PhD’, they should check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines.
• If students are submitting their own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round, but they are encouraged to apply by 1 June for a September start.

Career Opportunities

• The programme prepares students to face the world with a diverse range of skills that equip them for a research career in science, as well as key transferable skills that will be invaluable for pursuing a career in any discipline.
• The University’s Careers Network offers dedicated careers support tailored to students’ unique paths, including one-to-one guidance, careers fairs, and links with leading graduate recruiters.

Student Experience

• At Birmingham, students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life.
• The University offers a variety of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, and all the support and advice students need.
• The campus is a green and spacious place where the community comes together to learn, relax, and socialise.