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We have 77 Polymer Chemistry PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

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Polymer Chemistry PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

We have 77 Polymer Chemistry PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK Students

A PhD in Polymer Chemistry is an opportunity to conduct original research into the properties and behaviour of both natural and synthetic polymers. Polymetric structures can be found in countless materials and form the building blocks of many products we use every day, such as plastics and rubbers, as well as being naturally occurring in biological phenomena such as human proteins.

What’s it like to do a PhD in Polymer Chemistry?

With the guidance of an expert supervisor, you’ll work towards an extended thesis that will make an original contribution to the field of Polymer Chemistry. You’ll likely divide your time between designing and carrying out experiments in the lab, working on your thesis, attending conferences, and completing departmental training.

You might use a number of analytical techniques to observe the form and function of polymers, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and laser diffraction. Other research techniques in Polymer Chemistry include digital imaging and 3D modelling.

Possible research areas include:

  • Using AI for polymer synthesis
  • Using polymers for drug development and delivery
  • Electronic properties of polymers
  • Sustainable materials
  • Kinetic theory of polymers
  • Polymers in tissue engineering
  • The durability of polymers

PhD programmes in Polymer Chemistry and usually pre-designed. This means you’ll apply for an advertised project rather than proposing your own research topic. If you are studying your PhD at a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), you may be trained alongside a cohort of fellow PhD candidates.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Polymer Chemistry

You’ll usually need a Masters degree (with a merit or distinction) in Chemistry or a related subject. Some programmes may accept applicants with a 2:1 undergraduate degree in Chemistry who can demonstrate good research potential.

PhD in Polymer Chemistry funding options

Most Polymer Chemistry PhDs in the UK are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), or less commonly the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Projects will generally have funding attached, meaning that successful applicants will automatically receive funding.

It may be possible to self-fund a PhD in Polymer Chemistry, but this is unusual due to the difficulty in finding an academic whose research interests align with your own, who also has the resources and equipment to support your project. Self-funded students will also need to pay additional ‘bench fees’ to cover consumable materials used during experiments.

Students who self-fund a PhD usually do so by combining the government’s doctoral loan with part-time work or support from a charity or trust.

PhD in Polymer Chemistry careers

A PhD in Polymer Chemistry can open up a wide variety of career opportunities. Many graduates will choose to continue their academic careers, often through a postdoctoral position.

Polymers are used in the production of almost all the products we use in everyday life, including food and drink, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, clothing, computers, and packaging. This means your expertise will be invaluable in countless industries.

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PhD in Predicting the environmental degradation of plastics

Understanding how plastics and polymers degrade in the environment is an important sustainability target. Our work in this area uses innovative analytical techniques and simulated environments to understand how specific plastics degrade in different environments. Read more

Development of a DNA amplification-free assay for pathogen detection

Applications are invited for a funded PhD position in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. The School of Chemistry is keen to achieve a gender and diversity balance across the School and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Read more

Developing the next generation of broad-spectrum antiviral polymers

Applications are invited for a funded PhD position in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham. The School of Chemistry is keen to achieve a gender and diversity balance across the School and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. Read more

Ultra High-Field NMR Spectroscopy for Enhanced Understanding of Materials

UK graduates are invited to apply for a fully funded 42-month PhD studentship starting in October 2024 in the area of magic angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of solids. Read more

Fully Funded Doctoral Studentship in Polymer Chemistry: Multifunctional Electrolytes, Department of Engineering, Durham University.

Durham University, one of the top 100 universities in the world (ranked 82nd in QS World University Rankings 2022) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD studentship to work within the Department of Engineering. Read more

High-Resolution Imaging of Green Conjugated Polymers

High-Resolution Imaging of Green Conjugated Polymers. A fully funded 3.5 years PhD position in the field of experimental nanoscience at surfaces and molecular imaging of conjugated polymers is available in the group of Prof. Read more

Visualising Molecular Doping in Conjugated Polymers

Visualising Molecular Doping in Conjugated Polymers. A fully funded 3.5 years PhD position in the field of experimental nanoscience at surfaces and molecular imaging of conjugated polymers is available in the group of Prof. Read more

Controlling Sequence in Biodegradable Polymers

Background. Modern society faces a plastic waste crisis, coupled with the urgent need to reduce our dependence on oil and gas. In tandem, the last decade has seen the design of ever ‘smarter’ and more functional materials and global demand for these materials is growing. Read more

Unlocking the Potential of Ice Nucleating Polysaccharides for Climate Science and Cryobiology

Contrary to popular perception, ice usually does not form in liquid water at 0°C. Indeed, there is excellent evidence that even ocean-scale volumes of water can measurably supercool to temperatures below the melting point of ice (1). Read more

Responsive gel electrolytes for next generation energy storage solutions

Applications are invited for a Postgraduate studentship, supported by the College of Engineering and Physical Science (EPS) to be undertaken within the department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry (CEAC) and the Aston Advanced Materials Research Centre (AAMRC) at Aston University. Read more

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