Applied Chemistry PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

A PhD in Applied Chemistry is an opportunity for you to expand your knowledge of chemical processes and products and apply that to real-world problems. Depending on your research area, you could be looking at the application of chemistry in various fields such as environmental monitoring, forensics or healthcare.

What's it like to study a PhD in Applied Chemistry?

Whilst you're completing a PhD in Applied Chemistry you'll acquire a deep understanding of the properties of chemical species and how they react in different environments. You'll work with your supervisors and other members of the department to complete a unique research project that will have a significant impact on the field.

Possible research topics include:

• Biological and chemical forensics
• Chemical and biological risk assessment
• Energy storage and recovery
• Environmental health
• Nanotechnology
• Forensic analysis

Your research will be divided into defined stages called milestones that will need to be achieved before you can submit your final thesis. These milestones will be agreed upon at the start of your PhD and will form part of your research agreement.

Some PhD programmes in Applied Chemistry have pre-defined research plans, but many will accept applicants proposing their own research projects.

Most PhD programmes in Applied Chemistry will be split between your own independent research and supporting lab work.

In some cases, an Applied Chemistry PhD may involve some taught modules provided by the university. This may be the case if your research project has an attached taught module that you'll need to complete in order to graduate. However, the main focus of your study will be independent research.

You'll likely be asked to submit an academic thesis of about 80,000 words at the end of your PhD.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Applied Chemistry

In order to be considered for a PhD in Applied Chemistry, you'll need to usually have an upper second-class Bachelors degree in a relevant subject or a Masters with at least a merit rating in Chemistry or a related subject. You may occasionally be considered for a PhD if you have a lower classification with significant relevant research experience or a Masters with Merit if you also have significant research experience.

You may also be asked to show that you have the necessary language skills to complete your PhD if your native language is not English.

PhD in Applied Chemistry funding options

The main body funding PhDs in Applied Chemistry in the UK is the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). They provide fully funded studentships along with a monthly stipend to students doing a PhD in Applied Chemistry.

You can also apply for a self-funded PhD which means you'll need to fund your PhD through university scholarships, government loans and grants from charities and trusts.

PhD in Applied Chemistry careers

A PhD in Applied Chemistry can open up a number of career opportunities. You could go into academia and teach and research at a university or you could join the chemical industry to help develop and improve the world around us. You could also work in forensics or environmental health.