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Sustainable Chemical Technologies Integrated PhD

Most students complete this programme in 4 years full-time

The CSCT trains scientists and engineers to embrace a whole systems approach to solve challenges through interdisciplinary research and external collaboration.

Focused on addressing critical global issues such as the replacement of fossil fuels, CO2 utilization, plastics pollution, and the development of sustainable materials and processes, the Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Chemical Technologies: A Systems Approach (CSCT) equips students with the skills to drive advancements in resource-efficient, circular technologies.

Students benefit from a comprehensive 4-year programme, including a foundational MRes year, followed by PhD research projects aimed at developing practical, impactful solutions for a sustainable future.

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 4 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 5 years.

You can start this programme in September or October.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Your academic progress and general welfare will be monitored by your supervisor.

Academic milestones

  1. Registration
  2. Induction
  3. Taught phase
  4. Candidature
  5. Confirmation
  6. Research
  7. Writing up
  8. Give notice of intention to submit a thesis / portfolio
  9. Submission for examination
  10. Examination (Viva Voce)
  11. Examiners report
  12. Final submission of thesis / portfolio
  13. Graduation

Programme content

Learning

  • Doctoral skills online
  • Doctoral skills workshop
  • Interaction and networking
  • Lectures
  • Research project
  • Seminars
  • Supervisory team
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Taught content

CSCT offers a 4-year PhD programme including initial training to develop breadth of knowledge and research skills.

Placement

We encourage you to explore opportunities to undertake an internship. You can take up to 3-months paid internship during your studies.

Research content

The CDT in Sustainable Chemical Technologies is an interdisciplinary research centre, including expertise from the Departments of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics, and the School of Management.

With leading academic research groups in many relevant areas and state-of-the-art facilities, we carry out research that crosses traditional boundaries between science and engineering. All our research projects are interdisciplinary in nature, to deliver new, sustainable and circular technologies for the future. We develop new molecules, materials and processes for sustainability in the broadest possible sense.

In the first year of study students will undertake 2 MRes projects, in different disciplines, working closely with academic supervisors. This is followed by three years of research and the writing of a thesis to complete the integrated PhD. Students can co-create a PhD project with supervisors during the training phase or apply to a pre-defined PhD with external partners.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our MyDoctoralDevelopment workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Read more about professional development support

Assessment

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Groupwork
  • Oral assessment
  • Thesis
  • Viva Voce
  • Written examination

Assessment description

The taught elements of the initial training phase include units that are assessed using coursework. Students are required to reach a pass mark of 60% to progress onto their research phase.

During the research phase, students carry out supervised research in their chosen subject which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. The confirmation of the PhD programme is subject to students passing an assessment process, which normally involves submission of written work and an oral examination. This usually takes place 12 months after the start of the research phase.

The final stage of the PhD is submission of the thesis and the oral or viva voce examination, in which students are required to defend the thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A strong academic background in a relevant field, specifically:

  • A first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent), or
  • A master’s degree with a minimum of a merit classification (or equivalent)

English Language requirements

If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to meet the minimum English language requirements before you can start your course.

You’ll need to provide us with a valid result in an approved English language test, for example:

  • Duolingo: 120 overall with sub scores of Speaking 110, Writing 110, Reading 110, Listening 105
  • Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any component
  • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken before 21 January 2026): 90 overall with no less than 21 in any element
  • TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition (taken after 20 January 2026): 4.5 overall with no less than 4.0 in any component

See the required scores for all the English language tests we accept.

You must have taken your English language qualification within 24 months of your course start date.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you might be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

You don't normally need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency if:

  • you're a UK national
  • you're a national of a majority English-speaking country, as recognised by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), and you’ve lived and been educated in that country for a significant period
  • you hold a degree taught in English awarded within two years of your course start date

References

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference from the most recent place of study.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Sustainable Chemical Technologies Integrated PhD

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students. If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.

Find out more about student fees

Extra costs

You will need to budget for living expenses and, if you don’t already live in Bath, your relocation costs.

The University has developed some resources to help you understand typical costs of living in Bath. Please see the example postgraduate budget or the example budget for an overseas student intending to bring family to Bath.

If you require a visa to study in the UK, you will also need to budget for visa fees and the Immigration Healthcare surcharge (IHS).

The amount of the training support fee (sometimes known as a bench fee), if required, will be dependent on the research project and will be explained to you in advance.

Find out more about Training Support Fees (TSF)

How to pay

Funding options

Funded places are available through the Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Chemical Technologies: A Systems Approach. Funding covers your fees (both the tuition and training support fees), and provides you with an annual maintenance stipend for living expenses. Self-funded places are also available.

Find funding for doctoral research

Payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer.

Paying your tuition fees

Application information

  • Programme title
    Sustainable Chemical Technologies Integrated PhD
  • Final awards
    MRes and PhD
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    RDUCH-FP04
  • Department
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Application deadline

    Applications are accepted from October each year and are considered on a rolling basis until all places are filled. Early application is recommended as places are competitive.

  • Regulator

Applicant profile

A competitive applicant profile will show:

  • Excellent academic credentials
  • An understanding of why you need the integrated year and what you expect to gain from it
  • Evidence of your potential to be a successful PhD researcher
  • Alignment between your research interests/experience and the department’s research priorities

It is important to remember that places are competitively awarded and your application will be considered as a whole including the quality of your CV, personal statement and references as well as your ability to meet entry requirements and your potential to become a researcher.

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study.

Selection process

Applications are reviewed by the CSCT Management Board. This will include assessing your tuition fee status, checking that your application is complete and confirming that you meet the minimum entry criteria as quoted in the ‘Entry requirements’ section above. If they are interested in pursuing your application, they will invite you for interview.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. Interviews will typically be conducted online by a panel of Management Board members and academic colleagues from the CSCT.

Immigration requirements

This PhD is covered by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS). If you are an international student, you may require an ATAS certificate to join this course and you can find out more about the visa requirements for studying in the UK.

For additional support please contact the Student Immigration Service for matters related to student visas and immigration.

Programme enquiries

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