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Chemical Engineering PhD

Most students complete this programme in 6 years part-time

Study your PhD in a multidisciplinary department that puts future sustainable materials and technologies at the centre of its research.

Sustainability is the driver for the research we do. Our academics and researchers improve chemical, biochemical, materials, pharmaceutical, water and waste treatment processes and products. This research sits under our key research centres:

Find out more about our research

Programme structure

Most students complete this programme in 6 years. You cannot take less than 3 years to finish your research and the maximum time you are allowed is normally 6 years.


You may start this programme at any time. Most students start in September.

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

Programme content


Learning

  • Doctoral skills online
  • Doctoral skills workshop
  • Research project
  • Supervisory team

Research content

New consumer products and supporting technologies increasingly use more complex chemical, biochemical and biological materials. Our research responds to this need to develop and produce new materials, fuels, drugs, consumer products, health care products, foods and beverages, electronic components, medical implants, and more. Join us as a PhD researcher to continue our mission to contribute to the development of society worldwide.

Bath's international research reputation makes us a great place to study your PhD, whether you want an academic career or to work in industry. Our dedication to making a difference is reflected in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, which rated the majority of our research as world leading or internationally excellent.

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 DoctoralSkills 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

  • Thesis
  • Viva Voce

Assessment description

You’ll join the Department as a member of the research centre that best fits your broad research interest and as agreed on acceptance. We'll welcome you as a junior academic rather than a student, and expect you to contribute professionally to our objective of international academic excellence.

Most of our research students register as probationers for the PhD programme to begin with. Your PhD registration is confirmed subject to your passing an assessment process. This normally involves submitting written work and an oral examination. There is also an alternate by paper route which can be discussed with the Faculty.

We expect you to carry out supervised research at the forefront of your chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. Presenting your research findings is an important part of research training so we encourage you to prepare papers for publication throughout your PhD.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, where you must defend your thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Entry requirements


Academic requirements

First or 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

Please see the International students website for details of entry requirements based on qualifications from your country.

In addition, all non-native speakers of English are required to have passed English language tests.

If you need to develop your English language skills, the University’s Academic Skills Centre offers a number of courses.

English Language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

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

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 Chemical Engineering 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

How to pay

Funding options

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 tutition fees

Application information


  • Programme title
    Chemical Engineering PhD
  • Final award
    PhD
  • Mode of study
    Part-time
  • Course code
    RECE-APM02
  • Department
  • Related departments
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Application deadline

    3 months prior to the intended start date (for international applicants) or 2 months prior to the intended start date (for home applicants). For example, for an end of September start, the deadline is 30 June (international) and 31 July (home).

  • Regulator

Applicant profile

We seek applications from outstanding individuals from anywhere in the world. You should be strongly committed to carrying out high-quality academic research in any of the disciplinary areas covered by our research centres.

You can apply for one of our pre-defined research projects or develop your own proposal. Our academic staff are always open to hear how your research can build on their existing work or about a new topic in their current subject areas.

See our guide about how to apply for doctoral study

You will need to tell us why you are interested in pursuing independent research, quote examples of your undergraduate or master's research projects, and explain how a PhD fits with your career plans.

Selection process

ou'll be interviewed by two academic members of staff, one of whom will be your prospective lead supervisor. Your interview may be carried out remotely using Skype, Teams or Zoom. If appropriate, we may invite you to interview on campus, which will give you the chance to meet current PhD students and take a tour of our laboratories.

It may be necessary to carry out security checks if your project is suggested by you or an external sponsor rather than our academics. This will be subject to the usual UK Government Home Office checking and approval processes and procedures.

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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