PhD in Chemical Engineering PhD / MSc (Res)

Tuition is £29,310 (full-time).

Chemical engineering investigates how to transform raw materials into useful products while minimising energy use and environmental impact. The PhD and MSc by Research programme places you at the heart of one of the UK’s largest chemical engineering departments, allowing you to contribute to experimental research that tackles issues from antimicrobial resistance to sustainable energy.

Your weekly routine will involve defining project objectives with your supervisor, reviewing literature, designing and carrying out experiments in well-stocked labs, analysing data and drafting scientific papers. You will receive one-to-one supervision, access to collaborative networks across academia and industry, and dedicated time for thesis writing in the final stage. The programme includes research themes such as Formulation Engineering, Energy and Healthcare Technologies, with links to the Birmingham Energy Institute and the Centre for Formulation Engineering.

• One of the UK’s largest chemical engineering research departments
• Opportunities to collaborate with industry and government partners
• Research themes in Formulation Engineering, Energy and Healthcare Technologies
• Structured three-year PhD timeline: project planning, data collection, thesis writing
• 1:1 supervision and access to advanced laboratory facilities

The University of Birmingham, chartered in 1900, is a large, research-intensive redbrick university located in Edgbaston. It offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has a reputation for multidisciplinary research, substantial campus investment and strong academic staffing. With more than 34,000 students, including a sizeable international community, Birmingham combines historic strengths with modern facilities and a global outlook.

Research and teaching span the arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and social sciences, supported by major investments in campus infrastructure and academic appointments. The university promotes interdisciplinary collaboration through flagship fellowships and research initiatives, and many courses provide opportunities for placements, industry engagement and overseas study on its international campuses. Student support services include extensive academic development, career services and wellbeing provision tailored to an international cohort.

Life at Birmingham blends a vibrant campus with access to the city's cultural and professional resources, enabling students to pursue extracurricular activities, volunteering and professional networking. The institution’s global partnerships and growing research profile open doors for international collaborations and career pathways. Prospective international applicants should carefully check entry requirements, funding and application deadlines and contact the university’s international office for guidance on visas, scholarships and arrival planning.