School of Life Sciences

PhD Postgraduate Research in Chemistry

PhD Part-time 8 years, Full-time 4 years

Our PhD programme in Chemistry offers an advanced research environment for doctoral candidates pursuing cutting-edge chemical research. Based at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Life Sciences, you'll work alongside expert supervisors who are leading authorities in their specialist areas.

Our PhD programme in Chemistry offers an advanced research environment for doctoral candidates pursuing cutting-edge chemical research. Based at the University of Wolverhampton's School of Life Sciences, you'll work alongside expert supervisors who are leading authorities in their specialist areas.

Award
PhD
Start date(s)
Variable start date
UCAS Code
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (8 years),Full-time (4 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
School
School of Life Sciences
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

PhD Supervisor

Photo of Prof Arun Arjunan

Arun Arjunan is the Director of the Centre for Engineering Innovation and Research (CEIR) at the University of Wolverhampton. He also leads the Additive Manufacturing of Functional Materials (AMFM) research group.

The PhD in Chemistry at Wolverhampton offers a comprehensive research experience with expert supervision from leading academics in their fields. Each supervisory team includes at least one academic with a proven track record of successful PhD completions, ensuring robust guidance throughout your research journey.

Our School of Life Sciences provides exceptional support to postgraduate researchers, including:

  • Expert Supervision: Work directly with chemistry specialists who are actively contributing to their research fields, from organic synthesis to analytical chemistry
  • Research Environment: Access our well-equipped laboratories featuring modern analytical instruments, including NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and chromatography facilities
  • Collaborative Opportunities: Join a collegiate research community where you'll regularly present your findings at our chemistry colloquia, gaining valuable feedback from fellow researchers and academics
  • Professional Development: Enhance your research capabilities through specialised training events organised by our Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University's Doctoral College
  • Research Resources: Benefit from our dedicated postgraduate research spaces and comprehensive access to the Harrison Learning Centre's chemistry databases and journals
  • Industry Connections: Engage with our extensive network of industrial partners, opening pathways for collaboration and future career opportunities
  • Teaching Experience: Develop your academic portfolio through opportunities to support undergraduate chemistry practical sessions and tutorials

Our emphasis on both theoretical understanding and practical application prepares you for a successful career in either academia or industry. The School's strong track record of research publications and external collaboration provides an ideal platform for developing your research profile in chemistry.

What's unique about this course?

  • Advanced Laboratory Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art analytical instruments and specialist chemistry labs
  • Expert Supervision: Work with leading chemistry researchers with proven PhD supervision track records
  • Research Excellence: Regular chemistry seminars and research symposia
  • Industry Links: Strong connections with chemical and pharmaceutical industries
  • Collaborative Environment: Join our vibrant research community with interdisciplinary opportunities
  • Modern Instrumentation: Access to advanced analytical equipment and spectroscopic facilities

What happens on the course?

The PhD programme follows three key milestones:

1. Registration

  • Complete online 'Expression of Interest' form
  • Receive conditional offer and supervisor allocation
  • Develop research proposal with supervisor guidance
  • Submit final proposal and attend interview
  • Gain Faculty Research Committee (FRC) approval based on:
    • Sound research proposal with potential for postgraduate award
    • Appropriate resourcing for research

2. Progression 

  • Produce detailed progress paper covering:
    • Research achievements
    • Future research plans
    • Research methods
  • Deliver oral presentation at progression workshop
  • Undergo independent assessment
  • Receive FRC recommendations

3. Examination

  • Submit thesis
  • Undergo oral examination (viva voce)
  • Assessment by qualified examiners:
    • At least one external examiner
    • Second external examiner for staff candidates
  • Receive RASC recommendations for award

Research Areas

  • Organic Synthesis
  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Green Chemistry

Potential Career Paths

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) is home to approximate 23,000 students. The UoW’s research and innovation activities have won the 2013 UK Knowledge Transfer Award, and the 2014 UK Collaborative IMPACT award. It is also the holder of the Athena Swan Bronze Award and the HR Excellence in Research Award.

At Wolverhampton, you'll benefit from:

  • Modern chemical analysis facilities
  • Regular research training through our Faculty and Doctoral College
  • Annual University Research Conference participation
  • Teaching opportunities in undergraduate chemistry
  • Strong industry connections
  • Expert supervision from active researchers
  • Access to specialist chemistry databases

In addition to the regular supervision provided by supervisors, our PhD students will also be provided with training opportunities by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the University’s Doctoral College.

University Research Conference – The University Research Conference is held in June for research active staff and PhD students to showcase their areas of research and exchange research initiatives. Research students are welcome to make presentations during their period of study. Research students are also encouraged to disseminate final results of their research prior to submission.

University Research Training - Students are encouraged to participate in training provided by the Doctoral College not only because of its intrinsic value but also because these sessions may facilitate meetings with post-graduates outside the school.

Teaching Skills Development - At the Wolverhampton School of Sciences, we understand that postgraduate research students wish to develop their academic CVs while with us. For this reason, research students are provided the opportunity to undergo teaching skills development. The

Skills You Will Gain

Technical Skills:

  • Advanced Analytical Techniques
  • Spectroscopic Methods
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Laboratory Management
  • Safety Protocols
  • Instrument Operation

Research Skills:

  • Experimental Design
  • Data Analysis
  • Scientific Writing
  • Research Methods
  • Project Management
  • Publication Writing

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4596 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £4712 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £4786 per year 2024-25
Home Full-time £5006 per year 2025-26
Home Part-time £2298 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £2298 per year 2022-23
Home Part-time £2356 per year 2023-24
Home Part-time £2393 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £2503 per year 2025-26
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £15450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15950 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £16950 per year 2025-26

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

 Applicants for a research degree shall normally hold either:

 • a first or upper second class honours degree, or

 • a master’s degree, or

 • evidence of prior practice or learning that is accepted by the Dean of Research.

For an applicant wishing to pursue a Research Degree in the area of Chemistry, whose entry award was not delivered in English, or non-native speaker of English shall be required to demonstrate proficiency in English at least to the level of an IELTS score of 6.5 (Writing - 6.5 and no less than 6.0 in any other component) or its equivalent. 

Financial support for research study:

Before applying, you should consider carefully how you will finance your studies for the duration of your programme, including tuition fees, research support fees and living costs.


Government loans (Home Fee Status):

Government loans are available for postgraduate research students of up to £28,673, to cover fees and living expenses. More information can be found at Doctoral-loans website.


Studying in the UK:Guidance for EU students

For 2021/22 new entrants, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status and financial support from Student Finance England.


Self-funded:

We are able to take payments in instalments, to spread out the cost of your studies, and it is possible to switch between full-time and part-time modes of study. For more information go to How to pay.


Postgraduate Research Loyalty Discount:

To students progressing from an undergraduate programme and/or a taught postgraduate programme to a postgraduate research programme, where both courses are University of Wolverhampton Awards.

There is no time limit on how long ago you completed your degree and/or Masters level qualification, as long as the new award is at a higher level.

For full terms and conditions please see: Loyalty Discount for Postgraduate Research Students


Research councils:

The UK Research and Innovation funds postgraduate study in all subject areas on a discretionary basis.


University Research Studentships:

The University offers a very limited number of research stipends, formerly known as bursaries, to research students. Stipends are designed to support specific projects as determined by the Research Institute rather than individual student-led projects. Funds are accessible from the relevant Research Institute or Centre - please contact them directly.


Other sources:

Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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