PhD Chemistry

Our Chemistry PhD programme offers an opportunity to enhance your understanding of cutting-edge developments across various fields in this fascinating area of study. Many of the research themes are aimed at solving real-world problems, providing you with the opportunity to undertake meaningful research. As a PhD Chemistry student at Surrey, you will be part of a research-active school, with a strong track-record of employability and research excellence. Our School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has a small to medium-sized PhD cohort and is home to an intimate and collegiate working community. The small group sizes mean you’ll receive close and careful supervision, with easy access to all the help and support you need to succeed. Our research interests span much of the discipline of chemistry. Many of the research themes are aimed at solving real-world problems, from supplying clean energy and addressing microplastic pollution, to the discovery of new drugs and drug delivery systems, and analysing ever more challenging forensic samples. This focus will provide you with the opportunity to undertake research with the potential to benefit society. Much of our research is published in leading global academic journals, allowing our PhD students to witness the impact their work has in their field of research. Our students have an excellent record of winning prizes for oral and poster presentations at scientific meetings, not only within the University but at national and international levels. We encourage all our PhD students to attend and present at meetings. We have an excellent graduate employability record: 100 per cent of our chemistry postgraduate research students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA).

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper second-class (2:1) UK degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower-second (2:2) UK degree plus a good UK masters degree - distinction normally required (or equivalent overseas qualification).