Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD
Key information
Full-time - 4 years
- Start dates:
- July 2023
- October 2023
- January 2024
- April 2024
Part-time - 8 years
- Start dates:
- July 2023
- October 2023
- January 2024
- April 2024
Why choose this programme
With the oldest continuing chemical engineering programme in England, we’re a highly respected and award-winning school with a wealth of experience and expertise in the subject.
Our interdisciplinary research work involves activities with cross-cutting themes, investigating materials and devices with the Advanced Technology Institute while addressing challenges in information technology.
The recently established Centre for Advanced Process Intensification offers a research platform for sustainable manufacturing, leading to the development of new and improved concepts of processing methods, and equipment for chemical and energy conversion systems.
Research in the School is highly multi-disciplinary and we enjoy excellent collaborations with materials, chemistry, the Ion Beam Centre, the Surrey Space Centre, the Centre for Environment and Sustainability and the 5G/6G Innovation Centre, as well as access to their facilities.
We are internationally recognised for our water research, for which the University was the recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
The University’s strengths in chemical engineering include membrane filtration and ultrasound processing. Key members in the School have extensive expertise in these areas and strong industry links with projects looking into the implementation of water processing technology.
You’ll benefit from comprehensive training and transferable skills development offered through the Faculty Graduate School, which serves to support your future career and create a friendly social environment. You’ll have opportunities to present and exchange your research with others within the School, as well as socialise and network with others at various events and forums.
The University of Surrey ranked 15th in the UK for research power for engineering by the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. We are now also ranked in the top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs – research papers and other published works.
What you will study
If you join us, you’ll have opportunities to investigate topics ranging from fuel cell systems, biorefining and reverse osmosis to positron emission particle tracking.
As a PhD student, you’ll go through a confirmation process in which you’ll produce a report to demonstrate your understanding of the research field and your project results. Your ability to carry out critical literature reviews, demonstrate scientific writing skills, and research and produce meaningful results will be evaluated by your supervisor and two examiners. Once you’ve passed the confirmation stage, your PhD research project can begin.
At the end of the second year, you’ll submit a scientific manuscript draft containing your most important results, as well as a solid plan for writing up your PhD thesis.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering offers a dynamic and friendly environment for research. You’ll be provided with the necessary support to carry out your research projects and have access to expertise and facilities across the University, and externally when necessary.
There will be a review with your supervisors every six months to discuss past progress, research directions, challenges and support needed.
Depending on the nature of your project, you’ll work in labs, offices and/or in external institutions if your project involves such collaborations.
Assessment
Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.
Research support
The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
Studentships
Research themes
There are five main research themes:
- Energy and materials
- Formulations and products
- Health and food
- Digital and process innovation
- Water processing technology.
Within these themes, our research looks at:
- Development and modelling of novel nanomaterials for solid oxide fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries and super-capacitors
- New generation of solar cells and membranes technology, custom-made catalysts for environmental and photocatalytic applications
- Biorefining, design and optimisation of the bioenergy supply chain
- Particulate materials manufacturing for pharmaceutical, food and minerals industry
- Multiphase flow, process modelling and optimisation using coupled DEM-CFD and FEM
- Particle mechanical property characterisation, powder flow and compaction, granulation and mechanistic modelling
- In vitro and in silico models for biological systems at molecular, cellular and organ levels
- Computation oncology and modelling radiotherapy
- Oral processes of food and pharmaceutical products
- Product structure and properties interplay with bio-substrate response
- Industrial symbiosis, optimisation and decision making
- Whole systems hierarchical modelling based on massive spatial-temporal data and time points
- Innovative waste water processing and recycling, including forward osmosis
- Use of ultrasonics to promote chemical and physical processing
- Membrane filtration and synthesis.
Our academic staff
See a full list of all our academic staff within the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering.
Research areas
Research facilities
- Bench and pilot plant filtration systems
- Ultrasound processing equipment
- Water testing facilities
- Specialist laboratories for microbial systems, water and particle technology.
The developed technology will be demonstrated in an existing modular-built pilot mini plant in Surrey, which contains three sections: feed preparation, reaction and downstreaming (purification/separation) processes, with a throughput of 50 litres/min and a reactor vessel operating volume of 300d/m3. It includes a heat exchanger network, pressure relief system, alarm management, fully automated with over 60 sensors and a DCS system.
Entry requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good masters degree (distinction normally required).
International entry requirements by country
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
View the other English language qualifications that we accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Selection process
Selection is based on applicants meeting the expected entry requirements, assessment of application, successful interview and suitable references where required.
Students are initially registered for a PhD with probationary status and, subject to satisfactory progress, subsequently confirmed as having PhD status.
Fees
Start date: July 2023
Full-time
- UK
- £4,596
- Overseas
- £23,400
Part-time
- UK
- £2,298
- Overseas
- £11,700
Start date: October 2023
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £24,100
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £12,100
Start date: January 2024
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £24,100
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £12,100
Start date: April 2024
Full-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £24,100
Part-time
- UK
- To be confirmed
- Overseas
- £12,100
For fees payable in 2022/23, these will increase by 4 per cent, rounded up to the nearest £100 for subsequent years of study. Any start date other than October will attract a pro-rata fee for that year of entry (75 per cent for January, 50 per cent for April and 25 per cent for July).
Overseas students applying for 2022 entry should note that annual fees will rise by 4% rounded up to the nearest £100.
View a complete list of all fees for our research programmes.
Additional costs
There are additional costs that you can expect to incur when studying at Surrey.
Funding
A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course.
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Course | Status |
---|---|
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD Full-time, July 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 19 May 2023 |
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD Full-time, October 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 24 July 2023 |
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD Full-time, January 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 23 November 2023 |
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD Full-time, April 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 1 March 2024 |
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD Part-time, July 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 19 May 2023 |
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD Part-time, October 2023 | Applications open Closing date: Monday 24 July 2023 |
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD Part-time, January 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Thursday 23 November 2023 |
Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD Part-time, April 2024 | Applications open Closing date: Friday 1 March 2024 |
How to apply
If you are applying for a studentship to work on a particular project, you should enter the details of the specific project that you wish to apply for rather than your own research proposal.
Code of practice for research degrees
Surrey’s postgraduate research code of practice sets out the University's policy and procedural framework relating to research degrees. The code defines a set of standard procedures and specific responsibilities covering the academic supervision, administration and assessment of research degrees for all faculties within the University.
Download the code of practice for research degrees (PDF).
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations, and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions and our generic registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/2023 academic year as a guide as to what to expect.
Please note: our offer terms and conditions will be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us. Read our full disclaimer.
Course location and contact details
Campus location
Stag HillStag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
University of Surrey Admissions
- Phone: +44 (0)1483 682222
Address
University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH