Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD

With the oldest continuing chemical engineering programme in England, our School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is highly respected and our academics possess 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 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 of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is highly multidisciplinary and we enjoy excellent collaborations with materials science, 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.

You’ll benefit from comprehensive training and transferable skills development offered through the Doctoral College, which serves to support your future career and create a friendly social environment. You’ll have opportunities to present and exchange your research, as well as socialise and network at various events and forums. We have an excellent graduate employability record: 100 per cent of our chemical and process engineering postgraduate research students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2023, HESA).

The University’s strengths in chemical engineering include membrane filtration and ultrasound processing. Key members in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering have extensive expertise in these areas and strong industry links, with projects looking into the implementation of water processing technology.

The University of Surrey ranks 4th in the UK and 16th in the world for petroleum engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, we rank 15th in the UK for research power for engineering and top 20 in the UK for the overall quality of research outputs (research papers and other published works).

On this PhD, you’ll have the opportunity to investigate topics ranging from fuel cell systems, biorefining and reverse osmosis to positron emission particle tracking.

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 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 progress, research directions, challenges and any necessary support.

Depending on the nature of your project, you’ll work in labs, offices and/or in external institutions if your project involves collaborations of this kind.

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.

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.