Chemical Engineering

Entry requirements

First or 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate subject.

Two references are required. At least one of these should be an academic reference from the most recent place of study.

We encourage a wide range of interests. Academic staff are always open to ideas which extend existing work or introduce new topics to their existing subject areas.

Successful applicants are welcomed very much as junior academic colleagues rather than students, and are expected to play a full and professional role in contributing to the Department’s objective of international academic excellence.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Department of Chemical Engineering is a multidisciplinary department that puts future sustainable materials and technologies at the centre of its research.

Sustainability is the driver for the research we do. Our academics and researchers improve chemical, biochemical, materials, pharmaceutical, water and waste treatment processes and products. This research sits under our key research centres:

• Centre for Bioengineering & Biomedical Technologies
• Centre for Climate Adaptation & Environment Research (CAER)
• Centre Digital, Manufacturing & Design (DMADE)
• Centre for Integrated Materials, Processes & Structures (IMPS)
• Centre for Regenerative Design & Engineering for a Net-Positive World (RENEW)
• Centre for Sustainable Energy Systems (SES)

Research content

Chemical engineering research is crucial in developing and producing new materials, fuels, drugs, consumer products, healthcare products, foods and beverages, electronic components, medical implants, and more.

Consumer products and supporting technologies continue to increase in the number and complexity of chemical, biochemical and biological materials they use. Because of this, research in these areas grow more important to the development of society worldwide.

Our international reputation for research makes Bath an ideal place to pursue a research degree, whether you want an academic career or to work in industry. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework rated the majority of our research as world-leading or internationally excellent.

Professional Development

Professional development is a crucial element of doctoral study, not only in supporting your research but also as part of your longer term career development. Our DoctoralSkills workshops and courses will help you build your skills and help you succeed in your doctorate.

Assessment description

You’ll join the Department as a member of the research centre that best fits your broad research interest and as agreed on acceptance. We'll welcome you as a junior academic rather than a student, and expect you to contribute professionally to our objective of international academic excellence.

Most of our research students register as probationers for the PhD programme to begin with. Your PhD registration is confirmed subject to your passing an assessment process. This normally involves submitting written work and an oral examination. There is also an alternate by paper route which can be discussed with the Faculty.

We expect you to carry out supervised research at the forefront of your chosen subject, which must then be written up as a substantial thesis. Presenting your research findings is an important part of research training so we encourage you to prepare papers for publication throughout your PhD.

The final stage of the PhD programme is the oral or viva voce examination, where you must defend your thesis to a Board of Examiners.

Department specialisms

We offer research programmes in a variety of areas including Advanced Separations Engineering, Bioprocessing Research Unit, Reaction and Catalytic Engineering and Water and Wastewater engineering.

Information for international students

IELTS 6.5 (at least 6.0 in each of the four components).

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element

TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

Please see the International students website for details of entry requirements based on qualifications from your country.

Fees and funding

See website for further information on funding.