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Chemical Engineering Research Programmes

Work on your own area of specialism. Collaborate with academic and industry colleagues.

Our chemical engineering research addresses major societal challenges. We are leading the way in developing new materials and new technologies for a cleaner future.

Chemical Engineering research 

Our research is wide-ranging and world-renowned. We have close connections with many partners in government and industry. We also work with global companies and organisations. Our research groups include:

Advanced Materials and Electrochemical Engineering

Materials, Concepts and Reaction Engineering

Process Intensification

Collaboration

Work on projects with other schools in the University throughout your PhD in chemical engineering. Collaborate with external institutions and companies, many of which are household names. These collaborative projects reflect the multidisciplinary nature of our research.

Projects cover a wide range of activities such as:

  • food processing
  • water treatment systems
  • process intensification technology
  • solvent extraction
  • polymer reactors
  • process modelling and control
  • design of electrochemical reactors and fuel cells
  • clean technology

Facilities

We have a range of state-of-the-art chemical engineering facilities for research, which are available to our students during their research projects.  

People

You will be taught by leaders in their field and be supported throughout your learning journey. Get in touch with our chemical engineering staff.

Study 

Studying a research degree with us provides you with:

  • training as part of the largest cohort of interacting and supportive research students in the University
  • access to purpose-built postgraduate study suites
  • cutting-edge labs, equipment and excellent technical support
  • access to a broad knowledge and network base from across our research portfolio
  • development of technical and generic skills
  • advanced taught courses and career development workshops

Join our vibrant, diverse research community. We offer Chemical Engineering MPhil and PhD degrees.

Our research students that decide to do a PhD in chemical engineering come from diverse backgrounds. They include:

  • statisticians
  • mathematicians
  • electrical engineers
  • chemists
  • physicists
  • chemical and process engineers

Careers

Our graduates have a good record of finding employment. Many industrial sectors need the expertise and knowledge that you'll develop during your PhD in chemical engineering. Graduates work in a variety of areas:

  • from the production of silicon chips and new materials
  • to the manufacture and processing of bulk chemicals and polymers

Many work in universities as researchers.

A postgraduate qualification can also lead to opportunities in other sectors. These include computing, finance and management.