University of Strathclyde

PhD Chemical process engineering

University of Strathclyde

Course overview

The PhD Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Strathclyde gives students the chance to lead research in areas such as reaction engineering, process design, materials, and sustainable technologies. Students will work under expert supervisors to explore advanced problems in chemical and process systems. They will contribute new knowledge through experiments, modelling, and innovation. This degree is for students who want to push the boundaries of science and engineering in industry or research. In this PhD programme, students choose a research topic aligned with the department’s strengths. Many projects relate to energy, clean technology, process safety, or advanced materials.

Students collaborate with industry, research councils, or government bodies. The programme also offers training in research methods, project management, and technical writing. Students publish papers, attend conferences, and engage in cross-disciplinary work. The aim is to produce confident researchers who can solve complex engineering challenges. Learning is guided by supervisors and involves lab work, computer simulation, theoretical modelling, and reading current research. Students also attend seminars, workshops, and training courses. Assessment is based primarily on the doctoral thesis and an oral defence (viva). Along the way, students have progress reviews and report progress in meetings or reports. They gain skills in presentation, research planning, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Entry requirements

Grade Requirements

  • A first-class or upper second-class Honours degree in a relevant engineering/science discipline, or a suitable equivalent qualification.

English Proficiency

  • For international students, English language proficiency is required, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no component lower than 5.5.

Scholarships

  • Asylum Seeker Scholarship

    Value: Cost of tuition fees and essential study costs.

  • BBA International Scholarship

    25% fee reduction per year (three years in total).

  • Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship for Masters Study

    The value of the scholarship award is £6,000 and will be deducted from your tuition fees.

    Up to £6,000
  • Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship for Undergraduate Study

    Value: 15% of tuition fees for each year of study - typically £4,650 for first year.

  • Faculty of Engineering: Dean’s International Excellence Award for Masters Study

    Dean’s International Excellence Awards for Masters Study worth between £9,000 and £12,000 to exceptional applicants joining a postgraduate taught programme in September 2026.

    Up to £9,000
  • Faculty of Science International Excellence Scholarship for Postgraduate Taught Masters Students

    The scholarships value will range from £7,000 to £8,000.

    Up to £7,000
  • Faculty of Science International Masters Scholarship

    Scholarships of £6,000 are available to new international fee-paying students.

    Up to £6,000
  • Faculty of Science International Scholarship for MRes Physics

    Scholarships of £7,000 are available to new international students joining the MRes Physics in the academic year 2025/26.

    Up to £7,000
  • Faculty of Science Scholarship for Online Masters Students

    Scholarships of £1,900 are available to new students joining one of our online programmes in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900
  • Faculty of Science Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students

    Scholarships of between £6,000 - £7,000 per year of study are available to new international students joining an eligible undergraduate degree in the Faculty of Science in the 2026/27 academic year.

    Up to £6,000
  • Humanities & Social Sciences Alumni Scholarship: Postgraduate Taught

    Value: 20% tuition fee discount.

    Up to 20% of fees
  • Humanities & Social Sciences Dean's International Excellence Scholarship

    The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences is delighted to offer a number of Deans Excellence scholarships worth £10,000 to international students.

    Up to £10,000
  • Humanities & Social Sciences: International Masters Scholarships

    The scholarships will be awarded to the value of £6,000 or £8,000.

  • Humanities & Social Sciences: Undergraduate International Dean's Excellence Scholarship

    Value: £5,000 per year of academic study.

    Up to £5,000
  • Law Postgraduate Community Bursary

    Value: £700

    Up to £700
  • Masters Scholarship for Physics International Students

    Scholarships of £7,000 are available to new international fee-paying students joining a postgraduate taught masters degree in the Department of Physics in September 2026.

    Up to £7,000
  • MBA Part Time - Female Leader of the Future Scholarship

    he value of each award will be £6500 - deducted from tuition fees.

    Up to £6,500
  • MBA Part time Visionary Scholarship

    The value of each award will be £6500 - deducted from tuition fees.

    Up to £6,500
  • SBS International Masters Scholarship

    Scholarship awards will range from £7,000 to £9,000, depending on the programme and course fee.

    Up to £7,000
  • Strathclyde Business School Dean's Excellence Award for International Students

    Value: Varies by course fee - Between £10,000 and £12,000

    Up to £10,000
  • Strathclyde Business School Dean's Excellence Awards (Undergraduate)

    Value: 25% fee reduction per year.

  • Strathclyde Full Time MBA 60th Anniversary Scholarships

    Value: 50% of Full Time MBA tuition fee.

    Up to 50% of fees
  • Tuition Fee Reduction of 25% for NHS Employees

    Up to 25% of tuition fees

  • Undergraduate Scholarships for Physics International Students

    Scholarships of £7,000 per year of study are available to new international students.

    Up to £7,000

Career opportunities

Graduates of PhD Chemical and Process Engineering from the University of Strathclyde can work in roles such as:

  • Process Engineer
  • Project Manager in the Chemical Industry
  • Materials Engineer
  • Safety and Risk Engineer
  • Energy Systems Engineer

Cost of study

The annual tuition fee to study PhD Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Strathclyde is £31,100 for international students for full-time study. Students should also expect a tuition fee increase of up to 10% per year.

Admission

Applications for the University of Strathclyde PhD Chemical and Process Engineering are made online through the University of Strathclyde’s postgraduate application portal. If you need assistance, you can reach out to one of our experienced counsellors at AHZ.

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