Chemistry and Materials PhD

• Catalysis research, focusing on the synthesis and characterisation of bimetallic catalysts for fuel cells and catalytic converters. We also have interests in characterising porous materials and surfaces.
• Green chemistry and resource efficiency research, focusing on recovery of high value chemicals from waste and biomass.
• Nanomaterials and nanocomposites, focusing on novel materials and their applications in for example nanosensors, photovoltaics, catalysis, energy harvesting and storage.
• Organosilicon research, focusing on new materials and coatings based on silsesquioxanes, biomimetic organosilicon chemistry, the development of novel HPLC phases and the mechanism of substitution at silicon.
• Polymer processing and structure development research, focusing on understanding and predicting the effects of molecular variables during polymer processing.
• Supramolecular chemistry research, including luminescent sensors and probes, photoactive molecular devices, and new calixarene motifs and applications.
• Experimental evaluation of quantum chemical models that describe the physico-chemical properties of molecules/materials.

Programme Structure

Current/recent research projects:

• Development and analysis of recognition polymers
• Lanthanide complexes as incorporated luminescent detectors
• Understanding and improving reactivity of low platinum group metal three-way catalysts
• Supported catalysts for the recovery of valuable chemicals from wastes
• Synthesis, and Application of Nanoparticles using Calixarenes
• Electron Spectroscopy Measurements of Functionalised DNA Components for Radiotherapy
• Molecular modelling and biological relevance of supramolecular structures in nucleic acids
• Sustainable plastics including new packaging materials, environmental impact of plastics and recycling waste plastics
• Recovery of chemicals from wastes such as metals
• Heritage Science involving the cleaning of museum textiles and the conservation of plastic works of art

Admission requirements

Academic requirements

GPA: Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL iBT: 87

Other requirements

General requirements

Entry requirements

• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

• International (Non-residents): 31,001 AUD / year (≈ 16,420 GBP / year)
• Domestic (Citizens or residents): 9,451 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)

Living costs

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom: 1,601-2,539 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Scholarships: Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Chemistry and Materials. You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.