Overview
We welcome applications from those seeking to perform leading fundamental and technologically relevant research across the areas of analytical chemistry and spectroscopy; chemical biology; materials; chemical theory and chemical computation; and a broad range of synthetic chemistry.
Our research-based PhDs are supported by taught courses, providing skills in modern research techniques, including analytical chemistry, experimental design, advanced laboratory techniques, spectroscopy, computational and materials chemistry, together with courses to develop transferable skills. This ensures that our postgraduate students extend their knowledge of all areas of chemistry, and possess a wide range of skills to aid employability.
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
2:1 Hons degree (UK or equivalent) in Chemistry, or an equivalent degree in a related discipline such as Physics or Chemical Engineering, appropriate to the proposed research project.
We may also consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for information.
If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.
Additional Requirements
The first step if you are interested in studying for postgraduate research in Chemistry is to find a PhD Supervisor or funded opportunity.
English Language Requirements
We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.
We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.
If your score is below our requirements, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes.
Contact: Admissions Team +44 (0) 1524 592032 or email pgadmissions@lancaster.ac.uk
Fees and Funding
The tuition fee for students with UK fee status is set in line with the standard fee stipend provided by the UK Research Councils. The fee stipend for 2023/24 has not yet been set. For reference, the fee stipend for 2022/23 was full-time £4,596, part-time £2,298.
The international fee for new entrants in 2023/24 is full-time £24,530, part-time £12,265.
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Additional costs
There may be extra costs related to your course for items such as books, stationery, printing, photocopying, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits. Following graduation, you may need to pay a subscription to a professional body for some chosen careers.
Specific additional costs for studying at Lancaster are listed below.
College fees
Lancaster is proud to be one of only a handful of UK universities to have a collegiate system. Every student belongs to a college, and all students pay a small College Membership Fee which supports the running of college events and activities.
For students starting in 2022 and 2023, the fee is £40 for undergraduates and research students and £15 for students on one-year courses. Fees for students starting in 2024 have not yet been set.
Computer equipment and internet access
To support your studies, you will also require access to a computer, along with reliable internet access. You will be able to access a range of software and services from a Windows, Mac, Chromebook or Linux device. For certain degree programmes, you may need a specific device, or we may provide you with a laptop and appropriate software - details of which will be available on relevant programme pages. A dedicated IT support helpdesk is available in the event of any problems.
The University provides limited financial support to assist students who do not have the required IT equipment or broadband support in place.
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Application fees and tuition fee deposits
For most taught postgraduate applications there is a non-refundable application fee of £40. We cannot consider applications until this fee has been paid, as advised on our online secure payment system. There is no application fee for postgraduate research applications.
For some of our courses you will need to pay a deposit to accept your offer and secure your place. We will let you know in your offer letter if a deposit is required and you will be given a deadline date when this is due to be paid.
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Fees in subsequent years
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year’s duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years of your programme are likely to increase each year. Read more about fees in subsequent years.
Scholarships and Bursaries
You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.
Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.
If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.
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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.
Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.
How to apply for a Chemistry PhD
We offer a number of different routes to beginning your PhD study.
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Develop your own self-funded PhD proposal
If you have your own research idea, we can help you to develop it. To begin this process you will need to find a PhD Supervisor from one of our research groups, whose research interests align with your own.
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Apply for a funded PhD position
Every year we offer a range of PhDs funded by a number of different sources, including research councils, industries or charities. Browse the list of latest funded opportunities here.
Research Areas
Our research is broadly structured into three core discipline themes. Each theme is populated with an expanding team of research-active staff at the forefront of research in their respective fields.
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Chemical Synthesis
Synthesis underlies all aspects of chemistry; the design, creation and study of molecules and materials are at the heart of research activity across all areas of chemistry.
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Chemical Theory and Computation
The interrelated fields of Chemical Theory and Chemical Computation form the basis of the CTC research theme in Chemistry at Lancaster.
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Physical and Analytical Chemistry
Characterisation and measurement of the properties of atoms, molecules, solids, materials and biological systems are at the heart of our physical and analytical chemistry (PAC) research here at Lancaster.
Facilities
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Magnetic Resonance
We have dedicated nuclear magnetic resonance facilities for solution and solid-states, as well as instrumentation for electron paramagnetic resonance.
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Mass Spectrometry and Separations
Our liquid and gas chromatography facilities are designed for high-resolution mass spectrometry and the identification of volatile and semi-volatile compounds.
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Microscopy and Nanofabrication
Our equipment is capable of creating and viewing complex micro- and nanostructures with an achievable feature size of 1 µm and smaller.
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Optical Spectroscopy
We have a varied range of instruments, including dedicated CD and time-resolved fluorescence equipment.
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X-Ray
We are well equipped for X-Ray diffraction of single crystals and powders, as well as for X-Ray fluorescence.
Important Information
The information on this site relates primarily to 2023/2024 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.
The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.
More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.
Our Students’ Charter
We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.
Why Lancaster?
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League tables and reputation
A highly-ranked university with a global reputation.
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Your college will be your home away from home.
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