PhD in Chemistry (2024 Entry)
Find out more about our Chemistry PhD.
A PhD in Chemistry enables you to carry out a unique research project and write outstanding scientific papers and a thesis. You will join a community of leading Chemistry research groups and utilise Warwick’s specialist facilities to produce an original contribution to science.
Course overview
A PhD in Chemistry will give you an opportunity to devote up to four years conducting full-time research, addressing real-world problems in an area of your choice. Find a supervisor in the tab below and let us know what areas you would like to research. You write up a thesis at the end of your studies. In some cases, the project may be carried out in collaboration with an external sponsor, for example industry. Warwick offers comprehensive training in transferable skills, access to taught modules, and a supportive research environment.
To contact the department directly with any questions please email chem-postgraduate at warwick dot ac dot uk.
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related subject.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band A
- IELTS overall score of 6.5, minimum component scores not below 6.0.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Our research
Established ground-breakers and highly talented early-career researchers unite to deliver internationally excellent and world-class research across chemical science with 100% of our research judged world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.
Through close collaboration with the wider STEM community, our fundamental chemistry challenges the frontiers of knowledge for tomorrow whilst impactful research tackles the issues of today. Ambitious entrepreneurism and effective routes to real-world application ensures benefits to academia, industry, and society.
With ongoing investment into state-of-the art research and education facilities and infrastructure, we sit firmly at the forefront of science globally, both now and in the future as we grow to meet the rising demands for flexible, world-class innovation.
Current research themes include:
- Chemical, Structural and Synthetic Biology
- Materials and Polymers
- Synthesis and Catalysis
- Measurement and Modelling
You can find out more information about each theme on our website.
You can also read our general University research proposal guidanceLink opens in a new window to help guide you in articulating your research question.
Find a supervisor
Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you’d like to research.
Explore our Chemistry Staff Directory where you will be able to filter by:
- Research Theme
- Research Specialism
- Global Challenge
You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Find your research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Chemistry at Warwick
Do you share our enthusiasm for chemistry and its applications, from medicine to renewable energy?
We are one of the UK’s top chemistry providers, highly-ranked for both teaching and research. Our courses will offer you an excellent all-round experience that allows you to explore and follow your curiosity.
The skills you will develop will equip you to pursue a future career in a number of industries with a number of employers.
Find out more about our research students’ careers and destinations on our website.
Find out more about us on our websiteLink opens in a new window
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
We offer non-accredited and Royal Society of Chemistry accredited course routes, depending on your career aspirations.
- Analytical and Polymer Science (MSc)
- Analytical Sciences and Instrumentation (MSc)
- Chemistry with Scientific Writing (MSc)
- Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
- Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Policy) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
- Global Decarbonisation and Climate Change (Science) (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)
- Polymer Chemistry (MSc)
- Polymer Science (MSc)
- Scientific Research and Communication (MSc)
Our Postgraduate Research courses
How to apply
Applications are now open for courses that start in September and October 2025.
For research courses that start in September and October 2025 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2025. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.
How to apply for a postgraduate research course
After you’ve applied
Find out how we process your application.
Applicant Portal
Track your application and update your details.
Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
Join a live chat
Ask questions and engage with Warwick.
Explore ways to connect with us
We understand how important it is to visit and explore your future university before you apply. That's why we have put together a range of online and in-person options to help you discover more about your course, visit campus, and get a sense of postgraduate life at Warwick. Our events offer includes:
- Warwick hosted events
- Postgraduate Fairs
- Live chats
- Talk and Tours
- Department events