Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD

at University of Surrey

Your final assessment will be based on the presentation of your research in a written thesis, which will be discussed in a viva examination with at least two examiners. You have the option of preparing your thesis as a monograph (one large volume in chapter form) or in publication format (including chapters written for publication), subject to the approval of your supervisors.

The professional development of postgraduate researchers is supported by the Doctoral College, which provides training in essential skills through its Researcher Development Programme of workshops, mentoring and coaching. A dedicated postgraduate Careers and Employability team will help you prepare for a successful career after the completion of your PhD.
 

Research themes
 

There are four main research themes: 
 

• Formulation and healthcare engineering

• Information and process systems engineering

• Sustainable energy and materials

• Sustainable water and wastewater processing.
   

We also participate in research with the Department of Chemistry in energy and materials and health and food themes.

Within these themes, our research looks at: 

• Development and modelling of novel nanomaterials for solid oxide fuel cells, electrolysers, batteries and super-capacitors 

• New generation of solar cells and membranes technology, custom-made catalysts for environmental and photocatalytic applications 

• Biorefining, design and optimisation of the bioenergy supply chain 

• Particulate materials manufacturing for pharmaceutical, food and minerals industry 

• Multiphase flow, process modelling and optimisation using coupled DEM-CFD and FEM 

• Particle mechanical property characterisation, powder flow and compaction, granulation and mechanistic modelling 

• In vitro and in silico models for biological systems at molecular, cellular and organ levels 

• Computation oncology and modelling radiotherapy 

• Oral processes of food and pharmaceutical products 

• Product structure and properties interplay with bio-substrate response 

• Industrial symbiosis, optimisation and decision making 

• Whole systems hierarchical modelling based on massive spatial-temporal data and time points 

• Innovative waste water processing and recycling, including forward osmosis 

• Use of ultrasonics to promote chemical and physical processing 

• Membrane filtration and synthesis.

Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good Masters degree (distinction normally required).

To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:1, you must achieve at least 60% or 65% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

To apply for one of our postgraduate courses that require a UK 2:2, you must achieve at least 55% or 60% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

For courses that require a UK first-class degree to be eligible for a scholarship, you must achieve at least 65% or 70% in the final two years of your undergraduate study depending on the institution you have completed your degree.

IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each element.

Full-time
 

• UK          £4,596
   
• Overseas     £23,400