Our research uses advances in science and mathematics to develop solutions to challenges faced by industry and society. These challenges include manufacturing medicines, delivering clean water and providing renewable energy.
We research areas from the controlled assembly of nanostructured materials to the design of advanced reactors, and from combating global warming with novel energy storage and gas separation technology to understanding protein aggregation in degenerative diseases.
We have strong links with other engineering and science departments both within Strathclyde and externally. We also work with many industrial partners.
With this project, we propose an investigation into a variety of flow configurations driven by gravity (buoyancy convection) at very high temperatures and/or driving temperature gradients
A 36-month full-time, fully funded Strathclyde/NPL/Synaptec PhD Studentship with the aim to investigate a range of electrical, mechanical, photonic and materials science aspects of hybrid fibre-optic voltage and current sensors in order to drive the limits of their measurement performance in smart grid applications.
This project will identify promising biodegradable polymers and filler particles that can be obtained from renewable or waste streams. Computer simulations will be used to design biodegradable polymer composites to replace non-biodegradable plastics in applications using oil-based polymers.
This modelling and simulation study will investigate the complex processes that occur when foam, rather than water, is used as a carrier for fibres during papermaking, with a view towards reducing the overall water footprint of the paper production process.
The aim of the project is to develop coarse-grained mesoscale models of synthesis solutions from higher-level quantum chemistry and atomistic simulations, then apply them to predict the structure of porous materials.
This project proposes the development of novel sorbent materials for the removal of persistent organic species, identified as emergent pollutants, from water process streams, including groundwater supplies.
The application of gel materials is linked to their unique characteristics, which can be manipulated through control of the synthetic procedure used; by further understanding the underpinning science of gel formation, these materials can be extended to new frontiers.
The project will develop advanced control solution for the optimisation of torrefaction process.
The aim of this project is to use computer simulations to investigate the effect of a surface on polymer polymorph formation, for applications in polymer thin films or polymer composites.
The purpose of this project is to apply a formulation to polymeric turbulent boundary layer flows and, in this way, to make some first, yet decisive, steps in the physics and algorithmics of fully-coupled polymeric boundary layer turbulence.
The research is a co-operation with researchers at California Institute of Technology, and will pioneer superfluid flow-structure interactions with are of key importance in technological and astronomical applications.
Secondary nucleation of crystals using a ‘seed’ crystal is poorly understood phenomenon in pharmaceutical manufacturing. This project is a novel investigation of how microscopic mechanical disturbance of the seed promotes secondary nucleation, using a particle manipulated with an optical tweezer.
Many applications rely on structured films and membranes, such as selective filters, adsorbents, and biological systems. The project will use computer modelling to analyse how particles with complex interactions aggregate to form films with complex structure and complex time-evolution.
This project will utilise molecular dynamics simulation, exploiting the ARCHIE_WeSt supercomputer at Strathclyde to understand how the inhibitors interact with protein aggregates; how they interfere with the nucleation and growth pathway of the fibrils, and if aggregation can be reversed.
The project will focus on the applications of latest Small-angle X-ray scattering system in CMAC (EPSRC Centre of excellence in continuous manufacturing and crystallisation) to provide mechanistic understanding of interparticle interaction in dense system under repulsive or attractive interactions.
In this project, the student will be involved in an industrial funded project to develop and use spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) and spatially resolved diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (SR-DRS) for obtaining insight into sub-surface powder drying behaviour.
This project will combine recent theories for the influence of charge correlations on the structure of the electric double layer with a simple quantum description of charge transfer to to develop a new model for electrochemical reactions.
This ambitious project attempts to build a single, unified description of complex fluids that incorporates molecular-level detail but can be applied on a wide range of length and time scales that extends to the continuum scale.
The project aims to develop new models for predicting the performance of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in adsorption applications and in computational design of nanoporous silica materials, as well as obtaining experimental insight into the synthesis of MOFs.
This modelling and simulation study will investigate the processes by which an aggregate or floc within a solid-liquid wastewater suspension densifies (i.e. becomes more compact) as the suspension is subjected to shear, such densification facilitating the wastewater treatment separation process.
This project investigates how crystals nucleate and how fluid flows can be used to influence crystallisation, using cutting edge experimental facilities, including high speed high resolution imaging, Brownian microscopy, static and dynamic light scattering and small angle X-ray scattering.
This project will investigate behavioural and performance characteristics of students when working in Problem-Based and Enquiry-based learning activities in order to elucidate the link between the use of these approaches and the development of learner’s autonomy.
This project will investigate the relationship between human responses and major safety incidents in the process industries, in particular in the oil and gas industry, and the context in which these occur (e.g. company safety culture, Process Safety Management Systems).
This project aims to develop sustainable, integrated and efficient approaches to biomass heating amidst barriers, opportunities and uncertainties. The different pathways and contributions to heat decarbonisation will be examined using systems thinking approach and life cycle sustainable assessment framework.
This project will utilise modelling and experimental tools to understand dewatering and drying characteristics of various organic wastes. This project will lead to the development of novel drying technologies for organic feedstocks and thermal applications.
Quantum Chemistry and Molecular Dynamics calculations will be carried out to explore the mechanism and kinetics of lignocellulosic biomass processing and the conversion of waste into valuable products.
In this project, an integrated system will be designed and developed to ensure efficient generation of liquid transportation fuels whilst maximising the value of biomass into value-added chemicals by controlling structure and functionality as they form.
Students can study towards an MPhil in one year or a PhD in three to four years. You can study either option in any of our key areas of research:
There are also opportunities to research engineering education and knowledge exchange.
The Department of Chemical & Process Engineering hosts a busy outreach group called ReallySmallScience. It visits schools and takes part in public events throughout the year. As a PhD student, you can volunteer to take part in activities to inspire the next generation of chemical engineers and turn your research into an engaging activity for all.
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
| Scotland/EU | TBC* |
|---|---|
| Rest of UK | TBC* |
| International | £20,900 |
| Funding | Find out about funding opportunities through our scholarship search. |
| Postgraduate research opportunities | Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
*Fees have not yet been set by research councils.
Our research applies advances in science and mathematics to develop solutions to challenges faced by industry and society, such as manufacturing medicines, delivering clean water and providing renewable energy.
We research areas from controlled assembly of nanostructured materials to design of advanced reactors, and from combating global warming with novel energy storage and gas separation technology to understanding protein aggregation in degenerative diseases.
Find out more about our research
Research supervisors are assigned to you by the Department of Chemical & Process Engineering. Let us know in your application who you'd like to work with but the department will team you up with the best supervisor for your project.
Once we've received your application, your research proposal is passed to potential supervisors for consideration. If it's not compatible with the researcher's current projects and they are unable to supervise, it's passed along to another for consideration. If they can supervise you, they will confirm and nominate a potential second supervisor.
As soon as a second supervisor is confirmed, an offer will be sent to you through Pegasus, our online application system.
When you accept our offer of study, you'll receive a full offer in writing via the email address you'll have provided.
As part of your PhD degree, you'll be enrolled on the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD).
This certificate is designed to support you with your research and rewards you for things you'll do as a research student here.
It'll help you improve skills which are important to professional development and employability:
All you have to do is plan these activities alongside your doctorate, documenting and reflecting your journey to success along the way.
The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation.
From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have a wide range of support for all students here at Strathclyde. Get all the information you need at Strathlife.
The Strathclyde Doctoral School provides a vibrant and comprehensive student-centred research and training environment in order to grow and support current and future research talent. The School encompasses our four faculties and is committed to enriching the student experience, intensifying research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring training is at the highest level. As a postgraduate researcher, you'll automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.
Find out more about the Doctoral School
Strathclyde has a long history of collaborations with other universities and research groups which results in pioneering research with the involvement of experts around the world. From day one I have received support and encouragement from the University, my Department and my supervisors.
I have really appreciated how much encouragement I have been given to travel during my PhD studies, and have been lucky enough to take part in a number of overseas knowledge exchange programmes and conferences. The Department’s environment is also very supportive, with a number of lecturers available for discussion and advice whenever you need them.
I really enjoy the mixed international and local character of Strathclyde, which enables you to get to meet and become friends with other students, not only from Scotland but from all over the world. The atmosphere within the Department is very friendly and there’s always someone you can approach if you are struggling either with your work or with other issues.
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Our campus is based in the very heart of Glasgow, Scotland's largest city. National Geographic named Glasgow as one of its 'Best of the World' destinations, while Rough Guide readers have voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city! And Time Out named Glasgow in the top ten best cities in the world - we couldn't agree more!
We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.
Find out what some of our students think about studying in Glasgow!
Find out all about life in GlasgowRead our step-by-step guide on how to submit your application.
How to applyA first-class or upper second-class Honours degree in a relevant engineering/science discipline, or a suitable equivalent qualification.
If English isn't your first language, you'll also need to have a recent UKVI-recognised Secure English Language Test (SELT) qualification.
During the application you'll be asked for the following:
By filling these details out as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay to your application being processed by the University.
Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we ask.
If you're applying as a UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.
An ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate is a mandatory requirement for some postgraduate students in science, engineering and technology.
You can apply for a postgraduate research degree at any point in the year.
All you have to do is complete an online application.
Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5319
Email: chemeng-pg-admissions@strath.ac.uk
James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ
