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.
Fibre composites, typically comprised of carbon or glass fibres embedded in a polymer, are widely used in industry. This project will simulate polymer network formation in composites enabling the design of advanced composites and explore mechanisms for their end-of-life recycling.
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.
This project aims to develop a new computational tool, combining molecular simulations and machine learning approaches, to predict the solubility of complex pharmaceutical molecules in a variety of solvents.
The manufacture of sulfonated fluoropolymer electrolytes involves “forever chemicals”, which face increasing scrutiny over their ecological impact. Here, modified cellulose fibres and crystals will be explored as more sustainable alternatives for proton conduction in hydrogen fuel cells and water electrolyzers.
This project explores the feasibility of using short-chain acids from anaerobic fermentation as feedstocks for pure-culture fermentation, enabling bio-based chemical production from waste. It investigates microbial limitations, and optimised fermentation processes to support sustainable industrial biotechnology.
This project will build on previous work at the University of Strathclyde to model the development of microstructure in renewable and compostable semi-crystalline plastic films.
Imagination is a critical skill for innovative engineering and science. Science fiction explores the possible futures created by engineering and science. The project asks whether reading science fiction can enhance students' capabilities to apply creative ethical thinking to engineering challenges.
New carbon nanomaterials will be synthesised from sustainable precursors and tailored by activation, doping, and/or decoration. They will be explored as potential catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells with scope for other hydrogen-related applications.
This project focuses on converting organic waste into polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), a biodegradable biopolymer. Focusing on pure culture fermentation to produce PHA in a continuous integrated process.
This project will employ a wide range of physical and chemical methods to develop a new class of membrane materials for carbon dioxide conversion to fuels, chemicals and oxygen.
The project will investigate Machine Learning and Deep Learning approaches to extract and fuse multiple data streams from multi-sensor setups in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing through a combination of experimental work, data analytics and process simulation.
This project will employ a wide range of physical and chemical methods to develop a new class of energy conversion and storage materials via nanoengineering.
The proposed project aims to develop new technology for reforming syngas hydrocarbons to promote hydrogen production from biomass, it addresses the issues of global importance, which are committed to making a useful and positive contribution to clean energy challenges locally and globally.
Focussed on the development of novel sorption systems for water remediation, the project combines materials development, characterisation and testing for a range of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and heavy metal species.
Synthesis of nanostructured carbon materials in flames has advantages including favourable product purity. This project seeks to use in situ optical measurements to understand how to tune the synthesis conditions to finely manipulate the properties of the resulting carbon material.
Crystallisation is widely used for purification of pharmaceuticals. One of the main challenges is to control the process of crystal formation. This project will use simulations and experiments to understand and predict how surfaces and interfaces affect crystal formation.
The project will develop new knowledge to improve pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing using in-line optical spectroscopic technologies.
The project aims to develop real-time monitoring of microalgae cultivation in biophotoreactor using optical spectroscopic measurement for reliable and robust process understanding and control.
The proposed project aims to valorise wet biomass wastes for low cost production, it addresses the issues of global importance, which are committed to making a useful and positive contribution to social and environmental challenges locally and globally.
This project focuses on the electrochemical conversion of wet/aqueous waste biomass feedstocks into green hydrogen using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis process and redox mediating polyoxometalate catalyst.
Focused on the development of new sorbent materials, the project is aimed at optimising porous structures and chemical character to enhance gas separations to improve carbon capture methods.
This project will investigate novel redox couples for energy storage in flow batteries, with a focus on combining thermal energy storage in the electrolyte together with electrochemical energy. Candidates should have experience and interest in electrochemistry, batteries and flow cells, engineering of prototype systems as well as chemical synthesis.
This project uses molecular simulation and theory to examine the link between different features in the interactions between particles and their self-organisation to provide insights into how nanoparticles can be tuned to enable design of materials with specific structural properties.
The project aims to develop a machine learning framework to construct accurate mathematical representations of the thermodynamics of complex multicomponent mixtures. This will provide an automated system to specify the precise sequence of experiments that will most efficiently provide the information to continuously improve the accuracy of thermodynamic models.
This project researches how to optimise catalyst properties so they can be tailored for application. It requires a skilled graduate with a strong background in materials modelling and secure training in chemical engineering or cognate discipline.
This project aims at understanding and controlling secondary nucleation which plays a key role in many industrial crystallisation processes, bridging the gap from fundamental science to manufacturing processes, facilitating scale-up and process design of pharmaceutical crystallisation.
This project aims to develop a new multi-scale simulation model to describe the entire synthesis process of bio-inspired silica materials. The model will then be used to design an ideal material for carbon capture applications.
This project studies the application of advanced numerical and algorithmic methods based on mesoscopic formulation of the complex fluid boundary layer flow and the use of finite volume methods for computational fluid dynamics and Brownian methods for computational polymer dynamics for the solution of the corresponding equations.
How particles pack together to make stable structures has been addressed by scientists and engineers including Kepler, Coulomb and Maxwell. We will use computational models to obtain new insight relevant to chemical reactors, sediments, tablets, adsorbents and many other materials.
This project researches how to optimise renewable plastic properties so they can be tailored for application. It requires a skilled graduate with a strong background in materials modelling and secure training in chemical engineering or cognate discipline.
The purpose of this research is to use modelling and experiments to synthesise water superadsorbent materials with high capacity (>0.5 g/g) able to selectively separate it from mixtures of inorganic gases (CO2, N2, O2, CO).
The overall goal is to develop and investigate a new class of advanced materials with multifunctional properties to be used in microrobotics. Start date: 1 October 2025
John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS) doctoral studentships are available annually for excellent students and excellent research projects.
There are two main sources of funding:
The JARSS 2025/26 competition will open in October 2024 and students successful in this competition will commence studies in October 2025. Faculties will set their own internal deadlines for the competition.
Academics/Supervisors make the applications for this scheme and there are various deadlines across Departments and Faculties, therefore, in the first instance, all interested students should contact the Department where they would like to carry out their research.
You 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.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
| Scotland | £4,786 |
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| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £4,786 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International | £28,250 |
| Funding | Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information. You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities. |
| Postgraduate research opportunities | Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities. |
| Additional costs | Course materials & costsStudents are provided with lab coats, gloves, etc., and have an allocated budget to cover conference attendance, poster printing, etc. Students have access to print documents via the department's own printers. Placements & field tripsAllocated budget to help with placements and conference attendance. Students are also encouraged to apply for external support where available. International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. Other costsSome projects will have research costs in addition to the tuition fees. Assessment is made on a case by case basis. Applicants are informed at the point of offer that their project may incur bench fees and are sent a letter if a bench fee applies. Cost of binding two copies of the thesis and a CD copy (£26/copy, not including printing costs) at Cameron bookbinders. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
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.
| Name | Area of expertise |
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| Dr Edward Brightman |
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| Dr Iain Burns |
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| Dr Kate Dobson |
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| Prof Ashleigh Fletcher |
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| Dr Karen Johnston |
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| Dr Miguel Jorge |
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| Dr Demosthenes Kivotides |
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| Dr Jun Li |
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| Dr Leo Lue |
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As part of your PhD, you will be enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD).
This certificate is designed to enhance your research experience and recognize the skills and activities you develop as a research student.
It will help you build essential skills for both professional development and employability, including:
You will plan these activities alongside your doctoral studies, documenting and reflecting on 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 offers a vibrant, student-centred research and training environment, dedicated to supporting both current and future research talent.
Bringing together all four of our faculties, it is committed to enhancing the student experience, increasing research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring that training is delivered at the highest standard.
As a postgraduate researcher, you will automatically become a member of the Strathclyde 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.
Strathclyde, being one of the top universities, has students from all around the world, with varying experiences. This makes studying at Strathclyde more enjoyable and has helped me learn and make great friends with people from all walks of life. The dedication lecturers and staff show towards students is commendable and everyone in Strathclyde is friendly, supportive and helpful.
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.
My research is on combustion diagnostics. Precisely on diode laser spectroscopy for laminar flame studies focussing on cavity-enhanced absorption for detection of acetylene. Acetylene is a major precursor in the formation of soot, and soot is a known carcinogen and contributes to climate change.
I would wholeheartedly recommend Strathclyde to others. The university's commitment to academic excellence, diverse and inclusive community, and the ample opportunities for personal and professional growth make it an ideal choice for aspiring individuals.
There's an abundance of resources available, including quiet study rooms and collaborative group spaces. There's also access to excellent sports facilities, computer labs, and departmental labs.
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. 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.
A 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.
Find out if you need an ATAS certificate.
Do you have any questions about the application or studying with us? Take a look at our PhD Applicant Frequently Asked Questions.
Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5306
Email: chemeng-pg-admissions@strath.ac.uk
James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
| Scotland | £5,006 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £5,006 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International | £31,100 |
| Funding | Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information. You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities. |
| Postgraduate research opportunities | Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities. |
| Additional costs | Course materials & costsStudents are provided with lab coats, gloves, etc., and have an allocated budget to cover conference attendance, poster printing, etc. Students have access to print documents via the department's own printers. Placements & field tripsAllocated budget to help with placements and conference attendance. Students are also encouraged to apply for external support where available. International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. Other costsSome projects will have research costs in addition to the tuition fees. Assessment is made on a case by case basis. Applicants are informed at the point of offer that their project may incur bench fees and are sent a letter if a bench fee applies. Cost of binding two copies of the thesis and a CD copy (£26/copy, not including printing costs) at Cameron bookbinders. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
