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.
This project will take experimental and/or simulation approach to understand how to manipulate surface dipole layers and dispersion interactions to control nucleation rate and the direct formation of a particular polymorph.
Filtration and washing of pharmaceutical products is classically undertaken empirically. This project will use nano-computed tomography (nano-CT), a high-resolution cross-sectional imaging technique to track the progress of washing at high resolution in real time.
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.
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.
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.
Focussed on understanding the impact of teaching strategies within a chemical engineering programme to both evaluate current acquisition of industry-ready graduate attributes with a view to informing educational changes required to best support student development.
This project is to develop and assess modelling methods to obtain a deeper insight into the physico-chemical processes of biomass conversion.
This project will undertake studies on the processes and technology required to convert biomass waste into a range of hydrocarbons. This research project requires both modelling and experimental studies to analyse the waste to energy process and the fuel properties of hydrocarbons and chemicals produced.
This PhD project will use surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to probe the early stages of crystal nucleation.
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.
Soils, catalysts, tablets, dunes: all are packings of particles. Whether a packing is stable or collapses is a key question in nature and industry. The project uses computational methods to explore what features of a packing’s microstructure makes it stable.
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.
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 modelling and simulation study will investigate processes that occur when foam injection is used to displace fluids from an oil reservoir, and in particular what happens as the foam front changes direction as additional injection wells are brought online.
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 aims to enhance the understanding of point-source detection of microplastic fragments using spectrophotometry and chemometric methods.
The PhD study will explore conceptual, theoretical, and experimental approaches in biomass utilisation and thermochemical conversion to develop innovative energy solutions and/or processes as well as a circular economy concept for resource recovery.
This project aims to optimise the functionality of antimicrobial chitosan films through a fundamental understanding of the interactions between chitosan and the substrate.
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.
The project involves the development of a pilot scale reactor with instrumentation that will enable the interrogation and optimisation an electroforming process. Both scientific and statistical techniques will be employed to interpret process data enabling process control.
This project aims to develop embedded optical fibre sensors for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells to characterise catalyst degradation mechanisms under realistic operating conditions.
This project aims to develop a new process for hydrogen production using biomass electrolysis.
This PhD project will take a combined experimental and simulation approach to understand the nucleation of sodium sulfate at different rock surfaces.
Drug Discovery
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 | £4,407 |
|---|---|
| Rest of UK | £4,407 |
| 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)141 548 2835
Email: chemeng-pg-admissions@strath.ac.uk
James Weir Building, 75 Montrose Street, Glasgow, G1 1XJ
