Luminescent Anion Receptors for High-Throughput Bioassays in Drug Discovery
Not stated
- Location
- Loughborough, United Kingdom
- Funding
- See university guidance
- Application deadline
About the project
- Luminescent Anion Receptors for High-Throughput Bioassays in Drug Discovery: Qualification(s) available: PhD
Qualification(s) available: PhD
- Entry requirements: 2:1 in Chemistry
- Fees for 2026-27 (per academic year): (Self-funded) UK: £5,238 International: £29,500
- Full-time: 3 years
- Start date: October 2026, February 2027, July 2027
- Application deadline: 1 February 2027
- Project reference: CM/SB-SF2/2026
- Location: Loughborough
- Subject area(s): Chemistry
Project details
The aim of this PhD project is to synthesise luminescent molecules that bind reversibly to target biological anions, which are produced during pharmaceutically important enzyme reactions. Anion binding to the molecular receptor will induce a luminescence response that enables measurement of enzyme activity in real time. The receptors will be developed into novel bioassays, enabling better selection and validation of new drug candidates at an early stage in drug discovery.
Full Project Detail
Enzymes that consume and produce nucleoside polyphosphate anions (e.g. kinases) represent a major target in cancer drug discovery. Many drugs act by inhibiting enzyme activity; therefore, to increase confidence in the selection of lead drug compounds, it is crucial that pharmaceutical companies have robust assays to measure enzyme activity accurately. Most existing assays require expensive, unstable antibodies or chemically modified substrates, which are time-consuming to prepare and place a strain on the drug development process.
The aim of this project is to develop molecular probes that bind reversibly to specific nucleoside polyphosphate anions (e.g. ADP), which are produced during pharmaceutically important enzyme reactions. Upon binding to the anion, the probe will provide a luminescent signal that enables precise measurement of enzyme (e.g. kinase) activity in real time.
The molecular probes developed in this project will provide a vital step towards the rapid, accurate determination of enzyme kinetics and mechanisms. This would enable better selection and validation of new drug candidates at an early stage in drug discovery, reducing effort pursuing compounds destined to fail at the more lengthy and costly development phases.
Strategies for promoting cellular uptake of the probes will be investigated to enable monitoring of biochemical processes in specific compartments of living cells. To achieve this, we will explore how changes to the structure and geometry of the molecular probes affect anion binding selectivity and cellular uptake behaviour.
This project is multidisciplinary in nature, spanning the areas of synthetic organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, and bioassay development. The student will gain excellent training in a range of techniques including organic synthesis, study of host–guest interactions using optical spectroscopy, bioassay development, and cellular imaging.
The student will be very well trained for roles in industry. Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly require scientists with a combination of synthetic and bioanalytical skills. Therefore, there are many potential employability options for the student.
94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. REF 2021
Supervisors
Stephen Butler
Ben Buckley (Secondary Supervisor)
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are listed using standard UK undergraduate degree classifications i.e. first-class honours, upper second-class honours and lower second-class honours. To learn the equivalent for your country, please choose it from the drop-down below.
Entry requirements for United Kingdom
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree in Chemistry. Experience in organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or chemical biology will be an advantage.
Afghanistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters | 95% | 85% | 70%
Albania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomë e Nivelit të Pare (First Level (University) Diploma (from 2010) | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8
Algeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (4 year) / Diplome d'Inginieur d'Etat / Diplôme d'Etudes Supérieures | 16 | 14 | 12
Argentina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura/ Licenciado (4 year) | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.0
Armenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavri Kochum required but typically a Magistrosi Kochum | 90% or 3.9 | 80% or 3.5 | 70% or 3.0
Australia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree (AQF level 8) | First Class, 80% | Upper Second, 70%, H2A | Lower Second, 60%, H2B
Ordinary degree - AQF Level 7 pass (mark 46 or 50) | High Distinction (80% or 85%) | Distinction (75% or 80%) | Distinction (70% or 75%)
Austria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree / Diplomstudium / Fachhochschuldiplom (Diplom (FH)) | A (or 1.5) mit Auszeichnungbestanden | 60% / B / (or 2) | 60% / B / (or 2)
Azerbaijan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr Diplomu/ Diplomu (Specialist Diploma) | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 80% | 3.5 or 70%
Bahamas
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Bahrain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
Bangladesh
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degrees awarded up to 2024: 4 Year Bachelor of Science in Engineering (IEB or BAETE accredited courses only) All other Bachelor degrees awarded up to 2024 also require a Masters (see grading below) | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Degrees awarded from 2025 onwards: Any 4 year Bachelor degree from an ECCTIS recognised university | 1st (70%) / 3.5 | 2nd (60%) / 3.0 | 2nd (55%) / 2.75
Masters (1-2 years) following a 3 or 4 year degree | 80% / 4.0 | 65% / 3.25 | 50% / 2.5
Barbados
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
University of the West Indies, Honours degree | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Barbados Community College | 1st or GPA 3.75 | 2:1 or GPA 3.5 | 2:2 or GPA 3.0
Belarus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Specialist Diploma (5Yr) | 9 | 7 | 5
Belgium
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree/Licenciaat/Licencie | 80% or 17 | 70% or 14 | 60% or 12
Belize
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Benin
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise | 18 | 15 or Bien | 12 or Assez Bien
Bermuda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of the West Indies only | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) | 2:2 (GPA 2.5)
Bolivia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
A Licenciado, 4 years Private (public/private) | 85/78 | 75/66 | 67/55
Bosnia and Herzegovina
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani | 10 | 9 | 8
Botswana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's degree | A or 80% | B or 70% | C or 60%
Brazil
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brazil - 4 yr Bacharel or Licenciado/Licenciatura or Título Profissional | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5
Brunei
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Brunei | First | Upper Second (60%/B/3.1) | Lower Second (50% or C or 2.5)
Bulgaria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 yr Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (Diploma of Completed Higher Education) | 6 | 5 | 4
Burundi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters or Diplôme d'Études Approfondies or Diplôme Ingénieur (professional title) | 18 | 15/20 (Bien) | 12.5/20 (Assez Bien)
Cambodia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters | 80% or B+ or 3.5 | 70% or B or 3.0 | 60% or C+ or 2.5
Cameroon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree or Diplome d'Etudes Superiures de Commerce or Diplome d'Ingenieur or Diplôme d'Ingénieur de Conception or a Maitrise, 4 year Licence or Master 1 (M1) | 1st / 3.6 or 15/Tres Bien | 2:1 / GPA 3.0 or 14 / Bien | 2:2 / GPA 2.5 or 12.5/ Assez Bien
Canada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0/Percentage | 3.7/85% | 3.3/75% | 2.7/68%
Out of 9 | 8 | 6 | 5
Out of 12 | 10 | 8 | 6
Chile
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Grado de Licenciado / Título (Profesional) de [subject area] (4 years) | 6 | 5.5 | 5
China
Students are required to have a bachelor degree (4 years) for entry to a postgraduate programme. The University uses a tiered ranking system to identify the required final mark, as outlined on the table below.
You can search for your institution (university or affiliated college) via our look-up tool .
First class (70%) | Mid 2:1 (65%) | 2:1 (60%) | Mid 2:2 (55%) | 2:2 (50%)
Tier 1 | 80% | 76% | 72% | 70% | 67%
Tier 2 | 83% | 79% | 75% | 73% | 70%
Tier 3 | 86% | 82% | 79% | 77% | 75%
Colombia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.2
Costa Rica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado | 9 | 8 or 80 | 7 or 75
Croatia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaureus / Prvostupnik | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.0
Cuba
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Titulo de Licenciado / Licenciatura | 5 | 4 | 3
Cyprus
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Cyprus | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.5
Czech Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (after 2001) 6 yr integrated Magistr | 1 | 1.5 | 2
Denmark
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Candidatus/Candidata Magisterii or Bachelor degree (7 point scale) | 12 | 10 | 7
Dominican Republic
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Licenciado or Título de [subject area] | 3.8 | Magna Cum Laude or 3.5 or 85% | Cum Laude or 3.2 or 82%
Ecuador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 8.5 / 85% | 8 / 80% | 7 / 70%
Egypt
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Egypt | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.8
Universities only | BA 90%, BSc 85% | BA 80%, BSc 75% | BA 65%, BSc 65%
El Salvador
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
5 year Licenciado, Título de Ingeniero/Arquitecto | 8.5, 85% | 7.5, 75% or Muy Bueno | 6.5, 65% or Bueno
Estonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalaureusekraad or Magister or Magistrikraad | 5 or 91% or A | 4 or 81% or B | 3 or 71% or C
Ethiopia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Masters (up to 2025) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
4-year Bachelor degree with thesis (from 2024) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
5-year Bachelor degree (from 2025) | A / GPA 4.0 | A / GPA 3.5 | B / GPA 2.8
Finland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidaattii/Kandidat or the Maisteri/Magister | 3 (out of 3) or 4.5 (out of 5) | 2 (out of 3) or 3 (out of 5) | 1 (out of 3) or 2.5 (out of 5)
France
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence (3 years)/ Maitrise/ Diplôme d'Ingénieur | 14 | 13 | 11
Georgia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year degree (% = new system) | 5 (95%) | 4.0 (85%) | 3.5 (75%)
Germany
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
German Bachelor/ Diplom, Magister Artium / Zeugnis über den Zweiten Abschnitt der Ärztlichen Prüfung | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.0
Ghana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Ghana | 65% / 3.4 GPA | 57% / 3.0 GPA | 50% / 2.5 GPA
Greece
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Universities | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6
TEI and non-University Institutions | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5
Grenada
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from University of West Indies - classification | 1st, 70% (GPA 3.6) | 2:1, 60% (GPA 3.00) | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Degree from University of West Indies - grade / percentage | A | B / 75% | C / 55%
Degree from University of West Indies - GPA | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.0
Guatemala
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Liceniado / Titulo de (subject area) - 4 years | 90% (public university) / 95% (private university) | 80% (public university) / 85% (private university) | 60% (public university) / 70% (private university)
Guyana
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | GPA 4 | GPA 3.5 | 3.0
Honduras
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Título de Licenciado / Grado Académico de Licenciatura (4 year degree) - GPA out of 5 | GPA 5 or 90% | GPA 4 or 80% | GPA 3.5 or 70%
Hong Kong
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor degree (Honours) | 1st or 3.5/4 | 2:1 or 3/4 | 2:2 or 2.5/4
Hungary
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Alapfokozt or Egyetemi Oklevel / Bachelor | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3
Iceland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Baccalaurreatus degree or Kandidatsprof/Candidatus Mag | 8.5 | 7.5 | 6.5
India
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Institutions listed on the National Institutional Ranking Framework | 61% | 55% | 50%
All other Indian institutions | 68% | 62% | 57%
Indonesia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Sarjana I (S1) from accredited Universities | 3.2 | 3.0 | 2.8
Iran
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iran | 17 | 15 | 13
Iraq
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Iraq | 80% | 75% | 70%
Ireland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Republic of Ireland | First (70%) | Upper second (60%) | Lower second (50%)
Israel
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
3 yr Bachelor Degree | 90% | 80% | 70%
Italy
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma di Laurea | 109/110 | 100/110 | 90/110
Ivory Coast
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures | 16 | 14 (Bien) | 12 (Assez Bien)
Jamaica
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by UCJ and CCCJ | 1st (GPA 3.6) | 2:1 (GPA 3.0) or B | 2:2, 50% (GPA 2.5)
Japan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Gakushi – GPA 4.0 scale | 85% or A or 3.5 | 80% or B or 3.0 | 70% or C or 2.0
Jordan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 or 3.5/5 or 75% | 2.5 (or 3.0/5) / 63%
Kazakhstan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 5.0/percentage scale | 4.5 or 90% | 4 or 85% | 3.5 or 80%
GPA 4.33 scale | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.2
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6
Kenya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kenya | First / 70% / A | Upper second / 60% / B | Lower second / 50% / C
Kosovo
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kosovo | 10 | 9 | 8
Kuwait
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.6
Latvia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Latvia | 9 | 7 | 6
Lebanon
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
American | 85% (3.5) | 75% (3.0) | 62% (2.6)
French | 18 | 15 | 12
Liberia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | 4.0 or 90% | 3.5 or 85% | 3 or 80%
Libya
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
BSc Engineering, Architecture, Medicine | 85 (3.6) | 75 (3.0) | 65 (2.5)
Other bachelor's degree from a university | 90 (4.0) | 85% (3.6) | 75% (3.0)
Lithuania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lithuania | 9 | 8 | 7
Luxembourg
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Luxembourg | 18 (excellent) | 16 (tres Bien) | 14 (bien)
Macau
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Macau | 1st or GPA 3.7 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5
Macedonia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Magistar Дипломиран / Баццалауреус / Баццалауреа (Bachelor degree) | 10 | 9 | 8
Malawi
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's only | MSc 75% | MSc 70% | MSc 65%
Malaysia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Classification | First Class | 2.1 | GPA 2.5
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8
Malta
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Malta | 1st (80%) | 2:1 (70%) | 2:2 (55%)
Mauritius
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mauritius | 1st or 70% | 2:1 or 60% | 2:2 or 50%
Mexico
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura / Licenciado/ Título (Profesional) de [subject area] | 8.5 | 8 | 7
Moldova
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenţă (Diploma of Licentiate) | 9 | 8 | 7
Mongolia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом Специалиста (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or 3.5 | 80% or GPA 3.2 | 70% or GPA 3.0
Montenegro
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma of Completed Undergraduate Studies or Diploma of Professional Undergraduate Studies | 10 (or 5.0) | 9 (or 4.5) | 8 (or 4.0)
Morocco
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplôme d'Ingénieur d'État, Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion, Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle | 16 | 14 | 12
Mozambique
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Mestrado/ Grau de Mastre | 16 | 14 | 12
Myanmar (Burma)
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
2 year Master's degree | 5 or 85% | 5 or 75% | 4.5 or 65%
Namibia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4-year Bachelor Honours (post 2008) or Masters | 80% or A | 70% or B | 60% or C
Nepal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 -year professional degree or Masters (after 3-year Bachelor degree) | 80% or 3.7 GPA | 65% or 3.3 GPA | 60% or 3.0 GPA
Netherlands
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Netherlands | 8 | 7 | 6
New Zealand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Honours degree (480 credits) - Level 8 | First (7.0) | Upper Second (6.0) | Lower Second (4.0)
3 Year degree (360 credits) - Level 7 | A+ (9.0) | A- (7.0) | B+ (6.0)
Nicaragua
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciatura (4 year) | 90% | 80% | 70%
Nigeria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
7 point Scale | 6 | 5 | 4
5 point scale | 4 | 3.4 | 2.7
4 point scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.5
Norway
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Norway | A / 1.8 | B / 2.3 | C / 3.0
Oman
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
Pakistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year degree only (the higher of the 2 options) | A- or GPA 3.7 | B or GPA 3.0 | C+ or GPA 2.6
2 or 3 year Bachelor or Associate Degree plus Masters | 1st (60%) plus GPA 3.7 | 2nd (55%) plus GPA 3.0 | 2nd (50%) plus GPA 2.6
Palestine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (4-years) | (85%) 3.5 | (80%) 3.0 | (70%) 2.5
Panama
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 91 (A) | 81 (B) | 71 (C)
Papua New Guinea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) Degree | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2
Paraguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 4.5 (85%) | 4 (80%) | 3.5 (75%)
Peru
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Year Título de Licenciado / Título de [subject area] | 14 | 13 | 12
Philippines
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Degree from prestigious state universities or Centres of Excellence (COE) | Summa Cum Laude 4.0 / 96% / 1.0 | Magna cum Laude 3.5 / 92% / 1.5 | Cum Laude 3.0 / 87%/ 2.0
Poland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree (post 2003) Magister (pre- 2003) | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Portugal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) or Licenciado | 18 | 16 | 14
Qatar
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.8
Romania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diploma de Licenta/ Diploma de Inginer | 9 | 8 | 7
Russia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalavr/Specialist Diploma/Magistr | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5
Rwanda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year bachelor (Hons) degree (480 credits) | 1st, 16/20 (80%) | 2:1,14/20 (70%) | 2:2, 12/20 (60%)
Saudi Arabia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.75 | 3.0
Senegal
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees | 16/20 or Tres Bien | 14/20 or Bien | 12/20 or Assez Bien
Serbia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Diplomirani/ Bachelor's degree | 9 | 8 | 7
Sierra Leone
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Honours degree or masters | 1st (70%) | 2:1 (60% or B) | 2:2 (50% or C)
Singapore
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Hons) | First | Upper second | Lower second
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.7 | 3.0 | 2.7
GPA 5.0 scale | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.0
Slovakia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bakalár (from 2005) Magister / Inzinier | 1.5 or B | 2.0 or C | 2.5 or C/high D
Slovenia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
University Diplom | 9 | 8 | 7
South Africa
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor (Honours) or B Tech after 4 yrs study | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 70% | 2:2 or 60%
South Korea
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA out of 4.5 | 3.8 / B+ | 3.2 / B | 2.8 / C+
GPA out of 4.3 | 3.8 / B+ | 2.9 / C+ | 2.7 / C+
Spain
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado / Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto | 8.5 | 7 | 6.5
UCM grading | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.5
Sri Lanka
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year Professional degree or Bachelor Special or Honours degree | 90%, GPA 3.70 | 80%, GPA 3.30 | 70%, GPA 3.0
Sudan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree | 1st, 70%, B+ | 2:1, 66% | mid 2:2, 60%, B
Sweden
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Kandidatexamen or Magisterexamen | Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 120 credits at VG | B or Overall grade of VG with a minimum of 90 credits at VG | C or Overall grade of G with a minimum of 90 credits at G
Switzerland
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Bachelor Degree, Diplom or Lizentiat (10/6/5) | 10 / 5.5 / 1 | 8 / 5 / 2 | 6 / 4 / 3
Syria
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
State universities 4 years of study | 80% | 70% | 60%
Private universities 4 years of study | 90% | 80% | 70%
Taiwan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 year degree | 76% 3.0 GPA | 70% 2.8 GPA | 65% 2.6 GPA
Tajikistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Диплом специалиста - Specialist Diploma | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Tanzania
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Tanzania | 1st | 2:1 | 2:2
Thailand
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.6
Trinidad and Tobago
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
For degrees studied at The University of West Indies or degrees accredited by ACTT | 1st or GPA 3.6 | 2:1 or GPA 3.0 | 2:2 or GPA 2.5
Tunisia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licence, Maîtrise, Diplôme National d'Ingénieu | 16 (tres bien) | 14 (bien) | 11 (assez bien)
Turkey
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Lisans Diplomasi or a Műhendis Diplomasi | 3.3 | 2.9 | 2.4
Turkmenistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
4 Yr Bakalavr, Specialist Diploma or Magistr | 5 | 4.5 | 4
Uganda
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Uganda | 1st or 4.4 | 2:1 or 3.8 | 2:2 or 3.0
Ukraine
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Dyplom Magistra or a Bachelors degree (11 / 5) | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5
United Arab Emirates
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.6
United States of America
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
GPA 4.0 scale | 3.5 | 3 | 2.6
Uruguay
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado (4 year) | 9 | 8 | 7
Uzbekistan
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Majistr Diplomi / Diplomi (Specialist Diploma) | 90% or GPA 4.5 | 80% or GPA 4.0 | 70% or GPA 3.5
Venezuela
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Licenciado/Professional title. (4 year) | 18/20 or 8/9 | 16/20 or 7/9 | 14/20 or 6/9
Vietnam
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
10-point scale | 8.0 | 7.0 | 6.0
4-point scale | 3.2 | 2.8 | 2.4
Zambia
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
Master's | A or 4.0 or 80% | B+, 3.5 or 70% | B or 3.0 or 60%
Zimbabwe
First-class honours (70%) | Upper second-class honours (60%) | Lower second-class honours (50%)
3/4 year degree | 1st or 75% | 2:1 or 65% | 2:2 or 60%
English language requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Further details are available on the International website .
UK fee
£5,238 Full-time degree per annum
International fee
£29,500 Full-time degree per annum
Fees for the 2026-27 academic year apply to projects starting in October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
How to apply
All applications should be made online . Under programme name, select Chemistry. Please quote the advertised reference number: CM/SBSF2/2026 in your application.
To avoid delays in processing your application, please ensure that you submit a CV and the minimum supporting documents .
The following selection criteria will be used by academic schools to help them make a decision on your application. Please note that this criteria is used for both funded and self-funded projects.
Please note, applications for this project are considered on an ongoing basis once submitted and the project may be withdrawn prior to the application deadline, if a suitable candidate is chosen for the project.
Contact us
- Call us +44 (0)1509 222 577
- Email us
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