Queen's University Belfast

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Chemistry

• Chemistry: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PhD
• Overview
• Course content
• Projects (14)
• Entry Requirements
• Fees and Funding
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Overview

The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering aims to promote sustainable processes and materials to meet the energy and healthcare demands of the future. The School is expanding rapidly and this is creating many new and exciting research opportunities with over £15m being invested to develop and expand the core research areas of catalysis, biological and medicinal chemistry, and materials. Mode of study / duration Registration is on a full-time or part-time basis, under the direction of a supervisory team appointed by the University. You will be expected to submit your thesis at the end of three years of full-time registration for PhD, or two years for MPhil (or part-time equivalent). Mode of Study is on campus.

Subject Summary

Your research will develop and expand our core areas of Sustainability and Healthcare and our goals are to use chemistry and chemical engineering to create a greener and healthier future for us all. Our areas of interest include adventurous research at the cutting edge of catalysis (where chemistry meets other disciplines, especially engineering, innovative Molecular Materials and Functional Materials), ionic liquid technology (‘super solvents' which do not form vapours and can be used as non-polluting alternatives to conventional solvents) and Synthesis and Biological Organic Chemistry (working to deliver compounds addressing the regulation of cellular functions).

Key Facts

QUB is a member of the Russell Group of the UK’s 24 leading research-intensive universities.

• QUB is ranked 199th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2026 QUB is ranked =13th in the UK for research intensity QUB is ranked 9th in the UK for Graduate Prospects – Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2026)
• Over 99% of Queen’s research environment was assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF2021 88% of research submitted by Queen’s has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent in REF2021
• 83% of Research Impact case studies by the School has been assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent REF2021, placing it among the top UK universities for Research Impact

Research Information

Associated Research Much of our research falls under the broad headings of Healthcare and Sustainability, examples of recent funded projects include development of novel antibiotics and reduction of single use plastics. The School also leads the EU-funded Bryden Centre for renewable energy research, the industry-led Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) as well as our world-leading QUILL ionic liquids research centre. Students trained in our School are equipped with the skills that allow them to go out and make a real difference in the world. Our areas of interest include adventurous research at the cutting edge of catalysis (where chemistry meets other disciplines, especially engineering, innovative Molecular Materials and Functional Materials), ionic liquid technology (‘super solvents' which do not form vapours and can be used as non-polluting alternatives to conventional solvents) and Synthesis and Biological Organic Chemistry (working to deliver compounds addressing the regulation of cellular functions). QUILL (Queen's University Ionic Liquid Laboratories): the largest multidisciplinary research group in the world centred on ionic liquid technology, whose work on ‘super solvents' (which do not form vapours and can be used as non-polluting alternatives to conventional solvents) was voted ‘Most Important British Innovation of the 21st Century' in 2013. All of our research groups have significant links with researchers and other institutions globally, and there are opportunities for collaboration and study visits, etc. We have extensive links with industry, meaning that employment prospects for our graduates are excellent. Much of our research is interdisciplinary, and our students can broaden their experience and knowledge by working with researchers from other disciplines (eg biologists, physicists).

Career Prospects

Introduction For further information on career opportunities at PhD level please contact the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Student Recruitment Team on askEPS@qub.ac.uk. Our advisors - in consultation with the School - will be happy to provide further information on your research area, possible career prospects and your research application.

Professor John Holbrey Director of Postgraduates Chemistry&Chemical Engineering Email: J.Holbrey@qub.ac.uk

Learning and Teaching

Project name | School | Funding | Subject | Status | Sort | Timestamp

CITI-GENS DTP: Machine-learning based design of light-driven biocatalysts for sustainable production of high-value industrial products School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Biocatalyst, Photoenzyme, Biomanufacture, Machine learning, Biosynthesis Dr Meilan Huang Supervisor Dr Meilan Huang Funding Funded Horizon 2020 (EU) and Department of the Economy Application deadline 10 July 2020 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1594339200

CITI-GENS DTP: Overcoming Enzyme Poisoning in Bioprocesses School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Biocatalysis, Pharmaceuticals, Bioprocesses, Enzymes, Materials, Solvents Dr Andrew Marr Supervisor Dr Andrew Marr Funding Funded Horizon 2020 (EU) and Department of the Economy Application deadline 10 July 2020 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1594339200

CITI-GENS DTP: New tools for new antibiotic targets – The development of novel probes for mechanistic studies on bacterial glycolipid-processing enzymes School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Antimicrobials, enzyme mechanisms, chemical probes, macromolecular X-ray crystallography, antibiotic Professor Stephen Cochrane Supervisor Professor Stephen Cochrane Funding Funded Horizon 2020 (EU) and Department of the Economy Application deadline 10 July 2020 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1594339200

DEVELOPMENT OF NOVEL MULTI-PURPOSE 3D PRINTED OPTICAL SENSORS School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Andrew Mills Supervisor Professor Andrew Mills Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 22 February 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1613952000

3D printed indicator strips for commercial wound dressings and other healthcare products School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Andrew Mills Supervisor Professor Andrew Mills Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 22 February 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1613952000

Sustainable Polymer Chemistry of High-Performance Materials by Mechanochemistry School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Stuart James Supervisor Professor Stuart James Funding Funded Industry Funded Application deadline 22 February 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1613952000

Decentralised reprocessing of organic waste as a source of protein for artificial meat production School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 22 February 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1613952000

Functional Fluids for Low-Cost Hydrogen Production School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Dr Jillian Thompson Supervisor Dr Jillian Thompson Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 22 February 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1613952000

IONIC LIQUIDS AND FRUSTRATED LEWIS PAIRS School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Supervisor Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 19 March 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1616112000

IONIC LIQUIDS AND FRUSTRATED LEWIS PAIRS School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor John Holbrey Supervisor Professor John Holbrey Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 19 March 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1616112000

ACIDIC IONIC LIQUIDS AS CATALYSTS FOR THE VALORISATION OF WASTE PLASTIC RESOURCES School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Supervisor Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 22 February 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1613952000

ACIDIC IONIC LIQUIDS AS CATALYSTS FOR THE VALORISATION OF WASTE PLASTIC RESOURCES School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor John Holbrey Supervisor Professor John Holbrey Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 22 February 2021 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1613952000

Research in Mechanochemistry School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Mechanochemistry, twin screw extrusion, solvent-free synthesis, mechanisms Professor Stuart James Supervisor Professor Stuart James Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Research in Porous Liquids School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Porous liquids, MOFs, zeolites, hosts, gases Professor Stuart James Supervisor Professor Stuart James Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Synthesis of novel antimicrobials to kill multidrug-resistant bacteria School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD antimicrobials, resistance, synthetic organic chemistry, peptides Professor Stephen Cochrane Supervisor Professor Stephen Cochrane Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Mechanistic Insights into Metal Catalysed Carbene Cross Coupling Reactions School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Homogeneous catalysis, mechanism, kinetics, computational chemistry Dr Paul Dingwall Supervisor Dr Paul Dingwall Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Modified vaccine adjuvants - synthesis and delivery School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Nucleic acids, vaccine adjuvants, mRNA cap analogues, RALA, Chemistry, Pharmacy Dr Joseph Vyle Supervisor Dr Joseph Vyle Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Synthesis of Enantiopure Cyclic Vinyl Sulfoximines School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Organic synthesis, sulfoximines, enantioselective, catalysis, heterocycles, medicinal chemistry Dr Peter Knipe Supervisor Dr Peter Knipe Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Closed | 2

Integrating molecular memories with molecular logic School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Supramolecular chemistry, Molecular logic, Molecular computation, Fluorescent sensors Professor AP de Silva Supervisor Professor AP de Silva Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Closed | 2

Levoglucosenone: a versatile and sustainable intermediate for asymmetric synthesis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Levoglucosenone; biomass; cellulose; valorisation; asymmetric synthesis Dr Gary Sheldrake Supervisor Dr Gary Sheldrake Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Closed | 2

Using Nanoparticles for Trace Detection in the Real World School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Raman, sensors, diagnostic, nanoparticles, nanoscience, SERS Professor Steven Bell Supervisor Professor Steven Bell Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Closed | 2

Breaking BaD School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Ultracold hydrogen, laser cooling, quantum chemistry, molecular photochemistry, atomic physics Dr Ian Lane Supervisor Dr Ian Lane Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Selective capture of cancer cells in biological fluids School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Cancer, diagnostics, sensors, molecular imprinting Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Biopolymers recovered from organic waste as sorbents for mitigation of ammonia emissions School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Nutrients, environment, ammonia, emissions, sustainability Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Novel functional monomers for polymer-based receptors: a computational approach School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Supramolecular chemistry, molecular recognition, molecular imprinting, computational chemistry Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Rapid recovery and recycling of valuable homogeneous catalysts using molecularly imprinted polymers as affinity separation phases School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Supramolecular chemistry, molecular recognition, imprinting, organocatalysis, flow chemistry Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Environmentally friendly preparation of metallodrugs School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Coordination Chemistry, Mechanochemistry, Anticancer drugs Dr Cristina Lagunas Supervisor Dr Cristina Lagunas Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Computer-aided design of novel enzymes as biocatalysts School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Biocatalysis, pharmaceutical, enzyme, catalysts Dr Meilan Huang Supervisor Dr Meilan Huang Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Liquid Coordination Complexes for the Synthesis of Semiconductor Nanoparticles School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Chemistry, inorganic, materials, nanoparticle, sustainability, solar energy Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Supervisor Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 25 February 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1645747200

Sustainable materials and processes for nutrient recovery and recycling School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Chemistry, biopolymer, sustainability, analytical Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 25 February 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1645747200

Development of new Indicator technologies for anaerobic microbes School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Chemistry, sensors, environmental monitoring Professor Andrew Mills Supervisor Professor Andrew Mills Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 8 April 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1649376000

Boron and Frustrated Lewis Pairs in Supported Ionic Liquid Phases: An Interdisciplinary Study of New Metal-Free Catalysts School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Chemistry, inorganic, physical, sustainability, catalysis Professor John Holbrey Supervisor Professor John Holbrey Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 25 February 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1645747200

Engineered Nanomaterials for Selective Targeting of Cancer-Associated Sialoglycans School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Chemistry, biology, cancer, therapeutics, diagnostics, glycans, nanoparticles, biopyshics Dr Seyed Tabaei Supervisor Dr Seyed Tabaei Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 22 April 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1650585600

Developing new palladium oxidation catalysts School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, oxidation, catalysts, synthetic, analytical, reaction engineering Professor Mark Muldoon Supervisor Professor Mark Muldoon Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 25 February 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1645747200

Axially Chiral Salts for Sensing and Catalysis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Chemistry, synthesis, catalysis, chiral sensing Dr Peter Knipe Supervisor Dr Peter Knipe Funding Funded Department for Economy Application deadline 25 February 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1645747200

SeAFEED: Seaweed Bioactives supplemented animal feeds. Green Chemistry Methods of Seaweed Extraction School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Green & Sustainable Chemistry, Synthesis, Natural Product Extraction, Ionic Liquids, Agriculture Dr Andrew Marr Supervisor Dr Andrew Marr Funding Funded DAERA Application deadline 31 July 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1659225600

Synthesis of novel liquid crystalline materials School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD synthetic Chemistry, organic chemistry, liquid crystals Dr Peter Knipe Supervisor Dr Peter Knipe Funding Funded DfE through the US-Ireland R&D partnership Application deadline 22 August 2022 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1661126400

Catalytic Methods for Late-Stage Oxidation Reactions School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, oxidation, functionalisation Professor Mark Muldoon Supervisor Professor Mark Muldoon Funding Funded DfE CAST Award Application deadline 24 February 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1677196800

Innovative technologies for sustainable production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, manufacturing, active pharmaceutical ingredients, sustainable, circular economy, Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Funded DfE CAST Award Application deadline 24 February 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1677196800

Mechanistic Investigations in Homogeneous Catalysis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, homogeneous catalysis, sustainability Dr Paul Dingwall Supervisor Dr Paul Dingwall Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 24 February 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1677196800

New tools for new antibiotic targets – The development of novel probes for mechanistic studies on bacterial glycolipid-processing enzymes School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, synthesis, antibiotic, glycolipids Professor Stephen Cochrane Supervisor Professor Stephen Cochrane Funding Funded DfE CAST Award Application deadline 21 April 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1682035200

Parametric study of electrolyte flow in 3D-printed operando redox flow cells School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Chemistry, Engineering, Redox, Battery Cells. Inorganic, Materials, Analytical Professor Peter Nockemann Supervisor Professor Peter Nockemann Funding Funded DfE CAST Award Application deadline 21 April 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1682035200

Design and Synthesis of Sustainable Electrolytes for Redox Flow Batteries Based on Abundant Metals School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, chemical engineering, batteries, sustainability, DFT, redox Professor Peter Nockemann Supervisor Professor Peter Nockemann Funding Funded DfE CAST Award Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

CO2 Capture from Commercial Flue Gas Process Streams School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, carbon capture, sustainability, ionic liquids Dr Leila Moura Supervisor Dr Leila Moura Funding Funded DfE CAST Award Application deadline 24 February 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1677196800

Towards a net zero society: transforming carbon dioxide into fuels using electricity and light School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Dr Paul Kavanagh Supervisor Dr Paul Kavanagh Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 24 February 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1677196800

Understanding mechanochemistry for applications in sustainable agrochemical and pharmaceutical synthesis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, mechanochemistry, synthesis Professor Stuart James Supervisor Professor Stuart James Funding Funded Industry funded project Application deadline 24 February 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1677196800

Direct Synthesis of Electron-Deficient Olefins School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD cyanoacrylates; adhesives; continuous flow; organic synthesis; spectroscopy; superglue Dr Peter Knipe Supervisor Dr Peter Knipe Funding Funded Industry funded Application deadline 18 August 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1692316800

Boron and Frustrated Lewis Pairs in Supported Ionic Liquid Phases: An Interdisciplinary Study of New Metal-Free Catalysts School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Chemistry, inorganic, physical, sustainability, catalysis Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Supervisor Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Funding Funded DfE CAST Application deadline 21 April 2023 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1682035200

Catalytic Approaches to Reactive Intermediates and Their Use in Organic Synthesis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Organic, synthetic, organometallic, catalysis Dr Mark McLaughlin Supervisor Dr Mark McLaughlin Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Hydrogen’s future role in energy storage: implementing ionic liquids in fuel cells School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD sustainability, hydrogen, materials, chemistry, chemical engineering, ionic liquids Dr Josh Bailey Supervisor Dr Josh Bailey Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Synthesis and testing of new materials for energy applications School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Mark Muldoon Supervisor Professor Mark Muldoon Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE funded Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Rational Design of Kinase Inhibitors to Treat Pancreatic Cancer About the Project School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Dr Mark McLaughlin Supervisor Dr Mark McLaughlin Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE funded Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Decentralised reprocessing of organic waste as a source of protein for artificial meat production. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Funded Industry Partner - DfE funded Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Circular Economy of Critical Elements: Waste Valorisation in Magnet Recycling Process School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Supervisor Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE funded Application deadline 21 June 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1718928000

Mechanistic Investigation of Cu-Catalysed C-N Coupling Using High Throughput Kinetic Experimentation School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Dr Paul Dingwall Supervisor Dr Paul Dingwall Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Innovative Spectroscopic Approaches to Detecting Microplastics in Water School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD chemistry, sustainability, sensors, water quality, spectroscopy Professor Steven Bell Supervisor Professor Steven Bell Funding Funded DfE CAST Award Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Optical sensors for real-time monitoring of nitrogen pollution in fresh water School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Optical sensors, nitrogen, nutrient sustainability, molecular recognition, 3D printing Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Supervisor Professor Panagiotis Manesiotis Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Development of Novel 3D printed indicators for wound monitoring School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Sensors, wound-monitoring, colour, 3D printing Professor Andrew Mills Supervisor Professor Andrew Mills Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Engineering a Bespoke Environment for Biocatalysis Within Ionic Liquid Gels School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Enzymes, ionic liquids, entrapment, immobilization, gels Dr Andrew Marr Supervisor Dr Andrew Marr Funding Unfunded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Mechanistic studies to enable the design of new sustainable oxidation catalysts School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Homogeneous catalysis / organometallic chemistry / mechanistic studies / oxidation Professor Mark Muldoon Supervisor Professor Mark Muldoon Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Combining Electrocatalysts and Gas-Capturing Liquids for Electrochemical Conversion of CO2 to Value-Added Chemicals School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Electrocatalysis; Ionic Liquids; Deep Eutectic Solvents; Carbon Dioxide Conversion; Dr Paul Kavanagh Supervisor Dr Paul Kavanagh Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Gases as probes for metal coordination availability in metalate ionic liquids School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD metal containing ionic liquid; electrolytes for batteries, gas sensing, metal coordination Dr Leila Moura Supervisor Dr Leila Moura Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Sustainable materials for gas capture and storage School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD microporous polymers, carbon capture, hydrogen storage, sorbents for gas capture and storage Dr Leila Moura Supervisor Dr Leila Moura Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Plasmonic Sensor for Point of Care Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Raman spectroscopy, SERS, plasmonics, antimicrobial resistance Professor Steven Bell Supervisor Professor Steven Bell Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Interfacial Assembly for production of Metal-Semiconductor Nanomaterials Showing Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD photocatalysis, hydrogen generation, nanocomposites, interfacial-assembly Professor Steven Bell Supervisor Professor Steven Bell Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Stabilization and Imitation of β-Strands and Sheets School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD organic synthesis, spectroscopy, conformational analysis, foldamers, β-sheets, β-strands Dr Peter Knipe Supervisor Dr Peter Knipe Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Developing Ionic Liquid Additives for Improved NdFeB Magnet Recycling School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Metal Separation, Hydrometallurgy, Sustainable Recycling, Rare Earth Elements Professor Peter Nockemann Supervisor Professor Peter Nockemann Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Recycling of Samarium and Cobalt from End-of-Life Magnets School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Metal Separation, Hydrometallurgy, Sustainable Recycling, Rare Earth Elements Professor Peter Nockemann Supervisor Professor Peter Nockemann Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Development of nanomaterials that can prevent pathogen-host interactions in the Cystic Fibrosis airways School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Cystic fibrosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mucin glycoproteins, Lipid-based nanoparticles, Dendrimers Dr Seyed Tabaei Supervisor Dr Seyed Tabaei Funding Funded DfE Application deadline 26 January 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1706227200

Circular Economy of Critical Elements: Ionic Liquid Additives for Improved NdFeB Magnet Recycling School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Peter Nockemann Supervisor Professor Peter Nockemann Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE funded Application deadline 21 June 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1718928000

Sustainable polymer chemistry of high-performance materials by mechanochemistry with in situ spectroscopic monitoring School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD polymer, mechanochemistry, synthetic chemistry, spectroscopy Professor Stuart James Supervisor Professor Stuart James Funding Funded Industry Funded Application deadline 21 March 2024 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1710979200

Supramolecular materials for bacteria-responsive coatings School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Organic chemistry, Synthetic Chemistry, Biochemistry Dr Hannah Crory Supervisor Dr Hannah Crory Funding Funded Northern Ireland Department for the Economy Application deadline 24 January 2025 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1737676800

Elongasome: Synthesis of chemical probes to study bacterial cell wall formation School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Synthetic Organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, peptide synthesis Professor Stephen Cochrane Supervisor Professor Stephen Cochrane Funding Funded EPSRC Application deadline 24 January 2025 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1737676800

Chemical modification of mRNA for enhanced translation School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Organic chemistry, Synthetic chemistry, Biochemistry Dr Mark Berney Supervisor Dr Mark Berney Funding Funded Northern Ireland Department for the Economy Application deadline 24 January 2025 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1737676800

Experimental Design with Differential Flow Kinetics School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Flow chemistry, organometallic chemistry, data science Dr Paul Dingwall Supervisor Dr Paul Dingwall Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE Application deadline 28 February 2025 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1740700800

FAST cell for the study of type-zero porous liquids (FASTzero) School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD porous liquids, inorganic chemistry Dr Leila Moura Supervisor Dr Leila Moura Funding Funded Industry partner / DfE Application deadline 24 January 2025 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1737676800

Self-Sensing Substrates for High-Throughput Antibiotic Discovery School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, organic chemistry Professor Stephen Cochrane Supervisor Professor Stephen Cochrane Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE Application deadline 24 January 2025 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1737676800

Development of synthetic pathways to isotopically substituted compounds, supporting the study of liquid structure of electrolytes and other functional liquids by neutron scattering School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Inorganic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, Ionic Liquids Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Supervisor Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE Application deadline 24 January 2025 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1737676800

Development of “beyond cysteine” chemical probes and focused screening libraries School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD organic chemistry Dr Mark McLaughlin Supervisor Dr Mark McLaughlin Funding Funded QUB EPS DTP Application deadline 14 March 2025 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1741910400

Chemical recycling of polymers School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Supervisor Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Funding Unfunded Project is to be self-funded Application deadline None specified | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Unfunded | Chemistry | Open | 2

Miniaturised Biosensors for Water Safety and Toxicity Assessment School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Dr Agnes Purwidyantri Supervisor Dr Agnes Purwidyantri Funding Funded Northern Ireland Department for the Economy Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of C-N Atropisomers School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD organic chemistry, catalysis, synthetic organic, analytical Dr Peter Knipe Supervisor Dr Peter Knipe Funding Funded EPSRC DTP Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

Discovery of new antibiotics that bind to bacterial membrane targets School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Healthcare, Organic Chemistry, antibiotic, synthesis Professor Stephen Cochrane Supervisor Professor Stephen Cochrane Funding Funded EPSRC DTP Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

Electrochemically Assisted Dissolution and Green Recovery Strategies for Precious Metals from Electronic Waste School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Peter Nockemann Supervisor Professor Peter Nockemann Funding Funded EPSRC DTP Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

Selective Recovery of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from Electronic Waste Using Bio-Inspired Ligands School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Peter Nockemann Supervisor Professor Peter Nockemann Funding Funded EPSRC DTP Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

Continuous flow synthesis (for APIs) in collaboration with Pfizer – “Continuous flow systems to enable the application of photochemistry in organic synthesis” School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Dr Peter Knipe Supervisor Dr Peter Knipe Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

Continuous flow synthesis (for APIs) in collaboration with Pfizer – “The development of continuous flow systems in aqueous media” School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Mark Muldoon Supervisor Professor Mark Muldoon Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

Fluorination of Lanthanides for the Recycling of Rare-Earth Permanent Magnets School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Supervisor Professor Gosia Swadźba-Kwaśny Funding Funded Industry / DfE funded Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

Catalytic Approaches to Reactive Intermediates and Their Use in Organic Synthesis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Dr Mark McLaughlin Supervisor Dr Mark McLaughlin Funding Funded CCE Internal Studentship Application deadline 5 January 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1767571200

A Multispectral Approach to Understanding the Link Between Fingernails and Bone Quality School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Professor Steven Bell Supervisor Professor Steven Bell Funding Funded Industry Partner / DfE Application deadline 27 February 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1772150400

De novo enzyme design for biosynthesis School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | PHD Dr Meilan Huang Supervisor Dr Meilan Huang Funding Funded BioAID Doctoral Training Programme - UKRI Application deadline 16 March 2026 | School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Funded | Chemistry | Closed | 2 | 1773619200

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Entrance requirements

Graduate The minimum academic requirement for admission to a research degree programme is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI HE provider, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University. Further information can be obtained by contacting the School.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country .

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs .

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | TBC

Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | TBC

England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | TBC

EU Other 3 | £28,900

International | £28,900

1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations.

3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees .

Chemistry costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information.

Bench fees

Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.

How do I fund my study?

Find PhD opportunities and funded studentships by subject area.

We offer numerous opportunities for funded doctoral study in a world-class research environment. Our centres and partnerships, aim to seek out and nurture outstanding postgraduate research students, and provide targeted training and skills development.

The Government offers doctoral loans of up to £26,445 for PhDs and equivalent postgraduate research programmes for English- or Welsh-resident UK and EU students.

Information on Postgraduate Research scholarships for international students .

The Funding & Scholarship Finder helps prospective and current students find funding to help cover costs towards a whole range of study related expenses.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply .

Find a supervisor

If you're interested in a particular project, we suggest you contact the relevant academic before you apply, to introduce yourself and ask questions.

To find a potential supervisor aligned with your area of interest, or if you are unsure of who to contact, look through the staff profiles linked here .

You might be asked to provide a short outline of your proposal to help us identify potential supervisors.

Download Postgraduate Prospectus

Research areas