How to apply

Information about applying for a postgraduate research degree in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.

CBE student in laboratory

Apply online 

To apply for a PhD place in the department you will need to complete an online application form.

You should have a minimum of an upper second class honours degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, bioscience or a related technical subject.

Postgraduate online application form

Completing your application

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide

  • a research proposal
  • academic references and supporting information

You can supply these simply by uploading them to the relevant sections of your online application.

Research proposal

You should provide a 1,500 word research proposal, setting out:

  • an overview of the topic and the main research aim
  • a brief literature review of relevant research in the field 
  • the specific research questions to be answered in the thesis
  • suggested research methods
  • the expected contribution to knowledge.

If you're applying for a pre-defined project you do not need to provide a proposal. Instead you will need to provide a personal statement which explains why you are a suitable candidate, setting out relevant knowledge, skills and experience, and indicating the intellectual approach you would like to bring to the topic.

Writing a proposal

Academic references and supporting information

We will also require the following documentation:

  • Two letters of reference, preferably from academics
  • Transcripts of previous qualifications
  • Your CV
  • Indication on how you intend to fund your studies
  • International students must provide evidence of English language proficiency 

Supporting documents