Why you should join us

Our research degrees will help you advance or change your career, deepen your expertise, and expand your research and practical skills.

Work with leading experts

Our research focuses on developing technological solutions for energy, sustainability, pollution and health challenges.

Choose from our flexible pathways

Options include full-time and part-time research degrees.

Discover our innovative facilities

Our labs feature state-of-the-art spectroscopic and analytical instrumentation, 3D printing at Print City and our Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre.

Get personal and professional training

We provide a comprehensive development programme for research students to learn transferable skills for careers in academia and industry.

Explore our thriving research community

Connect with researchers in advanced materials, surface engineering, conservation biology, ecology, environmental, biomedical and life sciences.

Build your professional network

We work with UK and overseas research institutions, industry partners and NGOs.

Our research areas

Discover our areas of expertise and browse our experts. We encourage you to discuss your research ideas with us – even if your topic is not listed.

  • Additive manufacturing
  • Advanced functional materials
  • Applied analytical chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Electrochemistry
  • Environmental chemistry
  • Fuel cells and energy storage (supercapacitors and batteries)
  • Green chemistry and sustainability
  • Medicinal chemistry and chemical biology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Synthetic chemistry

Qualifications you can study

Choose from one of these programmes:

  • PhD — three years full-time, six years part-time
  • Masters by Research — one year full-time, two years part-time
  • MPhil — 18 months full-time, three years part-time

Find out about the research degrees we offer.

Start dates

Most of our students enrol in October. You can also join us in January and April.

Application information

Entry Requirements

To apply, you’ll need a first or 2.1 honours degree, or an equivalent qualification.

International students must have strong English language skills.

We welcome applicants from non-standard backgrounds. We’ll take subject knowledge, professional experience, publications, or other relevant achievements into consideration.

Find out more about our standard entry requirements.

How to apply for a research degree

Discover the key steps in the application process.

Scholarships, fees and funding