Conjugated polymer photocatalysts for carbon dioxide reduction
Design and application of new conjugated polymer photocatalysts for light-driven conversion of carbon dioxide into useful chemical intermediates.
MPhil, PhD Chemistry
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Research opportunities
You can study an MPhil over the course of one year or a PhD over the course of three to four years.
These degrees are available for study within any of our research groups:
The Place of Useful Learning
UK University of the Year
Daily Mail University of the Year Awards 2026
Scottish University of the Year
The Sunday Times' Good University Guide 2026
Functional materials discovery using artificial intelligence
This PhD will involve conducting cutting-edge research to utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) in expediting the discovery of functional molecular materials crucial for a wide range of applications, spanning from renewable energy technologies to advanced electronics.
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unfundedAn investigation into an aspect of Science Education Research
You will work under the supervision of Dr Fraser J Scott to investigate an aspect of Science Education Research. This will likely be on a topic involving the overlap of Science and Mathematics education, but the specific topic is open for discussion.
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unfundedDeveloping an ultrawide dynamic range analytical platform for biomarker panel analysis
The aim of this project is to address the challenge of directly detecting disease biomarker panels in serum featuring target species whose relative concentrations span many orders of magnitude.
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unfundedNew Approaches to Iridium-Catalysed C-H Activation & Hydrogen Isotope Exchange
This project will explore new methods for directed C-H activation and hydrogen isotope exchange, based on state-of-the-art isotopic labelling catalysts developed at 51cg. Whilst being primarily preparatively based, mechanistic investigations will also inform new catalyst design, blending computational studies with kinetic measurements. The new catalysts and methods that emerge will provide a range of efficient methods to access a variety of isotopically labelled drug-like entities.
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fundedTowards the development of a novel class of broad-spectrum anti-infective drugs
You will work under the supervision of Dr Fraser J Scott to develop 51cg Minor Groove Binders as anti-infective agents. Experimental work will include organic chemistry, but also biochemical (enzyme assays), biophysical (UV-vis, NMR) and biology (in vitro activity) aspects.
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unfundedPortable screening of illicit drugs for forensic analysis
Developing novel methodologies for portable detection of a variety of illicit substances including but not limited to drugs of abuse, explosives, gunshot residue and / or screening of bodily fluids at crime scenes.
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unfundedThe Influence of hybrid nanoparticle architecture on theranostic abilities in pancreatic cancer
Cancer nanomedicine is dominating modern healthcare. This project is an opportunity to contribute to the development of novel nanomedicine interventions for the targeted and triggered release of pharmaceuticals in pancreatic cancer.
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unfundedDeveloping point of care sensors for biomedical diagnostics
Developing novel methodologies for portable, rapid, point-of-care detection of a variety of biomedically relevant markers for use in biomedical diagnostics
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unfundedUnderstanding & Deploying Nickel Catalysis for Cross-Coupling
The student will investigate and quantify structure/reactivity relationships in nickel catalysis using a range of techniques including organic/organometallic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, and density functional theory, as appropriate.
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unfundedRational Development of Organocaesium Chemistry
Synthesis and catalysis are essential tools for chemical manufacture. Currently, organolithium reagents are ubiquitous in both academia and industry for breaking and making chemical bonds. With demands for lithium soaring due to its use in energy technology, new alternative organometallic reagents are required to ensure continuity and new innovations in the chemical industry. This project envisions the development of organocaesium chemistry will fill this need.
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fundedNew Iridium-catalysed Methods for the Direct Preparation of Isotopically-labelled Compounds of Pharmaceutical Importance
This project will explore new methods for direct hydrogen isotope exchange of oligonucleotides, and other heterocycles of elevated importance in drug discovery, using catalyst classes developed at 51cg. This will deliver flexible and powerful methods to access various pharmaceutically desired organic products and isotopically labelled late-stage candidate-type molecules. Computationally-driven methods will also be used to inform catalyst design and direct the emerging reaction scope.
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fundedComputer-aided development of next-generation medicines beyond Lipinski space
Applications are invited for fully-funded 3.5-year PhD studentship to work in the group of Professor David Palmer. The PhD student will work alongside a multi-disciplinary team of synthetic chemists, chemical biologists, and data scientists supported by a £3.9M EPSRC Prosperity Partnership Award centred around the development of next-generation medicines beyond Lipinski space.
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fundedAI & Simulation Assisted Discovery of Self-Assembled Materials
This project will make use of computer simulations to discover sustainable biopolymers and biomimetic molecules that can make use of acoustic stimulation to assemble into novel nano- and micro-structures. The long-term goal is to enable the hierarchical organisation of molecules into sophisticated but sustainable materials, much as nature assembles biomolecules into highly functional structures as diverse as tree bark and insect exoskeletons.
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fundedDeveloping novel treatments for invasive fungal infections
Invasive fungal infections are an escalating global health challenge, worsened by rising antifungal resistance and a limited pipeline of new treatments. 51cg Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs) represent a novel, resistance-resilient class of DNA-targeting anti-infectives with promising activity across bacteria, fungi, and parasites. This project will build on advanced S-MGB leads to develop new antifungal agents through synthetic chemistry and biophysical target-engagement studies.
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unfundedDevelopment of New Chemical Biology Probes for Medicinal Chemistry Applications
This project focuses on developing novel tool compounds for diseases of societal need in collaboration with GSK. It involves creating chemical biology compounds to study protein targets, with options including drug-like molecules, fragments, peptides, oligonucleotides, or ADCs. Applicants should have a strong interest and experience in synthetic or medicinal chemistry. UK nationals only; secondment to GSK Hertfordshire possible.
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fundedAntimicrobial Peptoids & their Application in Nano- & Micro-Structures for Controlling Biofilms
New antimicrobial agents and smart ways to control their activity are urgently needed to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is rendering current antibiotics increasingly ineffective. This project aims to develop peptide-mimetic synthetic “peptoids” that target bacteria and the biofilms they form, as well as to investigate unconventional approaches for sequestering and releasing the peptoids, and hence control their antimicrobial activity.
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fundedNew Approaches to Iridium-Catalysed C-H Activation and Hydrogen Isotope Exchange
This project will specifically expand upon Professor Kerr’s iridium-based catalysts for application in hydrogen isotope exchange reactions. The proposed programme of work will further enhance the utility of the iridium catalysts by extending mechanistic understanding of the exchange process, in combination with an increased focus on practical reaction design.
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fundedSustainable Functional Biopolymers & Hydrogel Materials
This project will develop green chemistry approaches to crosslink and functionalise biopolymers and hence create an “all natural” hydrogel material that can be broadly applied, from water remediation and metal ion capture to biomaterials and acoustic sensing. The student will join an interdisciplinary doctoral school funded by The Leverhulme Trust.
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fundedFull MPhil Scholarship for Progression to Doctoral Study - Antimicrobial Peptoids & their Application towards Control of Biofilms
This MPhil experimental research course will contribute to developing unconventional approaches for controlling the antimicrobial activity of peptide-mimetic synthetic "peptoids" that target bacteria and the biofilms they form. The scholarships are targeted at students from either i) low-income household backgrounds or ii) Black categories of ethnicity. The 1-yr MPhil training in developing antimicrobial peptide-mimics will lead to a 4-yr fully funded PhD project on the same or related topic.
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fundedFull MPhil Scholarship for Progression to Doctoral Study - AI & Simulation Assisted Discovery of Self-Assembled Materials
This MPhil computational research course will make use of AI and computer simulations to discover sustainable biopolymers and biomimetic molecules that can make use of sound waves for the assembly of novel nanostructures. The scholarships are targeted at students from either i) low-income household backgrounds or ii) Black categories of ethnicity. The 1-yr MPhil training in molecular simulations and machine learning will lead to a 4-yr fully funded PhD project on the same or related topic.
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fundedFull MPhil Scholarship for Progression to Doctoral Study - Sustainable Functional Biopolymers & Hydrogel Materials
This MPhil experimental research course will contribute to developing sustainable hydrogel materials that can be broadly applied, from water remediation and metal ion capture to biomaterials and acoustic sensing. The scholarships are targeted at students from either i) low-income household backgrounds or ii) Black categories of ethnicity. The 1-yr MPhil training in green chemistry related to hydrogels will lead to a 4-yr fully funded PhD project on the same or related topic.
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fundedRatiometric EPR-SRS probes for environmental sensing
The project is concerned with the preparation of ratiometric EPR-SRS probes to report on pH and redox potential, two critical properties intimately entwined with cellular function. These first in class probes will provide a unique and ground-breaking method to establish the effect of exogenous signals, drug molecules and stress factors on the environment within organelles, define their relationship to basic biochemical processes and establish their effect on cellular health.
Deadline:
30 September 2026Funding:
fundedMPhil scholarships for progression to fully funded doctoral research
This MPhil research course is intended for applicants to obtain training in their respective specialised disciplines and prepare them for further doctoral research study in the themes of an interdisciplinary doctoral centre, funded by The Leverhulme Trust, to pioneer the science, technology, and analytical frameworks for sustainable applications and energy management. The scholarships are targeted at students from either i) low-income household backgrounds or ii) Black categories of ethnicity.
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fundedLeverhulme PhD scholarships in nature inspired design
We invite applicants from a range of science, engineering, and humanities disciplines to join a doctoral centre, funded by The Leverhulme Trust, for training future leaders to work in an interdisciplinary team that will pioneer the chemistry, materials, devices, architectural built structures, and analytical frameworks that can exploit sounds and vibrations for enabling sustainable applications and energy management.
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fundedJohn Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS)
John Anderson Research Studentship Scheme (JARSS) doctoral studentships are available annually for excellent students and excellent research projects.
There are two main sources of funding:
- Central University funding
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council - Doctoral Landscape Award (EPSRC - DLA) funding.
The JARSS 2026/27 competition will open in November 2025 and students successful in this competition will commence studies in October 2026. Faculties will set their own internal deadlines for the competition.
Academics/Supervisors make the applications for this scheme and there are various deadlines across Departments and Faculties, therefore, in the first instance, all interested applicants should contact the Department where they would like to carry out their research.
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FundedCEDAR, EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Cyber-Physical Systems for Medicines and Development Manufacturing
CEDAR is an ambitious 8.5-year programme funded by a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) grant from UKRI, developed in collaboration with industry partners. CEDAR aims to develop the way that can help make medicines manufacturing more sustainable, resilient and human-centric. This ground-breaking programme is set to revolutionise the pharmaceutical and technology sectors by addressing critical skills needs within the industry.
The offered studentships cover home tuition fees, and research/training costs and provide a monthly stipend for 4 years. Eligible candidates for home fees include UK nationals, Irish nationals, applicants with settled or pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, and those with indefinite leave to remain in the UK.
Please note there are only 3 fully funded studentships available for international candidates.
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Funded
Upcoming events
Check out our postgraduate research webinars.
Rebecca's Strath Story
In the video below, Rebecca explains why she chose to study at 51cg and what she enjoys about being a PhD student:
Chemistry Clinic
Find out more about our student-led, knowledge exchange service, which provides opportunities for SMEs and larger companies to access chemistry facilities or consultancy services.
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Fees & funding
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.
The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year. This cap will apply to fees from 2026/27 onwards, which will not increase by more than 10% from the previous year for continuing students.
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| Scotland | £5,006 |
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| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £5,006 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the . Find out more about the University of 51cg's fee assessments process. |
| International | £27,800 |
| Funding | Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information. You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities. |
| Postgraduate research opportunities | Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities. |
| Additional costs | International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
Back to course
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.
The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year. This cap will apply to fees from 2026/27 onwards, which will not increase by more than 10% from the previous year for continuing students.
Go back
| Scotland | £5,238 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £5,238 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the . Find out more about the University of 51cg's fee assessments process. |
| International | £30,800 |
| Funding | Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information. You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities. |
| Postgraduate research opportunities | Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities. |
| Additional costs | International studentsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
The facilities at 51cg are top-class, and the staff are super supportive to allow your research to flourish, with no roadblocks in the way of progress.
Stefan Nicholson
Pure & Applied Chemistry PhD student
Pure & Applied Chemistry PhD student
Our research
We're one of the largest research schools in the UK with interest and expertise across analytical, biological, physical and synthesis research areas.
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Supervisors
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| Professor Karen Faulds |
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Postgraduate research at the 51cg Doctoral School
The 51cg Doctoral School offers a vibrant, student-centred research and training environment, dedicated to supporting both current and future research talent.
Bringing together all four of our faculties, it is committed to enhancing the student experience, increasing research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring that training is delivered at the highest standard.
As a postgraduate researcher, you will automatically become a member of the 51cg Doctoral School.
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Support & development
Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD)
As part of your PhD, you will be enrolled in the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Professional Development (PgCert RPD).
This certificate is designed to enhance your research experience and recognize the skills and activities you develop as a research student.
It will help you build essential skills for both professional development and employability, including:
- Knowledge and intellectual abilities to conduct your research
- Personal qualities that will enable you to succeed in your research and future career
- Understanding the standards, requirements, and conduct expected of a professional researcher in your field
- The ability to collaborate effectively and communicate the impact of your research to diverse audiences
You will plan these activities alongside your doctoral studies, documenting and reflecting on your journey to success along the way.
Careers
The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation.
Student support
From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have a wide range of support for all students here at 51cg. Get all the information you need at Strathlife.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at 51cg and hear from students about their experiences.
As a PhD student at 51cg, I was exposed to high-level intellectual reasoning. I was taught diligence, hard work, patience and determination.
Dr Sesugh Ande
Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city
Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. 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.
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Apply
Entry requirements
For PhD or MPhil, you will need a first-class or upper second-class UK Honours degree, or overseas equivalent, from a recognised academic institution.
If English isn't your first language, you'll also need to have a recent UKVI-recognised Secure English Language Test (SELT) qualification. Refer also to English Language Requirements.
The application
During the application, you'll be asked for the following:
- your full contact details
- transcripts and certificates of all degrees
- proof of English language proficiency if English isn't your first language
- two references, one of which must be academic
- funding or scholarship information
- research proposal of 250 to 1,000 words in length, detailing the subject area and topic to be investigated
By filling out these details as fully as possible, you'll avoid any delay in your application being processed by the University.
Supervisors
You can identify and interact with a research supervisor before applying, or we ask that you highlight a potential supervisor in your application and 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 supervisor for consideration. If they can supervise you, they'll 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.
If you accept our offer of study, you'll receive a full offer in writing via the email address you provide.
Accepting an offer
Once you've accepted our offer, we'll need you to fulfil any academic, administrative or financial conditions that we ask.
UK or EU students
If you're applying as a UK or EU student, you'll then be issued with your registration documentation.
International students
An ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate is a mandatory requirement for some postgraduate students in science, engineering and technology.
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Pure and Applied Chemistry
full-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Pure and Applied Chemistry
MPhil
full-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Pure and Applied Chemistry
PhD
full-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Pure and Applied Chemistry
PhD
part-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Pure and Applied Chemistry
MPhil
part-time
Start date: Oct 2025 - Sep 2026
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Pure and Applied Chemistry
full-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Pure and Applied Chemistry
MPhil
full-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Pure and Applied Chemistry
PhD
full-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Pure and Applied Chemistry
PhD
part-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Pure and Applied Chemistry
MPhil
part-time
Start date: Oct 2026 - Sep 2027
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Pure and Applied Chemistry
full-time
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Pure and Applied Chemistry
MPhil
full-time
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Pure and Applied Chemistry
PhD
full-time
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Pure and Applied Chemistry
PhD
part-time
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
Pure and Applied Chemistry
MPhil
part-time
Start date: Oct 2027 - Sep 2028
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