Chemistry PhD

Join a community of innovative academics and postgraduates based in world-class facilities

Apply online

Submit your application online via My Imperial.

Got a question?

Contact a member of the postgraduate administration team.

Fees and fundingPhD Research Student Handbook (2022-23) [PDF]

Why chemistry at Imperial?

Transferable skills training

Studying for a PhD in the Department of Chemistry will provide you with access to world-class research facilities as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the many transferable skills training courses that are offered both within the Department and at the Imperial College Graduate School. Completing these courses can allow postgraduate students to achieve Registered Scientist status, full Membership of a Professional Body or Chartered status. Learn more about the Graduate School's MARS membership scheme.

The White City campus: facilities and collaboration

PhD students will have unique access to the growing number of facilities and opportunities that are developing both within the Department and as part of the wider White City campus development.

The Chemistry Department's new building at White City allows internal and external researchers from academia and industry to co-locate with us for an agreed period, working shoulder-to-shoulder on common challenges. Collaborators joining us in the building have access to expertise and people (through joint supervision of research projects), as well as state-of-the-art facilities. Our facilities include molecular characterisation and autonomous chemistry, as well as extensive wet-lab capabilities, cleanrooms, materials manufacturing laboratories, nanomaterials fabrications and molecular imaging suites. 

Nurturing an inclusive environment and pioneering research that benefits society

The department has held its Gold Athena Swan award for good practice in supporting academic women since September 2013. This award recognises the good practices already in place for supporting women at all stages as well as promoting an inclusive working environment for all.

The Chemistry department has a proud history of pioneering chemistry training and research with practical benefits to society which continues today. We are one of the largest departments in the UK and our activities cover the full range of fundamental theoretical and experimental chemistry, as well as research at chemistry’s interfaces with other disciplines such as materials, engineering, biology and medicine. Our new building on the White City campus is a custom-built facility designed to support the College's vision for Chemistry; this landmark building is providing the Department with the space and infrastructure needed to realise the potential for major advances in molecular and chemical science whilst also helping to develop a new molecular sciences neighbourhood.