Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences

Research degrees

The Department of Chemistry provides a vibrant environment for postgraduate study. We foster an interdisciplinary approach to science, cutting across physical and life sciences to explore new chemistry frontiers and deliver fundamental solutions for a sustainable and healthy society.

Our researchers are advancing understanding of the life sciences and building new materials with creative fusions of chemistry and biology. We also have active research programmes with King’s Division of Cancer Studies and King's Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, and use state-of-the-art biophysical approaches, complemented by computational and synthetic/biosynthetic methods.

We also have growing expertise in chemical biotechnology and green chemistry.

Research projects can be co-supervised by staff from different Research Divisions and Departments at King’s, to support collaboration and application of chemical innovation especially in medicine and biology.

PhD research course

Chemistry Research

Qualification(s): MPhil PhD
Duration: 3-4 years full time and 6-8 years part-time

Chemistry MPhil / PhD from the Department of Chemistry at King's College London.

View course

Applying for a PhD

We accept applications to research degree programmes throughout the year. However, there are application deadlines for funded and self-funded PhDs starting in October, February and June.

We invite research applications across a wide range of disciplines, with particular interest in topics that align with and strengthen our research groups. Prospective students are encouraged to explore potential supervisors and their research areas.

We offer funded opportunities, which you can find out more about in the ‘Funding’ tab. We also welcome applications from self-funded students, who will all receive a research training and support grant for conferences and research-related spend.

Eligibility

Applicants should hold, or expect to gain, a first or upper second-class degree in chemistry or a relevant related subject, and be exceptionally motivated for research.
In exceptional cases other qualifications and experience may be considered and all applications will be assessed on their merit as appropriate to the individual case.
The available studentships include studentships for applicants who are UK residents as well as studentships for international applicants from outside the UK.

There are a number of funding opportunities available. Some cover both stipend (to cover living costs) and tuition fees, while others may cover fees only.

All our PhD students, including those who are self-funded, receive either a research and training support grant or a consumables budget per annum to support training, attending conferences and research-related costs.

All scholarships, bursaries or other awards are offered on a competitive basis. Some funding opportunities may have earlier deadlines, so please check carefully.

Funded PhD Projects

The Department offers a range of funded PhD projects through a variety of funders, and research grants – set out in the next tab and searchable in King’s funding database.
EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentships

To apply for Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding via our Doctoral Landscape Awards, please see the ‘explore our projects’ tab for details of our EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award projects advertised. To apply for a project, please cite the code specified on the project advert in the Funding section of the application form. Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.
The Francis Crick Institute

We are a research partner of the Francis Crick Institute, please apply directly via The Francis Crick Institute website here.
Centre for the Physical Science of Life

There are also funded opportunities through our Research Centre for the Physical Science of Life, please check their web pages.

There are also funded opportunities through our Centres for Doctoral Training:

London Interdisciplinary Biosciences Consortium

The London Interdisciplinary Biosciences Consortium (LIDo) is one of the largest BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnerships in the UK. LIDo is an exciting collaboration between UCL, King's College London, Queen Mary, Birkbeck, Royal Veterinary College and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This unique consortium provides students with a remarkable opportunity to pursue innovative interdisciplinary research projects in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

This four-year programme is aimed at graduates with a strong interest in multi-disciplinary research, from a wide range of academic backgrounds including biological, biomedical, veterinary, physical, computational, engineering or mathematical disciplines. Please apply through the LIDo website where you can find more information.

King’s Quantum

King’s Quantum Centre for Doctoral Training brings together quantum practitioners in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences (NMES) with our world-leading quantum adopters - researchers deploying quantum technology in healthcare, life sciences and beyond. Quantum technologies will contribute to furthering net zero, climate forecasting, drug discovery, autonomous vehicles, molecular integration, and the development of new materials. Find out more and apply here. Further details on available projects are coming soon.

Centre for Doctoral Training on Multiscale Models for Life

A cross disciplinary CDT based in the Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Science offers support for 3.5 years including a stipend at the current UKRI rate, home rate tuition fees, research expenses and support for training and career enhancement. Find out more and apply here.

Further funding opportunities:

King's-China Scholarship Council

King's-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC) is open to students from China. Details of this programme can be found on our website.
Self-funded Students

We welcome applications from students who can self-fund their PhD and they will be supported with a Research and Training Support Grant per annum to support training, attending conferences, and research-related costs.
Teaching income

PhD students are encouraged to contribute to the department's teaching, for which payment will be made separately. Training and mentoring in teaching and learning in higher education is provided by the faculty.

For further information on postgraduate research funding and scholarships please visit the King's Funding Database.

We offer PhD projects under a range of different research themes in Chemistry. Applicants can explore the various projects available and apply to the one that suits their interests. This list is not exclusive, and potential applicants can alternatively identify and contact appropriate potential supervisors to outline their academic background and research interests or to propose their own PhD project ideas. Please see our Funding tab for further information.

Please note the application deadlines on each funded project advert, as these may vary.

To apply for a research degree in chemistry, please find full instructions on the course page.

Explore more

Contact us

chemistry-pgr@kcl.ac.uk

NMES Graduate School

The Graduate School in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences is home to all PhD students studying in the Faculty. From training and funding opportunities, to career development and campus events, it offers a range of services to support the needs and interests of our graduate students, supporting them to achieve their academic and professional goals.