PhD in Chemistry at Edinburgh University: Entry Requirements, Cost, Application Process

Edinburgh University is one of the leading institutions in the UK for chemistry research and education. It offers a range of postgraduate degrees in chemistry, including PhD, MSc by Research, and MPhil. In this blog, we will focus on Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD program which allows students to conduct original and independent research in various areas of chemistry. From organic and inorganic to physical and analytical chemistry, Edinburgh University has numerous research areas and facilities to suit your interests and goals. Read on to find out more about this exciting opportunity!

Discipline	Chemistry
Degree	PhD
Duration	3-6 years
Acceptance Rate	48%
Start Date	Usually September
Funding	Self-funded, scholarships, studentships (funded projects)
Entry requirements	Master’s degree in Chemistry or a related field with a strong research background
English Language Requirements	IELTS – 6.5TOEFL – 92Cambridge English – 176

Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD

The Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD is part of the EaStCHEM Joint Research School, which is a collaboration between the Schools of Chemistry at Edinburgh and St Andrews. EaStCHEM is the largest chemistry research unit in the UK, with over 100 academic staff and 300 postgraduate students. It has a world-class reputation for excellence in research, as evidenced by the 100% “world-leading” score for its research environment in the Research Excellence Framework (REF).

The PhD in Chemistry programme allows students to pursue research in one of the following areas:

1. The Chemistry/Biology Interface
2. Experimental & Theoretical Chemical Physics
3. Synthesis

The PhD in Chemistry programme provides students with the opportunity to work with leading researchers in their field and access state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. It helps students develop a range of transferable skills that are valuable for academic and non-academic careers. They are also encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, conferences, and outreach activities, and to collaborate with other researchers within and outside EaStCHEM.

Also Read: The University of Edinburgh Fees: Tuition Fees for UG, PG, PhD

Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD: Cost

The tuition fees for the PhD in Chemistry programme vary depending on the student’s nationality and mode of study. For the academic year 2023/24, the fees are as follows:

UK students	£4,500 per year (full-time) or £2,250 per year (part-time)
EU students	£4,500 per year (full-time) or £2,250 per year (part-time)
International students	£24,700 per year (full-time) or £12,350 per year (part-time)

Note: These fees are subject to annual increases and do not include living expenses, travel costs, or other additional charges. Students may be eligible for scholarships, bursaries, or studentships that can cover part or all of their fees and/or living costs.

Acceptance Rate

While the acceptance rate for Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD is not publicly available, one source claims it to be around 48%. This means nearly half the applicants receive an offer to pursue research in the discipline. 

Stipend

Students who are awarded a studentship, scholarship, or bursary may receive a stipend, which is a monthly allowance that covers living expenses and other costs. The amount of the stipend may vary with the source and duration of the funding, but it is typically around £15,000 per year for UK and EU students, and around £18,000 per year for international students. 

Some stipends may also include a fee waiver, which means that the student does not have to pay tuition fees. Students who do not receive a stipend or a fee waiver are expected to self-fund their studies or seek alternative sources of funding.

Also Read: PhD in Anthropology at Harvard University: Why Pursue Anthropology, Tuition Fees and Duration

Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD: Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD program are as follows:

1. A good honours degree (1st class or upper 2nd class) or its equivalent in chemistry or a closely related discipline from a recognised university.
2. A research proposal that outlines the aims, objectives, methods, and expected outcomes of the proposed research project. It should also emphasize the relevance and significance of the research to the field of chemistry and the EaStCHEM research themes.
3. The support of a potential supervisor willing and able to supervise the research project and provide guidance and feedback throughout the program.
4. Accepted qualifications include IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge English, with minimum scores of 6.5, 92, or 176, respectively.

Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD: Application Process

The application process for the PhD in Chemistry programme at Edinburgh University consists of the following steps:

1. Contact a potential supervisor and discuss the research proposal and the availability of funding. You can search a list of academic staff and their research interests on the EaStCHEM website.
2. Complete the online application form and upload the required documents.
3. Wait for the decision, which may take up to 12 weeks. Applicants may be invited for an interview, either in person or online, as part of the assessment process.
4. Accept or decline the offer, and follow the instructions for enrolment and induction.

Documents Required

The documents required for the PhD in Chemistry programme at Edinburgh University are as follows:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (from previous studies)
• 2 academic references
• A research proposal
• A personal statement
• A CV or resume 
• English language certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English)

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FAQs

We hope that this blog gave you complete information about the Edinburgh University Chemistry PhD program. Stay tuned to Leverage Edu for more content on universities to study abroad. Thank you for reading!