MPhil by Research

The Department offers a one-year MPhil by research degree, which is formally known as the "MPhil in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology".

The MPhil is a research degree, and the qualification may count towards the entrance requirements for Ph.D. study. Applicants are advised that almost without exception students commence their MPhil studies with the intention of later applying to pursue the higher degree.  Please note, however, that the degree does not 'convert' to a PhD; students wishing to later pursue a PhD must make a new application for PhD study.

Students progress their research projects under academic supervision for one year, and at the conclusion of their studies are examined by thesis and oral examination. Prospective students are invited to consider their research interests in the light of the specialisms of our senior academics and the department’s on-going research activities. 

Entry requirements 

You are normally expected to hold, or to be about to achieve, a First Class or high 2.i Honours Degree (or the equivalent from an overseas institution, please see the International Qualifications page) in chemical engineering, engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, applied mathematics, physics, biological science or related subjects. Alternatively, candidates with an appropriate Master's qualification may be considered, but please be advised that we would still normally expect a First Class or high 2.i Honours (or overseas equivalent) undergraduate degree. The admissions manager initially screens applications to ensure that all essential information is provided.

Applications

Before making a formal application for this course, please consult the list below of groups that are able to take on 1-year research students; only academics/groups listed are able to accept applications our MPhil in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology course.

Proposed Supervisor, title of research and research summary

Before choosing a research area, please see the Department's Research Group page to become familiar with our current research and to see the number of available PhD and MPhil student positions available. Prospective applicants are expected to contact potential supervisors before applying. The purpose of this initial contact is to understand the process, develop an application, and enquire on a supervisor’s capacity and willingness to supervise/see if there is a good fit between your interests and theirs. When you contact a supervisor, please be sure to include your CV, a statement of your research interests/proposal, and any other relevant materials.

Before applying, please carefully review the information available on our website; familiarize yourself with the work conducted by our department and the research interests and projects of potential supervisors. This will help you identify the academic staff whose expertise aligns with your own research interests. In your proposal, demonstrate your familiarity with related academic work in the field. Identify and describe a novel research direction, considering why it is both interesting and relevant to pursue research in that particular area. Write clearly and concisely. Your proposal should be approximately 300 words and written in English. Structure your proposal with sections such as introduction, prior research/gaps, problem/proposed research, and methodologies. Provide some specific details of what is expected of each section. Demonstrate feasibility and an anticipated plan/schedule of work for the first year. Strive for precision in what you intend to do in your PhD.

Please note that the department has a policy of rejecting unsolicited applications—those that do not mention a specific supervisor and provide a research proposal. Therefore, it is crucial for prospective students to first identify a potential supervisor. When reaching out to a supervisor, include a brief statement outlining what excites you about their research and why you believe you are an ideal candidate for that particular field.

Once you have successfully engaged the interest of a supervisor, most will be willing to assist in crafting a strong PhD application and can offer advice on funding opportunities. They can also write a letter of support for your application should your marks be below the high 2:1 level, but they find you have the right skills to complete a PhD in their group.

If a supervisor does not respond to your emails, do not take it personally. Some supervisors are extremely busy and receive numerous inquiries, often having only one or two spots available in their group. Continue searching for a good match. The busiest supervisor may not necessarily be the best fit for you.

When you are ready to apply, you must enter the name of a prospective supervisor and a research proposal; we are unable to consider applications without them. A degree of flexibility on both sides (the department and you) is helpful. Students frequently come to the department and work in a slightly different area to their original preference.

Further information

The University Postgraduate Prospectus provides comprehensive information about the course, the admissions process, application deadlines, tuition fees and other costs.  Occasionally studentships may be available for highly qualified applicants, covering tuition fees and maintenance costs for eligible students.