POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN CHEMISTRY
Research degrees (PGR) - PhD or MSc courses
Director of Postgraduate Studies (Department of Chemistry), and
research degrees: Martin Wills
PG Co-ordinator (research postgraduates): Mayur Patel
Postgraduate taught courses (PGT) – MSc courses
Will be presented in term 2.
The involvement of Chemistry in Centres for Doctoral Training
(CDTs) will also be described.
POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN CHEMISTRY
Contents:
What postgraduate programmes are available?
Why do postgraduate research?
What are the entry requirements?
What subject?
How do I apply?
How do I get funding?
(the offer of a place and the offer of funding are not
necessarily connected)
What type of postgraduate research degrees can I do?
Doctor of Philosophy (by research), PhD (3 - 4 years).
PhD in a single subject e.g. Chemistry
or a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT).
MW will briefly discuss Molecular Analytical Science (MAS),
Diamond Science and Technology (DST), MITBP (BBSRC
funded), Polymers, Systems Biology, Complexity.
Why undertake Postgraduate study?
1)
2)
3)
4)
I really enjoy my subject and want to learn more.
I wish to have a career in research or in academia.
I wish to have a career in any aspect of the chemical industry
I don’t wish to have a career in chemistry but it will get me a
better job/better prospects.
5) I don’t know what to do at this stage and would like to keep
my options open.
PG’s are also sought for their level of skills which transfer
into a range of sectors not just those in chemical research.
A Good Reason to NOT Undertake
Postgraduate study
‘I haven’t been able to get a job, so I might as well do a PhD
because I need the money’
Research is hard work, but very rewarding, but only you can
get the results!
If you are not motivated then don’t do it.
(Be careful what you ask for)
What are the entry requirements?
PhD entry requirements
BSc:
First or 2:1 degree
MChem:
First, 2.1 or 2:2 degree*
* Special case has to be made for a 2.2.
BSc:
2:2 degree followed by MSc
Think carefully before you apply for a PhD direct from BSc…
MSc entry requirements
BSc:
First, 2:1 or 2:2 degree
Research areas at Warwick Chemistry
Chemical Biology
Interfaces and Materials
Analytical Science and
Instrumentation.
Synthesis and Catalysis
Theory and Simulation
Polymer Chemistry.
MORE DETAILS ONLINE.
For PhD, the application process is simple but
the funding processes is complicated.
First, how do I apply? (this is simple)
1) Decide what type of degree to apply for.
2) Decide who you would like to work for (with?).
3) Fill in application form to central PG admissions online
(you can apply more than once.
4) Accept formal offer when you are ready.
The offer of a ‘place’ does not come with automatic funding
Be sure to talk to current PhD students as well as supervisors for a
true reflection of the Warwick PG experience.
Note – Warwick online application system offers a studentship
place without automatic link to funding (other than Chancellors
International Scholarships) – you should discuss this with
supervisor and/or Director of Graduate Studies.
Funding your studies (this is complicated!)
1) Determine the area of research that interests you.
2) Identify academics who have funding from industry,
charities, other grants.
3) International students can apply for a Warwick Chancellors
International Scholarship (CIS) for International students
only (closing date is 13th January 2016).
4) Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) have own funding,
5) Scholarships/self funding
PhD’s at Warwick
Normal intake
PhD 40-45,
MSc
20+
Different grants available
Government research councils (EPSRC/BBSRC)
15-20
Industrial sponsored grants (CASE, ChemD)
4-8
Warwick Sponsored grants (CIS)
3-4
Self funded
any no.
Charities, EU
any no.
PhD progression and monitoring in Chemistry
1) Assigned supervisor (day to day supervision)
2) Assigned advisory committee (monitors progress independently)
Progress monitored by
First year:
3 month report, then full report/viva at end of year.
Second year: 1 report/viva at end of year, poster presentation.
Third year:
lecture to department.
Vivas with advisory committee of 2 members of staff in field of
study (not supervisor).
Students are expected to do demonstrating and also complete the
PG certificate in Transferable Skills course.
Progression monitoring in CDTs depends on the CDT.
Centres for Doctoral Training
(CDTs) have funding - also run their
own overviews
• Molecular Analytical Science -MAS
(EPSRC)
• Diamond Science and Technology (EPSRC)
• Polymers (Warwick/industry)
• Midlands Integrative Biology Training
Partnership – MIBTP (BBSRC)
• Systems biology, complexity
Molecular Analytical Science –
MAS CDT (EPSRC-funded)
• Funded by EPSRC with 8-10 places each
year
• Apply directly for a place on the MAS
course
• One year MSc then 3 year PhD.
Polymers CDT
• Funding is available, depending on
supervisors.
• Apply directly for a PhD in Chemistry,
indicating an interest in Polymer chemistry
and prospective supervisors.
Midlands Integrative Biology
Training Partnership – MIBTP
(BBSRC)
• Run by School of Life Sciences and funded
by BBSRC.
• One year MSc then three year PhD
• Apply to do a PhD in either Life Sciences or
to Chemistry (whichever you apply for will
end up on your degree certificate).
• You get interviewed and an offer is made
centrally.
Collaborative Training Network to train at least 60
PhD students in Material (Diamond) Science and
Technology over 5 years from 2014
1 year MSc then 3 year PhD. Apply to DST for the
MSc and to Chemistry for the PhD.