Postgraduate research in Chemistry

Become part of a talented, energetic, committed and supportive academic and postgraduate community, within a department which has produced seven Nobel Prize winners.

We offer you the chance to work and research alongside some of the best scientists in the field, so you can accelerate your development, profile and career development at the heart of our world-famous institution.

Discover your tomorrow

Get ready for a life changing experience like no other; find out about postgraduate research at The University of Manchester.

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Explore postgraduate research in chemistry

Research

Start your PhD journey by finding the research project that best suits you. If you would like help in deciding the area you want to study, complete this  Expression of Interest form.

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Live projects

Search through our live research projects to find your future team.

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Supervisors

Getting in touch with a potential supervisor for your project is a crucial key part of your PhD journey.

Search for researchers by name or area of study >>

Funding

There are lots of ways you can secure funding for your postgraduate research. Depending on the project you’re applying for, there are a range of options available at different times of the year.

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Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

Find out more about these funded PhD opportunities where you gain valuable practical experience while training as part of a cohort.

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Apply

Start your new tomorrow. Find out how to submit an application.

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Discover more about our research

See all research areas

Analytical methods and physical chemistry

Research into methods for the determination and prediction of chemical structure and dynamics.

Three students looking at liquid in a test tube

Chemical biology and biological chemistry

Applying chemical techniques to the study of biological systems, and using those systems for new functions.

Student and lecturer installing memory chip into computer

Computational and theoretical chemistry

Research into a range of topics in molecular and solid state chemistry, spanning the entire periodic table.

Physical periodic table, with elements in test tubes

Inorganic chemistry

The structure, bonding, and magnetism of lanthanide and actinide complexes, and more.

Materials chemistry

The link between atomic, molecular and supramolecular behaviour and the useful properties of a material.

Colourful x-ray crystallography equipment

Organic chemistry

Our organic synthesis research involves the construction of molecules using reagents as precision building tools.

A male researcher in a lab coat with his head down writing — Centres and institutes

The Department is home to a number of research centres and our staff work in various research institutes.

Students working in a chemistry lab — Facilities

The Department houses a range of outstanding facilities, benefiting both our students and research activities.

Pink and purple wave pattern with the words 'hello tomorrow' written over them — Start your PhD journey

Browse projects built on your research passion, find a supervisor that shares your vision and discover how your PhD could be fully funded.