Chemistry - MRes / MPHIL / PhD

Qualification: Master of Research (MRes) / Philosophy (MPhil) / Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in Chemistry
School: School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences
Campus(es): Paisley
Start date: October, February, April, or June
Admissions Deadline: September, January, March, or May
Duration:
MRes: Minimum of 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time
MPhil: Minimum of 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time
PhD: Minimum of 36 months full-time or 72 months part-time
Fees: Tuition Fees for Research Degrees

Research in Chemistry

Chemistry research at UWS explores the intersection of synthesis, materials science, physical and biological chemistry to develop novel functional molecules with real-world applications. Our work is centred on three key themes:

Conjugated Organic Materials

We design and synthesize π-conjugated molecules and polymers for applications in organic electronics, photovoltaics, and sensing technologies. By tailoring electronic properties through precise molecular engineering and modelling, we aim to advance next-generation materials with enhanced performance.

Natural Product Research

Inspired by nature, we pursue the discovery of new drugs from natural sources. We use a range of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques for the isolation and identification of novel chemicals that are bioactive against different illnesses. We use a range of databases to quickly identify the isolated molecules followed by screening of pure compounds for their biological activity in collaboration with biologists worldwide. 

Biophysical Chemistry

Our main interest is in the application of chemistry and physics to investigate challenging biological questions for medical and industrial applications. Our research is multidisciplinary, identifying advanced materials for space, energy, sustainable development and health applications.

The Chemistry research group at UWS conducts cutting-edge fundamental and applied research, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world applications. Our work spans molecular design, synthesis, and characterization, driving innovation in fields such as materials science, pharmaceuticals, and sustainable chemistry. Through strong industry collaborations, we translate fundamental insights into practical solutions, developing new technologies, processes, and products that address global challenges.

As a research student in Chemistry at UWS, you will be part of an active, well-connected research group conducting internationally relevant research. We are members of ScotChem, which is the strategic alliance for chemical sciences in Scotland. Many of our projects will expect you to travel abroad, working in international teams of scientists. We would welcome enquiries from any prospective applicants. 

A list of our current areas of research is given below:

  • Antimicrobial drug development 
  • Nanomaterials in space 
  • Nano-formulations for surface decontamination 
  • Nano-surfactants for energy transfer 
  • Ozone formulation technology 
  • Computer simulation toward a digital twin model
  • Drug discovery from plants /marine organisms
  • Drug discovery from microbial sources
  • Computer-assisted drug discovery for anticancer and anti-infective agents
  • Thin-film sensors for toxic gas detection
  • Solid-state photoswitching via crystal structure-led machine learning
  • Novel π-conjugated materials for optical and electronic applications
  • Spectroscopic detection of illicit materials

PhD students are a very important part of our research, helping to conduct experiments, and to analyse data and interpret the results.

We always have a range of PhD projects in chemistry includiung both fundamental and applied research. Our projects are always open to self-funded students, and we also sometimes have fully-funded studentships. 

We are happy to discuss projects that are available, and we can design projects to suit your interests. We welcome informal enquiries from prospective applicants, and we would be happy to answer your questions or arrange an informal online call.

Details of available projects are listed on the FindaPhD.com website.

We can confidently state that our research activities in environmental sciences directly map to 10 UN SDGs:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
  • SDG 6: Water and Sanitation 
  • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 14: Life Below Wate
  • SDG 15: Life on Land
  • SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve the Goal

In the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024, UWS was officially recognised in the top 400 universities worldwide as assessed against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UWS was recognised as the 2nd most impactful university in Scotland, and 16th globally, for 'reducing inequalities' (UN SDG 10).

Find out more about UWS and UN SDGs

The Chemical Sciences research team comprises of the following academic staff:

Dr Callum McHugh

Dr Mostafa Rateb

Dr Mohammed Yaseen

Dr Andrew McLean

Dr Alastair Marr

Our staff are affiliated to the following UWS Research Institutes: 

The Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging

The Institute of Biomedical and Environmental Health Research

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for an applicant for registration for the degree of MRes or MPhil or for the degree of MRes/MPhil with the intention of transfer to PhD shall be a first or second class honours degree of a university in the United Kingdom, or of an equivalent qualification.

Applicants holding qualifications other than those specified in (above) shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the programme of work proposed.

Direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University if the applicant holds an MRes/MPhil degree of a United Kingdom University, or an MRes/MPhil degree of equivalent standard of a non-UK University, provided that the MRes/MPhil degree is in a subject area which is appropriate to the proposed programme of work.

Exceptionally, direct registration for the degree of PhD may also be approved, at the discretion of the University, even if the applicant is not the holder of an MRes/MPhil degree, but does hold an exceptionally high-quality honours degree or taught master’s degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline, AND has appropriate research experience at postgraduate level which has resulted in significant peer-reviewed publications, and where verifiable evidence of accomplishment is supplied.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The qualifications below must have been gained within two years of the start of your course.

General English language requirements at UWS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)

For our research degrees (MRes, MPhil, PhD, DBA, DProf), applicants are required to have an IELTS score as follows:

  • Overall score of 6.5
  • No sub-test less than 6.0

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

HOW TO APPLY

Applying for postgraduate research study at UWS has never been simpler. Click the link below to find more information about:

Postgraduate Research step-by-step guide – everything you need to know to submit a successful application
Link to our online application system

applying for research degrees

Last updated: 26/02/2025

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