Study with us

We welcome applications from graduates of a wide variety of science and engineering disciplines who already have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree and have a strong interest in sustainable chemical technologies. Please quote in the finance section of your application form that you are applying for funding through CSCT.

All PhD students in the Centre will have the opportunity to take part in an extensive training programme including life-cycle assessment, public engagement, sustainable technology, design of experiments, patents and entrepreneurship training sessions.  Students will also have the opportunity to take part in Student Symposia, the CSCT Summer Showcase and public engagement opportunities such as the popular Festival of Nature.

“The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Sustainable Chemical Technologies places fundamental concepts of sustainability at the core of research, training and outreach in applied chemical sciences”

Professor Matthew Davidson, Director, Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies

Bath Monash Global PhD Programme in Sustainable & Circular Technologies

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Co-funded Studentships

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EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Chemical Technologies

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MSCA-FIRE Fellows with Industrial Research Enhancement

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The application process

Why study with us?

Practical & relevant research

Studying with us gives you the opportunity to contribute to technologies which are making a real difference to the world today. The Centre focusses on the core areas of molecules, materials and processes to find practical ways of reducing environmental impact, developing cleaner energy sources, reducing reliance on rare elements and much more.

Interdisciplinary research

As a student in the Centre, your research will cross the boundary between traditional subject areas and may draw on elements of many disciplines, from biology to mechanical engineering. This interdisciplinary approach enables us to follow all the way through from new molecules to industrial applications. We are looking for talented candidates from a broad range of scientific backgrounds with an interest in sustainability, not just chemists and chemical engineers.

Industrial and international collaboration

Doctoral research projects within the Centre often have, alongside the academic supervisor, an external supervisor from one of the many commercial companies and world-class academic institutions with which we are partnered. These partners will provide valuable input and support to your project, and also offer placements or research visits where you can place your research in a wider industrial or international context.

Be part of a group

Traditional PhD programmes can be very isolating, but being part of a centre is very different. You will study as part of a cohort with other students from a range of backgrounds and a shared interest in sustainable science and engineering. The Centre also has a strong social scene, with the existing students organising regular events.

More than just a PhD

You will receive training and development opportunities in technical and research skills, as well as the wider commercial and societal aspects of sustainability, including environmental management and public engagement.

What our alumni say

Marking the 10th anniversary of the centre, we recently asked our graduates “how CSCT impacted their career paths”. See what some of them had to say.

Apply

Applications from excellent students, including those who are self-funded, are considered throughout the year. Please quote in the finance section of your application form that you are applying for funding through CSCT.

How to apply

Please see information under ‘Application guidance’ for supporting information on specific aspects of the online application form.

Application process

Please apply by the deadlines stated for each PhD project. If your application is successful, you will be invited to attend an interview either on campus, which will include the opportunity to visit the facilities and meet current students and members of staff, or online. Places are highly competitive and we advise that you apply as soon as possible.

Who can apply

We welcome applications from graduates of science and engineering disciplines, including:

  • biology
  • biochemistry
  • chemistry
  • chemical engineering
  • electrical engineering
  • mathematics
  • mechanical engineering
  • pharmacy and physics

Our applicants must have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree and have a strong interest in sustainable technologies.

Application guidance

Submit your application by clicking on the link next to the PhD project you are interested in. This will give you access to the correct online application form. More details and guidance on particular sections in the online application form can be found below:

Optional upload of documents

It is very helpful if you provide as many of the requested documents as possible. If you are still awaiting transcripts, you will be able to upload these later. Please upload your CV, even if you have already sent this to us.

Your research interests

Under Section 7 of the application form, please do not include a full research proposal, but instead give us some detail about:

  • Your research interests (particularly as they relate to sustainable chemical technologies).
  • Your reasons for wanting to study with us and for wanting to undertake the specific PhD project you are applying to.
  • Any other information that might be relevant, such as professional experience, publications etc.
  • For the Bath Monash Global PhD Programme in Sustainable & Circular Technologies, please express interest here for up to three projects in your order of preference.

If some of this is already covered in your CV, there is no need to repeat the information.

Referees

Uploading any references you have at the time of application will prevent delays in progressing you through to the shortlisting state. Although you are only required to have one referee, we prefer you to provide details of two, so please upload both references if you have these. Some referees prefer to provide confidential reports and, in this case, we will contact them by email, so please ensure that email addresses are correct.

FAQs

1. How do I apply to the CSCT?

Use the link next to the PhD project title you are applying to to access the online application form – see our application guidance for more details. If your application is successful, you will be invited to an interview. The application process is highly competitive, so you should apply as soon as possible.

2. When do applications close?

Places are highly competitive and we advise that you apply as soon as possible and at the latest by the deadline stated for each PhD project. However applications are open all year round for outstanding and self-funded students.

3. I don’t have a background in chemistry or chemical engineering, will you still consider my application?

Depending on the PhD project, we welcome applications from graduates of science and engineering disciplines, including: biology, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, pharmacy and physics.

4. Do I need to submit a research proposal during the application process?

You don’t need to submit a full research proposal. There will be an opportunity during the application to upload a document summarising your research interests and reasons for wanting to study with us.

5. I’d like to be considered for one of your project-specific studentships, how do I apply?

Apply using the online application form and specify that you are interested in a project-specific studentship in Section 7 of the form, when detailing your research interests. For the Bath Monash Global PhD Programme in Sustainable & Circular Technologies, you can list up to three PhD projects in your order of preference in Section 7.

6. I have already emailed you my CV, do I still need to apply online?

Yes, we only consider online applications. If you have already sent us a CV, please attach this to your online application form.

7. What qualifications do I need for my application to be considered?

Our applicants must have, or expect to obtain, a first or upper second class honours degree and have a strong interest in sustainable technologies.

8. When does the course start?

The programme starts in October each year.

9. Is it possible to study part-time?

No, we only accommodate full-time students on our course.