Overview
The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences is a vibrant centre of research in chemistry. Join us for your MPhil or PhD in Chemistry.
Research in Chemistry is organised into the following groups:
Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology
Our strength in medicinal chemistry is evident through our track record of successful research. This has included the discovery of drugs that have progressed to clinic. We have core capacity in:
- anti-cancer drug discovery
- biomolecular imaging
- computational chemistry
- chemical biology
Nanoscience and Materials
Our research develops new methods to synthesise, characterise and improve our understanding of materials. We focus on materials with useful nanoscale properties.
Photonic Materials
Photonic materials refer to systems that respond to stimulation by light. These can range from single molecules to intricate architectures and molecular devices. Many systems focus on:
- converting sunlight into chemical potential
- the concentration of excitonic energy.
We focus on understanding fundamental principles by using spectroscopic examination.
Structure and Dynamics
Structure underpins the majority of research in chemistry, biology and materials science. The trouble is, the world is dynamic and not static. This means that understanding how structures evolve during a chemical reaction is critical. Our research relates to fundamental and applied research fields over broad time ranges.
Synthesis, Reactivity and Catalysis
This research group combines the expertise of organic and inorganic chemists. Our research aims to advance fundamental knowledge and capabilities in synthesis and reactivity. We focus on the elements s, p, d and f blocks across the periodic table. Through this study we can develop new and improved materials and catalytic processes.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MPhil – Master of Philosophy
An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 – 50,000 word thesis.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
How you’ll learn
Delivery and teaching methods
Delivery
You’ll work closely with an internationally recognised supervisor and receive a high level of training in your specialised subject area. At the start of your research, your supervisor will direct the project and discuss your training requirements. As you gain confidence and expertise you will be given increasing responsibility for the day-to-day running of the project and to explore your own ideas.
Thriving collaborations exist with colleagues in:
- Biology
- Medicine
- Chemical Engineering and Materials
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Electrical and Civil Engineering
The School is also associated with the Faculty of Medical Sciences and the Institute for Sustainability.
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Additional assessment information
We offer a wide range of projects for the thesis. These will be provided by our academics. You can also propose your own topic.
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Your development
Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering (SAgE) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
- EPSRC Aura Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy and the Environment
- IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Partnership
- Discovery Medicine North – MRC DiMeN Doctoral Training Partnership
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed)
- ONE Planet Doctoral Training Partnership
- EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities (ReNU)
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Chemistry – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
Chemistry facilities
The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences has an outstanding range of facilities to support research and teaching, including:
- modern research laboratories and analytical services
- synthesis and characterisation of novel materials lab
- computational resources for performing molecular modelling
- NMR facilities include 300-700 MHz spectrometers
- glass-blowing, mechanical and electrical/electronic workshops
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
MPhil
A 2:2 BSc honours degree, or international equivalent, in a related subject.
PhD
A 2:1 MChem, or international equivalent, in chemistry or a related subject.
We will also consider applicants on an individual basis with BSc qualifications if they have additional relevant experience.
