PhD Programme Overview

Research at our CDT

PhD Programme Overview

Join an interdisciplinary programme addressing global challenges like CO₂ utilization, plastics pollution, and sustainable materials, while benefiting from cutting-edge research and industry partnerships.

Our Programme

An interdisciplinary PhD for complex sustainability challenges

At the CSCT, our integrated four-year PhD programme combines interdisciplinary research, systems thinking and advanced scientific training to tackle major sustainability challenges in chemical technologies. Beginning with a foundational MRes year that broadens expertise through taught study and research projects across different disciplines, students then progress into focused doctoral research aimed at developing practical, impactful solutions for a more sustainable future.

At a glance

Access a 4-year fully funded programme, including a foundational MRes year.

Gain expertise in tackling issues like CO₂ utilization, plastics pollution, and circular resource management.

Collaborate with industry leaders through partnerships with over 100 clean tech companies.

Build a career driving innovation in sustainable chemical technologies for a greener future.

Join a thriving alumni network making an impact and driving innovation in industry, policy, and research.

Programme Structure

Your four-year journey

Our integrated MRes + PhD programme combines research, interdisciplinary training and professional development to give you the skills and experience to tackle real-world challenges in sustainable chemical technologies.

Year 1

Build your interdisciplinary foundation

In your first year you will study taught modules and undertake two research projects, helping you broaden your expertise before moving into your main PhD research.

2–4

Years 2–4

Develop your PhD research

From Year 2, you focus primarily on your individual PhD research project, supported by advanced technical training and a multidisciplinary advisory team.

High Quality PhD Research ProjectSupported by a multidisciplinary advisory team

Advanced Technical TrainingSpecialist training, workshops and skills development

∞

Throughout the programme

A range of activities run across all four years, helping you develop the wider skills and experience you need for a successful career in academia, industry or policy.

Creative and entrepreneurial skillsInnovation, commercialisation and leadership skills

Public and policy engagementShare your research and engage with wider audiences

Supporting activitiesInternships, showcase events, symposia and the wider CDT community

Assessment weighting

How your work is assessed

Your PhD programme is assessed across research, technical training and wider professional development.

75%

ResearchPhD research project and thesis

15%

Technical trainingCore and optional modules

10%

Professional developmentCreative skills, public and policy engagement and supporting activities

Year 1 Units

Explore your Year 1 training

Browse the units by semester, or use the filters to narrow the programme by requirement or training area. Expand a unit to see more detail.

Study period Requirement Training area

Semester 1

Core training is compulsory. For cross-disciplinary training, choose 1 optional unit.

CH52065

Research project 1

Semester 1Compulsory25 credits

Unit Convener: Andrew Johnson

CH52066

Systems Thinking 1: Sustainable Development

Semester 1Compulsory5 credits

Unit Convener: Emma Emanuelsson

Synopsis

Explore the social, economic, cultural, ethical, and political context of sustainable chemical technologies and assess their sustainability. You will gain an understanding how to consider and respond appropriately to sustainable development needs in your decision-making. Working in multi-disciplinary groups you will conduct a case study to explore motivations and priorities of different stakeholders.

Learning outcomes

Discuss the evolution of thinking and policy about sustainable development, recognising the diversity of perspectives and opinions which are relevant to the subject; and
Interpret and apply sustainable development principles in a business or other organisational context using recognised guidelines and standards, metrics, reporting and concepts of social responsibility and organisational culture appropriately.

Content

Sustainable development ideas, definitions and interpretations
Legislation and guidance including international treaty law relevant to sustainable development
Corporate social responsibility principles and practice
Organisational culture
Sustainable development metrics and reporting.