Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
- 3–4 years
- Part-time
- 72 months
- 6–8 years
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting October 2027
- Apply before Apr 2027
- Starting February 2028
- Apply before Apr 2027
Language
English
TOEFL iBT: 87
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
- Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Disciplines
- Materials Science
- Chemistry
Overview
Research
Key themes of our Chemistry and Materials research at The Open University UK include:
- Catalysis research, focusing on the synthesis and characterisation of bimetallic catalysts for fuel cells and catalytic converters. We also have interests in characterising porous materials and surfaces.
- Green chemistry and resource efficiency research, focusing on recovery of high value chemicals from waste and biomass.
- Nanomaterials and nanocomposites, focusing on novel materials and their applications in for example nanosensors, photovoltaics, catalysis, energy harvesting and storage.
- Organosilicon research, focusing on new materials and coatings based on silsesquioxanes, biomimetic organosilicon chemistry, the development of novel HPLC phases and the mechanism of substitution at silicon.
- Polymer processing and structure development research, focusing on understanding and predicting the effects of molecular variables during polymer processing.
- Supramolecular chemistry research, including luminescent sensors and probes, photoactive molecular devices, and new calixarene motifs and applications.
- Experimental evaluation of quantum chemical models that describe the physico-chemical properties of molecules/materials.
Programme Structure
Current/recent research projects:
- Development and analysis of recognition polymers
- Lanthanide complexes as incorporated luminescent detectors
- Understanding and improving reactivity of low platinum group metal three-way catalysts
- Supported catalysts for the recovery of valuable chemicals from wastes
- Synthesis, and Application of Nanoparticles using Calixarenes
- Electron Spectroscopy Measurements of Functionalised DNA Components for Radiotherapy
- Molecular modelling and biological relevance of supramolecular structures in nucleic acids
- Sustainable plastics including new packaging materials, environmental impact of plastics and recycling waste plastics
- Recovery of chemicals from wastes such as metals
- Heritage Science involving the cleaning of museum textiles and the conservation of plastic works of art
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 87
Other requirements
General requirements
Entry requirements
- Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International (Non-residents): 31,001 AUD / year (≈ 16,420 GBP / year)
- Domestic (Citizens or residents): 9,451 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)
Living costs
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom: 1,601-2,539 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Scholarships: Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Chemistry and Materials. You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.