We accept applications to research degree programmes throughout the year. However, there are application deadlines for funded and self-funded PhDs starting in October, February and June although most students are recruited for an October entry.
We invite research applications across a wide range of disciplines, with particular interest in topics that align with and strengthen our research groups. Prospective students are encouraged to explore potential supervisors and their research areas.
We offer funded opportunities, which you can find out more about in the ‘Funding’ tab. We also welcome applications from self-funded students, who will all receive a research training and support grant for conferences and research-related spend.
Eligibility
- Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours in a related subject.
- A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Master's degree in Chemistry or a relevant subject, with Merit or above and be exceptionally motivated for research.
- In exceptional cases other qualifications and experience may be considered, and all applications will be assessed on their merit as appropriate to the individual case.
- The available studentships include studentships for applicants who are UK residents as well as studentships for international applicants from outside the UK.
There are a number of funding opportunities available. Some cover both stipend (to cover living costs) and tuition fees, while others may cover fees only.
All our PhD students, including those who are self-funded, receive either a research and training support grant or a consumables budget per annum to support training, attending conferences and research-related costs.
All scholarships, bursaries or other awards are offered on a competitive basis. Some funding opportunities may have earlier deadlines, so please check carefully.
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Funded PhD Projects
The Department offers a range of funded PhD projects through a variety of funders, and research grants are searchable in King’s funding database.
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EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Studentships
To apply for Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funding via our Doctoral Landscape Awards, please see the ‘explore our projects’ tab for details of our EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award projects advertised. To apply for a project, please cite the code specified on the project advert in the Funding section of the application form. Please select option 5 ‘I am applying for a funding award or scholarship administered by King’s College London’ and type the code into the ‘Award Scheme Code or Name’ box. Please copy and paste the code exactly.
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The Francis Crick Institute
We are a research partner of The Francis Crick Institute. Please apply directly via The Francis Crick Institute website.
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Centre for the Physical Science of Life
For future funded opportunities through our Research Centre for the Physical Science of Life, please check their web pages.
There are also funded opportunities through our Centres for Doctoral Training:
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London Interdisciplinary Biosciences Consortium
The London Interdisciplinary Biosciences Consortium (LIDo) is one of the largest BBSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnerships in the UK. LIDo is an exciting collaboration between UCL, King's College London, Queen Mary, Birkbeck, Royal Veterinary College and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This unique consortium provides students with a remarkable opportunity to pursue innovative interdisciplinary research projects in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.
This four-year programme is aimed at graduates with a strong interest in multi-disciplinary research, from a wide range of academic backgrounds including biological, biomedical, veterinary, physical, computational, engineering or mathematical disciplines. Please apply through the LIDo website where you can find more information.
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King’s Quantum
King’s Quantum Centre for Doctoral Training brings together quantum practitioners in the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences (NMES) with our world-leading quantum adopters - researchers deploying quantum technology in healthcare, life sciences and beyond. Quantum technologies will contribute to furthering net zero, climate forecasting, drug discovery, autonomous vehicles, molecular integration, and the development of new materials. Find out more and apply here. Further details on available projects are coming soon.
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Engineering Biology for Biomedicine
Engineering Biology for Biomedicine (EB4BM) is a pioneering doctoral training programme that brings together King’s College London, the University of Leeds, the National Physical Laboratory, and 18 industry partners to train the next generation of engineering biologists. By applying systematic design principles to biological systems, engineering biology enables the creation of programmable molecules, cells, and materials with the potential to transform healthcare, from developing therapies for previously “undruggable” diseases to engineering cells that can sense and respond to their environment.
Further funding opportunities:
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King's-China Scholarship Council
King's-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC) is open to students from China. Details of this programme can be found on our website.
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Self-funded Students
We welcome applications from students who can self-fund their PhD and they will be supported with a Research and Training Support Grant per annum to support training, attending conferences, and research-related costs.
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Teaching income
PhD students are encouraged to contribute to the department's teaching, for which payment will be made separately. Training and mentoring in teaching and learning in higher education is provided by the faculty.
For further information on postgraduate research funding and scholarships please visit the King's Funding Database.
We offer PhD projects under a range of different research themes in Chemistry. Applicants can explore the various projects available and apply to the one that suits their interests. This list is not exclusive, and potential applicants can alternatively identify and contact appropriate potential supervisors to outline their academic background and research interests or to propose their own PhD project ideas. Please see our Funding tab for further information.
Future projects will be listed here and on the King's Funding Database. You can also look at the Chemistry Department Research pages, where you can find out more about current research. Please note the application deadlines on each funded project advert, as these may vary.
To apply for a research degree in chemistry, please find full instructions on the course page.