Overview
We aim to provide a thriving research environment and advanced training in a broad range of areas relating to Materials Engineering, Green Process Engineering, Explosions and Fire Research and Energy related topics. Our work is supported via our collaborative research links and is funded by the EPSRC, The Royal Society, European Commission and industrial partners.
We're top 10 in the UK for both student satisfaction and research intensity in Chemical Engineering (Complete University Guide 2019).
Research areas
LSBU has a research centre relating to this field of study:
A member of staff, expert in the chosen field, is directly responsible for guiding and supporting your research programme. As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community.
Scholarship opportunities
LSBU PhD Scholarships
LSBU is a modern university with a mission to transform lives, communities, businesses, and society through applied education and insight. We strive to influence the wider world and positively impact the society around us. LSBU's PhD Scholarships are central to this vision.
London South Bank University (LSBU) offers a comprehensive suite of doctoral programmes through its Doctoral College, encompassing PhDs, professional doctorates (such as EdD and Health and Social Care), and master's by Research degrees. These programmes span diverse disciplines, including engineering, psychology, business, law, education, and the arts, providing students with opportunities to engage in impactful research under the guidance of experienced supervisors. LSBU's research culture is characterised by its applied focus, aiming to address real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and engagement with industry and community partners. This approach enhances the relevance and impact of its research and provides doctoral students with valuable experience in translating academic findings into practical solutions.
London South Bank University (LSBU) comprises three colleges: the College of Health and Life Sciences, the College of Technology and Environment, and the College of Society and Professions. Across these colleges, LSBU hosts 10 schools where PhD scholarships will be offered.
These scholarships provide a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers while receiving advanced academic training, supervision, mentoring, civic engagement experience, and access to networking and industry partnerships.
Types of Scholarships
In the 2025/26 academic year, two types of scholarship funding are available:
- LSBU Chancellor's Scholarships: This round will offer approximately 100 fee-waiver awards, covering tuition fees only for four years.
- In addition, the College of Technology and Environment will fund ten CTE PhD Studentships. These awards cover three-year tuition fees and an annual stipend of £21,622 (2025/26 rate, including London Weighting). While the fourth writing-up year will not include a stipend, a tuition fee waiver will still be provided.
The Scholarships provide an opportunity to work with leading researchers and receive advanced education, supervision, mentoring, civic engagement, networking opportunities and industry engagement.
Please click on the link to the relevant School to learn more about the specific scholarships we are offering and how to apply:
College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS)
College of Technology and Environment (CTE)
- School of Architecture and Planning
- School of Construction, Property and Surveying
- School of Engineering and Design
- Computer Science and Digital Technology
College of Society and Professions (CSP)
Duration of Scholarships
The scholarships are available for full-time study and are open exclusively to new PhD applicants from the UK, EU, and international countries. Current LSBU PhD students are not eligible to apply. Recipients are expected to complete their PhD within four years (48 months), which includes the writing-up year, examination process, and submission of the final corrected thesis.
Starting dates
Although there is no recruitment deadline, scholarships are expected to begin in September, and specific dates may differ across the colleges.
Academic entry requirements
Applicants should normally have at least a 2.1 honours degree from a UK University, an equivalent qualification, or comparable qualifications from another recognised university. The University will assess your ability and background knowledge for your proposed research. This will include professional experience, publications and written reports.
Relevant Information
Applications for the Chancellor's Scholarships are reviewed on a rolling basis until all places are filled; therefore, early submission is strongly recommended to secure a spot. International applicants are responsible for their visa expenses and CAS insurance. Bench fees may apply—please consult the relevant college pages for complete details.
| ModeFull-time | Duration3 years | Start dateJanuary; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code9040 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModePart-time | Duration5 years | Start dateJanuary; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code9046 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| ModeDistance learning | Duration6 years | Start dateJanuary; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code9058 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Watch our video to see how you can make yourself at home studying at LSBU.
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
Need further information? Call us on 0800 923 8888 to discuss entry requirements.
Applicants for a Research Degree programme at LSBU are usually expected to have at least a 2:1 honours degree from a UK University, or an equivalent qualification. Please also supply two academic references as part of your application. You will also be required to show proof of all of your qualifications. If English is not your first language, you will be required to prove your competency in English, showing an IELTS score of at least 6.5 at postgraduate level. Before an offer is made, you will be invited to an interview with your potential supervisor, in person or by telephone.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme
If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you may need to apply to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for clearance from the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) in order to study this course. ATAS certificate is a requirement for enrolment at the University, you will need one if you are an international student applying to study for a postgraduate qualification in the UK and it is now a requirement for every Visa application. Please note, an ATAS certificate is not needed for you to submit an application for a course at LSBU and to receive an offer.
You can find more information about whether you will require this via the FCO website and in our MyLSBU guide to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme.
The process for obtaining an ATAS certificate can take some time so it is important that you check whether you need one as early as possible so that you can make your application for the certificate to obtain it in good time. Failure to produce a valid ATAS certificate could result in delays to receiving your CAS or we may be unable to enrol you at the University.
The CAH code for this course is CAH10-01-09.
Valid ATAS for non-UK students that require a visa.
Choose your country
Select country here:
Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
United Kingdom
£5010
Tuition fees for home students
International
£17600
Tuition fees for international students
Tuition fees are subject to annual inflationary increases. Find out more about tuition fees for Undergraduate or Postgraduate courses.
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Part-time
part-time
PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 1PS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 1
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 1DS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 1PS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 1
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 1PS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 1
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 1DS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 1DS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 2PS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 2
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 2DS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 2PS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 2
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 2PS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 2
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 2DS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 2
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 2DS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 3PS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 3
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 3DS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 3PS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 3
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 3PS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 3
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 3DS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 3
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 3DS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 4PS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 4
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 4DS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 4PS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 4
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 4PS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 4
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 4DS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 4
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 4DS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 5PS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 5
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 5DS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £3006 International fee: £10560 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 5PS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 5
UK fee: £2892 International fee: £10140 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: 5PS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 5
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £5010 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 5DS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 5
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £4820 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: 5DS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £25290 International: £25290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: WUS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 6
UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: WUS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: WUS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (PT) - Year 6
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9046 Session code: WUS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 6
UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: WUS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £26290 International: £26290 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (DL) - Year 6
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9058 Session code: WUS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £25290 International: £25290 -
Full-time
full-time
PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 1FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 1FS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 1
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 1FS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 2FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 2FS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 2
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 2FS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 3FS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £5010 International fee: £17600 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 3FS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 3
UK fee: £4820 International fee: £16900 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: 3FS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: WUS00 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £1240 International fee: £1240 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: WUS10 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £16270 International: £54040 PhD Chemical, Process and Energy Engineering (FT) - Year 4
UK fee: £1190 International fee: £1190 AOS/LSBU code: 9040 Session code: WUS20 Total course fee: * The full amount is subject to fee increases, the total shown below is based on current fees.
UK: £15650 International: £51890
The individual fee for this course is shown above. For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for postgraduate students.
At the LSBU Doctoral Collegewe are committed to supporting and developing professional researchers who are driven to make a difference. We have a range of PhD Scholarships available in partnership with businesses and organisations - and when they're available we'll publish notices on the LSBU Doctoral College site.
Bench Fees
Bench fees are a standard part of the PhD fee structure at most reputable institutions and are in addition to the main course fees. They cover study related costs such as specialist equipment, study participant fees, research related travel, lab and research consumables, etc. The bench fee for the PhDs Engineering and Engineering and Built Environment Course fees + 5k lab-based; 2k ICT-based.
Home
| Mode Full-time | Duration 3 years | Start date January; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code 9040 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Part-time | Duration 5 years | Start date January; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code 9046 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
| Mode Distance learning | Duration 6 years | Start date January; February; March; April; May; September; October; November | Application code 9058 | Application method Direct to LSBU |
Home/EU postgraduate students and research students should apply through our dedicated application system.
Full details of how to do this are supplied on our How to apply section for postgraduate students and our How to apply section for research students.
International applicants should use our international application system. Full details can be found on our How to apply section for international students.
See our admissions policy (PDF File 1,043 KB) and complaints policy (PDF File 516 KB).
Considering your application
Your application will be circulated to a number of potential supervisors who will look at your academic qualifications, experience and the research proposal to decide whether your research interest is something that could be supervised at LSBU.
There will also be an interview either by telephone or at the University. If you are successful you will be offered a place on a course and informed of the next enrolment date. The whole process normally takes between six to eight weeks, from receipt of your application to a decision being made about your application at the School.
Prepare to start
We help our students prepare for university even before the semester starts. To find out when you should apply for your LSBU accommodation or student finance read the How to apply tab for this course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
A PhD, by definition, is an original contribution to knowledge. A research degree is different from a taught course. Research students are expected to self-direct their learning with support from a supervisory team.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- Free employability workshop and events for student all year round, more details can be found on our event section.
- Online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- LSBU Careers Hub offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and support, guidance on future careers, as well as loads of career resources, connecting you with employers, exciting events, 1-1 support and relevant workshops.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
Research skills development
All research students are required to participate in a Key Skills Development programme aimed at developing transferable skills in addition to those employed in carrying out research. Training in research methods is available through frequent research seminars.
When necessary the research student can follow, in part, relevant Masters courses available within the School and in particular units on research methodology. In some cases, research students are encouraged to follow other courses available within the University or externally aimed at improving their general expertise in their chosen areas.
In addition, they may be encouraged to follow language courses aimed at improving their oral and written skills - both essential in their future careers.
Transferable skills
A research degree will equip you with many transferable skills. The self-discipline, the demand for clear analytical thinking, and the ability to turn criticism of others work into something constructive of your own, all constitute a unique training for almost any kind of career. The excitement and satisfaction of finding new facts, a new idea, or a new way of looking at something can be highly rewarding.
Attending conferences
Research students are often sponsored to attend national and international conferences and to meet leading scientists in their fields and to present their research findings. The progress of all research students is formally monitored by the University's Research Degree Committee.
