POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN CHEMISTRY

1. POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN CHEMISTRY Research degrees (PGR) - PhD or MSc courses in Chemistry Director of Postgraduate Studies (Department of Chemistry), and research degrees: Martin Wills PG Co-ordinator (research postgraduates): Sukhjit Takhar The involvement of Chemistry in Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) will also be described. Postgraduate taught courses (PGT) – MSc courses Are also available

2. POSTGRADUATE STUDIES IN CHEMISTRY Contents: What postgraduate programmes are available? Why do postgraduate research? What are the entry requirements? What subject? How do I apply? How do I get funding? (the offer of a place and the offer of funding are not necessarily connected)

3. What type of postgraduate research degrees can I do? Doctor of Philosophy (by research), PhD (3 - 4 years). PhD in a single subject e.g. Chemistry or a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT); Molecular Analytical Science (MAS), Diamond Science and Technology (DST), MITBP (BBSRC funded), Polymers, Systems Biology, Complexity.

4. Why undertake Postgraduate study? • I really enjoy my subject and want to learn more. • I wish to have a career in research or in academia. • I wish to have a career in any aspect of the chemical industry • I don’t wish to have a career in chemistry but it will get me a better job/better prospects. 5) I don’t know what to do at this stage but enjoy chemistry and would like to keep my options open. PG’s are also sought for their level of skills which transfer into a range of sectors not just those in chemical research.

5. A Good Reason to NOT Undertake Postgraduate study ‘I haven’t been able to get a job, so I might as well do a PhD because I need the money’ Research is hard work, but very rewarding, but only you can get the results! If you are not motivated then don’t do it. Research can be incredibly frustrating but amazingly rewarding too.

6. What are the entry requirements? PhD entry requirements BSc: First or 2:1 degree MChem: First, 2.1 or 2:2 degree* * Special case has to be made for a 2.2. BSc: 2:2 degree followed by MSc MSc(research) entry requirements BSc: First, 2:1 or 2:2 degree Think carefully before you apply for a PhD direct from BSc…

7. Research areas at Warwick Chemistry

8. For PhD, the application process is simple but the funding processes is complicated. First, how do I apply? (this is simple) • Decide what type of degree to apply for. • Decide who you would like to work for (with?). • Fill in application form to central PG admissions online (you can apply more than once. • Accept formal offer when you are ready. The offer of a ‘place’ does not come with automatic funding You apply to a University directly, ot via UCAS.

9. Be sure to talk to current PhD students as well as supervisors for a true reflection of the Warwick PG experience. Note – The Warwick online application system offers a studentship place without automatic link to funding (other than Chancellors International Scholarships) – you should discuss this with supervisor and/or Director of Graduate Studies.

10. Funding your studies (this is complicated!) • Determine the area of research that interests you. • Identify academics who have funding from industry, charities, other grants. 3) International students can apply for a Warwick Chancellors International Scholarship (CIS) for International students only (closing date is 18th January 2019). 4) Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) have own funding, 5) Scholarships/self funding

11. PhD’s at Warwick Normal intake PhD 35-40, MSc 4-5 Different grants available Government research councils (EPSRC/BBSRC) 15-20 Industrial sponsored grants (CASE, ChemD) 4-8 Warwick Sponsored grants (CIS) 3-4 Self funded 2-3 Charities, EU 2-3

12. PhD progression and monitoring in Chemistry • Assigned supervisor (day to day supervision) • Assigned advisory committee (monitors progress independently) Progress monitored by First year: 3 month report, then full report/viva at end of year. Second year: 1 report/viva at end of year, poster presentation. Third year: lecture to department. Vivas with advisory committee of 2 members of staff in field of study (not supervisor). Students are expected to do demonstrating and also complete the PG certificate in Transferable Skills course. Progression monitoring in CDTs depends on the CDT.

13. Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) have funding - also run their own overviewsthese include:. • Molecular Analytical Science –MAS* (EPSRC) • Diamond Science and Technology (EPSRC) • Midlands Integrative Biology Training Partnership – MIBTP (BBSRC) * Not to be confused with the Materials and Analytical Science (MAS) Building, which is joint Chemistry/Physics

14. Molecular Analytical Science –MAS CDT (EPSRC-funded) • Funded by EPSRC with 8-10 places each year • Apply directly for a place on the MAS course • One year MSc then 3 year PhD. • You do your PhD in one of the science departments or jointly between one or more, and the academics are from the academic departments.

15. Collaborative Training Network to train at least 60 PhD students in Material (Diamond) Science and Technology over 5 years from 2014 1 year MSc then 3 year PhD. Apply to DST for the MSc and to Chemistry for the PhD. You do the PhD with one or more academics from an academic department(s).

16. Midlands Integrative Biology Training Partnership – MIBTP (BBSRC) • Run by School of Life Sciences and funded by BBSRC. • One year MSc then three year PhD • Apply to do a PhD in either Life Sciences or to Chemistry (whichever you apply for will end up on your degree certificate). • You get interviewed and an offer is made centrally. • You do the PhD with one or more academics from an academic department(s)