Formulation Engineering EngD

You'll explore physical, chemical, and biological processes to innovate product design and performance, gaining multidisciplinary skills across engineering and science. Our programme prepares graduates for leadership roles in the most competitive markets.

Programme structure

You'll investigate industrial problems; either with large multi-national corporations or SMEs. You'll mainly be based in the School of Chemical Engineering, but will have the chance to be sponsored by an industrial partner.

You'll undertake both Taught Modules (120 credits) and Research as part of this programme. Below is an indicative idea of what you could spend your time on, but your research may be different to this and will be discussed in advance with your supervisor.

Your work will centre on achieving the desired performance of the product and the means to achieve this. This approach places new demands on interdisciplinarity and innovation.

You'll develop a framework of understanding for the design, manufacture and performance assessment of formulated products.

During your research you'll make useful industry connection as you build skills to make you suited to a successful career inside and outside of academia.

• Engage with the wider research community through interdisciplinary projects.
• Join with leading industrial partners in both training and research.
• Carry out industry-focused research with a placement within your sponsoring company.

• The teaching methods available to you are dependent on the modules you pick. You might take part in lectures, tutorials, workshops or practical assignments.
• However no matter what your modules are, you'll benefit from 1:1 supervision, which gives you the opportunity to get tailored guidance and feedback that meets your individual needs.
• You might also experience active learning and engagement in the lab, helping you develop skills such as collaboration, teamwork, critical thinking, and independent problem-solving when conducting experiments (module dependent as well).

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

You'll undertake 120 credits of taught modules as part of this programme.

Available projects in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Formulation Engineering for Net Zero.

Other projects become available throughout the year so please contact us if you have a specific area of interest.

This degree is run by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Formulation Engineering for Net Zero which is based in the School of Chemical Engineering.

The main research area will be Formulation Engineering, however the School focuses on three key research themes:

Formulation Engineering

We are developing solutions to problems facing industries in the food, pharmaceutical, biotechnological, fast moving consumer goods and speciality products. The Centre for Formulation Engineering.

Energy

Improving quality of life demands the supply of increasing amounts of energy and consumer chemicals, whilst at the same time global warming has become a major cause for concern. The Energy research theme addresses the challenges of introducing the hydrogen economy to replace the current reliance on carbon-based fuels.

• Birmingham Energy Institute
• Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES)
• Birmingham Centre for Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Research

Healthcare Technologies

Our experts are working together to advance new technologies and treatments that enable people to live longer, healthier and happier lives. The Healthcare Technologies Institute.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Funding options

Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached

These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer

You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

A limited number of scholarships and studentships may be available to outstanding applicants. For further information, please explore our scholarships and funding database.

Browse the available projects in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Formulation Engineering for Net Zero. Application contact details are listed on each project

Other projects become available throughout the year so please contact us if you have a specific area of interest.

ATAS - Academic Technology Approval Scheme

International students applying for this programme will need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office before the University can issue you with a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). We recommend that you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as you receive an offer from us.

Careers Network

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one to one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters.

As a postgraduate researcher, you’ll benefit from tailored support to prepare you for a career in academia or set you up for a wide range of other professions.

We also offer subject specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.