Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering offers a dynamic learning community alongside a long-standing reputation for world-class research.
Shape the Future with a PhD at the University of Southampton
Gain the skills and knowledge to make a global impact with PhDs in Engineering for Better Health, Defence, AI and Data Science, Sustainability and Resilience, and Decarbonisation.
The University of Southampton is a world-class research institution, ranked among the top 100 universities globally. As a PhD student, you'll be part of a vibrant research community, working alongside leading experts in your field. You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and receive comprehensive support from our Doctoral College.
Our strong industry connections and track record of real societal impact create incredible research opportunities to enhance your chosen career.
Our five schools offer PhDs programs in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, astronomy, photonics and optoelectronics, electronics, computer science, and engineering.
Select a school below to find your PhD.
Electronics and Computer Science
World-leading education in a research environment of electronics and electrical engineering, and computer science and AI.
Engineering
The School of Engineering represents the largest and most diverse engineering group in the UK.
Physics and Astronomy
A dynamic environment with research in the fields of astronomy, quantum, light and matter, and theoretical particle physics.
Photonics and Optoelectronics
A world-leading research organisation with roots going back to the invention of the optical fibre in the 1960s.
Supporting Fellowships: Proleptic Appointments
Faculty Commitment to Fellowships
The Faculty has a longstanding tradition of supporting prestigious externally funded fellowships. To reaffirm this commitment, we have developed guidelines to provide continuity and stability for fellowship holders in their academic careers. These guidelines support fellowship holders to apply for a future transfer to an open-ended academic role upon completion of their fellowship. This future appointment is known as a ‘proleptic appointment’.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a proleptic appointment, individuals should hold an eligible fellowship (see below) and would normally have completed 18 months of that fellowship, must demonstrate the potential to meet the requirements of the future academic role, and have established a strong strategic fit with the host School(s) and the Faculty.
Proleptic Appointment Considerations
A proleptic appointment may be considered under the following circumstances:
- Funder Requirement: It is a requirement of the fellowship funders' terms and conditions
- FEPS Recognition: The Faculty recognises the fellowship scheme
Recognised Fellowship Schemes
The Faculty currently recognise the following external fellowship schemes as being within scope of the scheme:
- EPSRC Open Fellowships
- ERC Starting, Consolidator, and Advanced Grants
- NERC Independent Research Fellowships
- NIHR Advanced Fellowships
- Royal Society University Research Fellowship or Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship
- Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship
- STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship
- UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF)
- Wellcome Trust (e.g., Early Career Awards and Career Development Awards)
Additional Schemes
Schools within FEPS can support additional fellowship schemes on a case-by-case basis, subject to prior approval from the Dean.
Existing Fellowship Holders
This guidance applies to new fellowship applicants and existing fellowship holders who wish to transfer their fellowships to Southampton.
For more information, please contact the host school you are applying to for further details on these guidelines.
Researchers in Engineering and Physical Sciences are defining and developing substantial areas of research that impact on the fast-changing world in which we live.
Our research rankings place us at the forefront of the UK's research-intensive Russell Group Universities for our subjects, and our degree programmes are highly regarded by leading global employers and companies requiring the skills needed to develop theories and technologies that will enhance our understanding and shape our future world.