Chemical Synthesis Scholarship 2027 in UK | Fully Funded

CSHP CDT Scholarship is a fully-funded four-year PhD programme offered by the Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet Centre for Doctoral Training (CSHP CDT). The scholarship supports taught courses and a substantive research project focused on sustainable chemical synthesis, addressing challenges in Human Health, Energy & Materials, and Food Security.

CSHP CDT is EPSRC-funded and delivered jointly by the Universities of Oxford and York. The programme includes a shared 4-month training period at both Oxford and York, involvement from over forty academics, ten industrial partners and ten SMEs, and options for industry co-supervision of projects.

Chemical Synthesis Scholarship Benefits

• fully-funded four year PhD programme
• delivered jointly by the Universities of Oxford and York
• comprised of taught courses and a substantive research project
• Student cohorts will work together in a 4-month training period at both Oxford and York, before embarking on their main PhD projects.
• substantive projects can be industry co-supervised, and based at either the Department of Chemistry in Oxford, or the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at York.
• CDT brings together over forty academics across two universities, ten industrial partners that have been substantially involved in the design of the programme and are able to co-develop and co-supervise PhD projects, and ten SMEs who will offer complementary expertise and training opportunities.

Chemical Synthesis Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• Before applying for the CSHP CDT, check that you meet the following eligibility requirements.
• You should have a relevant science degree, such as a BSc, MSc, MChem, or MRes. Your academic background should be related to the field of the programme.
• The CSHP CDT is focused on sustainable organic synthesis. You should have a clear interest in sustainable chemistry and the role of chemical synthesis in addressing global challenges.
• Previous experience in organic synthetic chemistry is ideal. This could include involvement in a relevant university research project or other research experience in the field.
• Your previous academic performance is considered during the CSHP CDT selection process. The programme assesses your academic record alongside your references, motivation, and suitability for the CDT.
• Your application should demonstrate why you want to join the CSHP CDT and how your background and research interests fit the programme. You should also explain your interest in your chosen research projects.
• You need to provide details for three referees as part of the Oxford application. Your referees should usually be academic, although a professional reference, such as one from industry, may also be accepted.
• At least two references must be submitted by the application deadline for your application to be ready for assessment.
• Funding eligibility depends on your circumstances and the applicable EPSRC rules. The CSHP CDT states that UK students and Irish nationals living in the UK or Republic of Ireland are eligible for its fully funded studentships, subject to the normal EPSRC rules. EU, EEA, and Swiss applicants may have different fee-status and funding considerations depending on their residency status.
• Before submitting your application, review the available CSHP CDT research projects and select up to three projects in order of preference. Your choices should be included in your application and personal statement.

How to Apply for Chemical Synthesis Scholarship

• Check the Entry Requirements: Before applying, check the University of Oxford’s graduate entry requirements for the CSHP CDT. Make sure you meet the academic and other eligibility criteria.
• Choose Your Research Projects: Explore the available CSHP CDT research projects for your chosen intake. You can select up to three projects and rank them by preference. Mention your project choices in your personal statement and application.
• Write Your Personal Statement: Prepare a personal statement of up to 1,000 words. Explain your research interests, relevant experience, reasons for applying to the CSHP CDT, and why the programme suits your goals. Clearly state your first, second, and third-choice research projects.
• Prepare Your Documents: Gather all the documents needed for your Oxford graduate application, including:
  • University transcripts and academic records
  • Your 1,000-word personal statement
  • Contact details for three academic or professional referees
  • Any additional documents requested by Oxford
  • Contact your referees early so they have enough time to provide their references.
• Apply Through Oxford: Start your application through the University of Oxford’s online graduate application system. Under Selected Course, choose Chemical Synthesis for a Healthy Planet (EPSRC CDT). When selecting a college, leave the college preference open if you are following the CSHP CDT’s recommendation.
• Submit Your Application:Check all the information and documents before submitting your application. Make sure your research project choices, personal statement, transcripts, and references are complete.For the 2027/28 entry, the first application deadline is 13 November at 12 noon, followed by a second deadline on 6 January. Applying in the first round is recommended, as some research projects may be filled before the second deadline.
• Attend the Interview: If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to an online interview. The selection process includes a technical panel interview and meetings with potential supervisors linked to your chosen research projects.
• Receive the Admission Decision: After the interview process, successful applicants will receive an offer. Your final research project allocation will depend on the selection process and the availability of your chosen projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Chemical Synthesis Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.