FAQs

Courses are due to begin on schedule in Autumn 2020 and we have aligned plans with the College to provide a high-quality educational experience during the Autumn term. We are working hard to deliver a multi-mode experience, where teaching will be a combination of on-campus (in-person) and remote learning (online), known as 'multi-mode' delivery.

 The balance in the multi-mode offering may be subject to change. We will do our best to provide increased on-campus teaching and research activities as we progress throughout the year.

 ote that the taught courses are delivered mainly in the first three months (Oct-Dec) with research projects starting in Feb.

No. Students can select up to three, but it is not necessary to fill this quota if there is/are only one or two projects that interest(s) you.

The number of studentships available reflects the amount of funding for that particular year, pre-approved by the management and advisory groups.*

 Applicants are invited to select up to three projects from the list of projects available.

 Funding is allocated to the applicants, suited to the programme rather than to the pool of projects listed.

 *If you have alternate source(s) of funding, you may have a wider choice of projects available to you. Please contact us for more detail.

The CDT aims to recruit students of the highest calibre. You can find out Application and Selection Process on the ‘How To Apply’ page.

Applicants are selected by the CDT Management Board and invited for a formal interview process, which include a short presentation from shortlisted candidates (on a recent project) and assessments are made from the candidates’ suitability for the programme, their research aptitude and academic ability, performance at the interview, scientific aspirations and feedback from the supervisors they have met.

We invite shortlisted candidates for a formal interview day at the White City campus. Candidates will meet with the CDT management board, potential supervisors and current CDT students. The day will also include a tour of our research facilities and the opportunity to properly network with the current students during a Q&A session.

Candidates will be interviewed – ca. 30 minutes - by the CDT Management Board, including an industrial representative if you have selected an industry project(s).

 The interview will include a short presentation by the candidates on a recent project they have undertaken.

rEaCt runs a 1+3 MRes/PhD programme (1-year MRes followed by a 3-year PhD) as we believe this to be the most effective way of delivering a broader academic programme as a Centre for Doctoral Training. For information on the breakdown of our full programme please visit The CDT Programme page.

Yes, in fact, a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field is an essential CDT admission requirement. Applicants should hold or expect to obtain a first or upper-second class in their current master’s degree to be eligible for CDT funding (EPSRC conditions). Please enquire separately if you have funding from other sources. 

CDT students will undertake the MRes in Advanced Molecular Research (AMS) at the Department of Chemistry in their first year. This MRes is unique and multifaceted, offering the three core modules list below.

                                                    i.     Fundamental reactive intermediates in organic synthesis

                                                   ii.     Process Design: Decisions and Analysis

                                                  iii.     Statistical/Data Sciences

 To get an idea of the MRes year for intake 2019, please view the AMS MRes programme specification here.

Yes, the project you are offered at the end of the application and selection process is the project you will be expected to undertake for  the 4-year programme. There may be cases where the scope of your project may take a different direction, but ideally, upon successful completion of the MRes year most students will continue working on the same project in their PhD years.

 The CDT has also implemented a unified process for the appraisal of research projects and the student selection process. This provides our applicants with both the best projects on offer and the opportunity to meet with potential supervisors of their selected projects to aid them in making an informed choice.

The CDT is very well-supported by various industry partners which means our students benefit from the delivery of industrial-relevant education and training throughout their studentship. In addition to this, there will be opportunities for our students to undertake industrial placements and internships during or after the completion of training programme, which will be immensely beneficial in improving the employability prospects our students.

 We also have industrial cohort mentors on board to guide our students during their doctoral training. 

During the MRes year, all our students are registered at the Department of Chemistry. However, due to the collaborative nature of our projects on offer, some students will have the option to transfer their registration to the department of their primary supervisors (for e.g.) in years 2-4.  Note that the CDT includes a multidisciplinary team of over 70 potential supervisors across physical science, engineering and manufacturing departments.