Research Focus
Research and development of sustainable energy materials and devices, with particular attention to novel electrodes and functional materials for energy storage and conversion systems (such as flow batteries, supercapacitors, water electrolysers, etc.). The research includes the design and manufacture of materials (such as 3D printing and electrospun fibre manufacturing), analysis of structure–property relationships, and testing and optimisation in practical energy devices.
Programme Structure and Funding
This programme is a full-time PhD programme with a duration of 3–4 years (36–48 months). Only 2 places are available.
Entry Requirements
Chemistry, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry, Energy Materials, Physics, Polymer Materials, Electrochemistry, Nanomaterials
- Academic background: a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or international equivalent bachelor’s degree in chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering
- Grade requirement: GPA of no less than 3.5
- Language requirements: TOEFL: 92 (Writing and Speaking ≥21, Reading ≥19, Listening ≥18); or IELTS: 6.5 (no sub-score below 6.0); Applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree taught in English may apply for an exemption from the language requirement
- References: 2 letters of recommendation (one must be an academic reference).
Application Materials
- Application form;
- Transcripts;
- English language test report;
- CV;
- Research proposal;
- Personal statement;
- 2 letters of recommendation (one must be an academic reference)
Application Period
Three intake rounds: September, January, April
Applications accepted year-round
Application Process
From now until the end of March, applicants submit an English CV and relevant materials, and we will conduct a preliminary assessment. In April, those who pass the initial screening will be invited to interview with potential supervisors. In May–June, after passing the interview, applicants must formally submit their application materials through the official website. In July, shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the faculty admissions committee. In August, offers of admission will be issued. Note: the timelines above in the application process use September entry as an example.
Tuition and Living Costs
Living Costs
Approximately £16,008 per year (depending on individual circumstances).
Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with experience in electrochemical techniques, 3D printing or electrospinning are preferred
- Tuition fees: for the 2025–26 academic year, £5,006 per year (note: tuition fees increase slightly each year).
Career Prospects
Driven by the global energy transition and carbon neutrality goals, the field of sustainable energy materials is experiencing unprecedented development opportunities. As top research talent in this field, PhD graduates of Queen Mary University of London’s School of Engineering and Materials Science possess deep interdisciplinary knowledge, cutting-edge R&D capabilities and outstanding problem-solving skills, making them highly competitive in the global job market.
In the UK, the starting annual salary for PhD graduates is typically between £40,000 and £55,000, and may be higher for those entering well-known companies or specific high-demand fields (such as battery R&D). In countries and regions such as the United States, Switzerland or the Nordic countries, salary levels are usually more generous.
In terms of career choices, PhD graduates mainly move into the following areas:
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Academia and research institutions: Many graduates choose to undertake postdoctoral research at the world’s top universities or research institutes, continuing their expertise in fields such as photoelectrocatalysis, battery systems or nanomaterials, with the goal of becoming independent researchers or professors. They are responsible for applying for research funding, supervising graduate students, publishing papers in top journals, and pushing the boundaries of the discipline forward.
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Industry R&D departments: This is one of the main destinations for graduates. They are active in leading companies in the new energy industry, and may develop next-generation lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries and battery management systems at car companies or specialist battery companies (such as CATL, BYD, Northvolt).
Or they may join solar panel companies (such as LONGi) or hydrogen energy companies, working to improve the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic materials and develop low-cost new materials for hydrogen production/storage. They may also join companies such as Johnson Matthey to research and develop specialty chemical materials and devices for catalysis, energy storage or conversion.
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Government and public sector: Graduates may enter national laboratories, energy policy-making departments or standards and certification bodies (such as the UK’s National Physical Laboratory, NPL). They use their expertise to participate in national energy strategy planning, conduct material life-cycle assessments, or establish safety and performance standards for new energy materials and devices, driving sustainable energy development at a macro level.
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Entrepreneurship and consulting: Some graduates, drawing on their technological innovations, start businesses through the university’s technology transfer office, turning laboratory technologies into marketable products. At the same time, top management consulting firms (such as McKinsey, BCG) and specialist intellectual property law firms also highly favour such PhDs, hiring them to provide high-value consulting services such as technology strategy, market analysis and patent portfolio planning for companies in the energy industry.
