The PhD in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering at University College Dublin (UCD) prepares you to conduct original research at the interface of chemical engineering, biotechnology, and process design. You will work with supervisors across areas such as biopharmaceutical engineering, energy and the environment, and advanced materials.
Programme type: PhD (Doctoral degree)
Duration: Typically 3–4 years (subject to registration and research progress)
Credits: Doctoral programmes at UCD are generally assessed through research outputs and milestones rather than a fixed taught-credit structure
Delivery: Full-time or part-time research (as approved)
Research focus: Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical engineering; energy and the environment; advanced materials engineering
Language of instruction: English
Tuition fees: Fees vary by applicant category—check the current UCD fee schedule for your circumstances
Application: Submit an application for the programme and/or contact potential supervisors as required by the School
Intake: Usually for the start of the academic year (exact dates vary by year—confirm with UCD)
English tests: Accepted English proficiency tests include Duolingo English Test, TOEFL iBT, and Oxford Test of English (minimum scores apply as listed in the entry requirements section
Programme Structure
Research-led doctoral training
- Your PhD is centred on an approved research project supervised by an academic member of staff.
- Progress is managed through agreed milestones, supervisory meetings, and required doctoral training activities (as set by UCD and your School).
Research themes in the School
- Biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical engineering: process development and optimisation, manufacturing science, and engineering approaches to improve production and performance.
- Energy and the environment: research addressing sustainability challenges, including technologies that reduce environmental impact and improve resource efficiency.
- Advanced materials engineering: development and characterisation of materials with tailored properties for engineering and industrial applications.
Doctoral outputs
- Research publications and dissemination (e.g., conference presentations and peer-reviewed papers, where appropriate).
- A thesis based on original research, submitted for examination in line with UCD doctoral regulations.
Research proposal (where appropriate)
- Applicants are typically expected to outline how their proposed research aligns with the supervisor’s expertise and the School’s research areas.
Academic requirements
Applicants should hold a relevant master’s degree (or an equivalent qualification) in chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, or a closely related discipline. Entry is competitive and depends on the strength of your academic record and the fit between your background and the proposed research area.
GRE/GMAT/GPA grading score requirements are not specified for this programme.
English requirements
Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is a convenient, fast, and affordable English proficiency test trusted by top universities around the world. Take it online in just one hour—anywhere, any time. Scores are reported out of 160 in 5 point increments.
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TOEFL® IBT
TOEFL iBT® is accepted by more than 13,000 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries. The test can be taken at a test center or at home. The test measures your English-language abilities in an academic setting. The score refers to the total score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading), each subject has a range of 0 - 30.
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OTE
The Oxford Test of English is a suite of 100% online, adaptive tests that assess your English language proficiency in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Endorsed by the University of Oxford and developed by Oxford University Press, the tests are available to book at Approved Test Centres worldwide throughout the year. You are given a score and CEFR level for each of the four modules, and for the overall test. Trust in the only suite of English proficiency tests certified by the University of Oxford. Scores range between 0-170.
Other requirements
General requirements
- Academic background: a relevant degree in a closely related field (e.g., chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, biotechnology, or related engineering/science disciplines).
- Academic awards or highlights: include relevant distinctions, scholarships, or academic achievements where applicable.
- Research experience: describe any laboratory work, research projects, or publications.
- Statement of purpose: explain why you want to enter doctoral studies and how the programme fits your goals.
- Supervisor fit: demonstrate how your research interests align with the academic member of staff’s area of research (reference their publications).
- Research proposal (if appropriate): include a proposal outlining your intended research direction, methods (high level), and expected outcomes.
- Availability of supervision: ask the prospective academic supervisor whether they are accepting new graduate students for the coming academic year.
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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Dublin and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.
Post-study work permission (Ireland)
After completing your PhD in Ireland, you may be eligible to apply for a post-study work permission, subject to meeting the relevant immigration requirements at the time of application.
- Eligibility: you must have successfully completed your programme and hold the appropriate immigration status for your studies.
- Purpose: the permission is intended to allow graduates to remain in Ireland to seek employment or start working in their field.
- Duration: the length of the permission depends on the rules in force for your qualification level and the specific scheme available at the time you apply.
- Conditions: you must comply with all reporting and documentation requirements and may need to provide evidence of your completed degree.
Important: immigration rules can change. Always check the latest guidance from the Irish immigration authorities and confirm your eligibility based on your individual circumstances and the exact qualification you complete.