university of melbourne phd chemistry

Research degrees

Quick links.

Explore our graduate research degrees and the supervisors, infrastructure, supports and services available.

Scholarships

Explore our scholarship opportunities that recognise talent and support graduate researchers.

Find a supervisor

Find the right supervisor for you and learn how they can support your research.

How to apply

Start your research journey by applying for graduate research as a domestic or international candidate.

Why research with us

Join Australia’s leading research university, pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Discover research at Melbourne

Your research options

Discover the types of graduate research we offer, including the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and masters by research.

Explore our research areas – from arts, humanities and social sciences to veterinary, agricultural and food sciences and learn more about your opportunities  as a graduate researcher, including interdisciplinary and international experiences.

Explore your options

Your study experience

Discover what life is like as a researcher at Melbourne, including learning on campus, living in Melbourne, and the facilities and services available to you.

Life as a researcher

Support for Indigenous researchers

We encourage and support our Indigenous graduate researchers. Find out about the services and opportunities available to Indigenous applicants and join a close-knit Indigenous research community that shares your culture, challenges and knowledge.

Where could your degree take you?

Engage with industry.

Find out how our graduate researchers can engage with industry.

Entrepreneurial programs

Access a range of entrepreneurial opportunities through the Melbourne Entrepreneurial Centre (MEC).

Commercialising your research

Understanding intellectual property and copyright can be challenging. We're here to help you manage these aspects of your research.

Interdisciplinary research

Challenging current thinking and translating knowledge through unexpected connections.

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Ultrafast and Microspectroscopy Laboratories

School of Chemistry

Welcome to the Ultrafast and Microspectroscopy Laboratories (UML)

The Ultrafast and Microspectroscopy Laboratories in the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne house the research groups of Profs. Trevor Smith and Ken Ghiggino, and ARC Future Fellow Dr. Christopher Hall. The laboratories comprise a comprehensive set of ultrafast laser spectroscopy and advanced optical microscopy instrumentation with which we carry out collaborative research on many areas of photochemistry and photophysics.  The instrumentation can also used for studying some biological systems, but this is not a current research direction.

Added ultrafast laser capabilities:

We have recently installed a new femtosecond laser system, funded by grants from the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) Infrastructure Funds and the Australian Research Council Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) schemes.

Our research group comprises several post-doctoral researchers and PhD and MSc students, in addition to frequent international visitors.

Members of the UML participate in a number of collaborative research initiatives, including:

We are also supported through activities of the  Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP)

Melbourne/Monash-Bayreuth OPTEXC International research Training Group:

The University of Melbourne, Universität Bayreuth and Monash University have created a new International Research Training Group (IRTG) in “Optical excitations in organic and inorganic semiconductors (OPTEXC) .  UML is a part of this initiative. This link provides for a joint PhD program . Candidates from each University spend a minimum of 12 months at the partner University and submit a PhD thesis at each location. Candidates need to be Australian residents and have an undergraduate mark equivalent to those required for an APA.

News and events:

• Xinyue Xu (Stella), who completed her MSc in UML at the end of 2023 has been awarded the Andrew Kirby Award for Research Excellence 2023. “This award is given to high achieving student(s) in a research project in Chemistry within the Bachelor of Science (Honours) or the Master of Science (Chemistry)”.
• Ryuzi Katoh from Nihon University visiting UML in March 2024
• 5/2/24: Rees Hughes joins us from UToronto
• 4-6 December 2023: We helped organise the inaugural International Conference on Quantum Energy( ICQE ) 2023 at Pullman on the Park.
• 28/11-1/12, 2023: We hosted the 12th Asian Photochemistry Conference in Melbourne
• 6/11/23: Dr. Jack Muir has joined the UML group working on a quantum energy project with CSIRO and RMIT
• 11/10/23: Daniel Kröh awarded the Dr. Jim Desmarchelier Scholarship at the School of Chemistry awards night
• 18/04/23: Subhajit Chakraborty finally arrives from IIT Kanpur as a MIPA student.
• 17/04/23: Nina Novikova joins UML from Auckland
• 13/02/23: Chris, Jamie, Rohan and Trevor attended the NZ-Australia Ultrafast Spectroscopy Symposium in Wellington, NZ 13-14 Feb., 2023.
• Daniel Kroh joins the group as a joint PhD student with University of Bayreuth (Anna Köhler).
• Stella has been awarded the prestigious Wyselaskie Scholarship in Natural Science. Congratulations!
• Xinyue Xu (Stella) has joined the group as a Masters student. Welcome!
• Elham and Pria discuss how ultrafast spectroscopy can be used to study photoactive materials in Exciton Science explanatory video .
• Jamie’s lockdown project featured in The Age newspaper and highlighted in Exciton Science news short video .

• Chris Hall has been awarded the Selby Award for the project titled ‘Probing drug-target interactions under physiological conditions.’
• Rohan Hudson joins the group from Tak Kee’s lab (Jan. 22) as an  ACEx Postdoctoral Research Fellow. Welcome!
• Pria Ramkissoon and Elham Gholizadeh join the group as ACEx Postdoctoral Research Fellows.
• New Light Conversion dual Pharos-SP amplified ultrafast laser system installed. Read about it here . Installation photos here .
• Chris Hall has been awarded an Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship to develop new tools to study photochemical systems
• Siobhan Bradley recently left the group to take up a position with the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)
• Kyra Schwarz recently left the group joining Deloitte, where where she will work on renewable energy strategic advice for Deloitte customers
• New Masters student Siqi Jin joins the group.
• New PhD student Subhajit Chakraborty joins the group, currently based in IIT Kanpur.
• Chris and Trevor’s work appeared in Pursuit Magazine .
• Kyra Schwarz recently rejoined the group after a post-doc. position at Princeton
• Saghar Masoomi-godarzi completed her PhD and has started in the group as an ACAP Post-doc. Fellow. Congratulations!
• New Masters students Sakuya Mori and Fangfang Yuan join the group. Welcome!
• Visiting researcher Assoc. Prof. Susan Quinn from University College Dublin joins the group for March 2020.

Photo courtesy: Ben Xinzi Zhang (Princeton University)

• Yang Xu and Trevor Smith visited Peter Dedecker’s group at KUL in Leuven, Belgium and the Rainer Heintzmann’s group at Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology in Jena, Germany to discuss structured illumination microscopy

Yang with Carl Zeiss, and Yang & Trevor with Abbe’s diffraction law monument

• Weilong Xu from Changzhou Institute of Technology, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China visited UML for 2019
• PhD positions . We are involved in developing super-resolution optical imaging methods, ultrafast laser spectroscopy and time-resolved microscopy. We apply these techniques to study a range of materials from organic photovoltaic materials, semiconductor nanocrystals and some of biological and botanical interest.  Potential students have to apply and qualify through the University’s normal admissions process (see the Graduate School of Science ), and are expected to be eligible for, and awarded an appropriate scholarship, which are highly competitive.
• B.Sc. (Hons) and M.Sc. projects available

Follow our group Twitter feed here .

• Current Group Members
• Prof. Ken Ghiggino
• Prof. Trevor Smith
• Dr. Chris Hall
• Dr. Jamie Laird
• Dr. Pria Ramkissoon
• Dr. Elham Gholizadeh
• Dr. Rohan Hudson
• Mayank Bhasin
• Subhajit Chakraborty
• Daniel Kroh
• Xinyue Xu (Stella)
• Isabel Erhard
• Visitors & Previous Group Members
• Publications
• Luminescent Solar Concentrators
• Organic Nanoparticles
• Perovskites
• Singlet fission
• Triplet-triplet excitonic upconversion
• Ultrafast dynamics of semiconductor quantum dots
• Evanescent wave-induced fluorescence spectroscopy
• Evanescent wave-induced fluorescence microscopy
• Time-resolved evanescent wave-induced fluorescence spectroscopy
• Fluorescence anisotropy microscopy
• Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements (TRAMS)
• Nanosecond gated spectroscopy
• Photocurrent mapping
• Single molecule spectroscopy
• Super-Resolution Optical Microscopy
• Time Correlated Single Photon Counting
• Transient absorption microscopy
• Time-resolved fluorescence microscopy
• Time-resolved phosphorescence microscopy
• Ultrafast spectroscopy
• Time-resolved spectroscopy instrumentation
• Microscopy instrumentation
• Steady-state instrumentation
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• Light Conversion Femtosecond System Installation 2021
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Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry

Research in the field of medicinal and biomolecular chemistry from the Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne.

Researchers

Muthupandian Ashokkumar      Cutting-edge research in the areas of ultrasonics and sonochemistry, including fundamental aspects of acoustic cavitation.

Stephen Best      Electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry.

Paul Donnelly      Synthetic inorganic chemistry; bioinorganic chemistry, metal-based drugs and the study of metal ions in biological systems; diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals.

Ken Ghiggino      Super-resolution optical imaging methods, ultrafast laser spectroscopy and time-resolved microscopy, applied to study materials including organic photovoltaic, semiconductor nanocrystal and biological materials.

Craig Hutton      Development of new methods for peptide ligation, synthesis of biologically active cyclic peptides and radiolabelled peptides for cancer imaging.

Guy Jameson      Iron-containing metalloenzymes, kinetics and spectroscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy.

Spas Kolev      Development of methods and instrumentation for automatic chemical analysis and environmental monitoring; Fabrication and study of polymeric membranes.

Megan Maher      Metals in biology; structural biology; protein chemistry; bioinorganic chemistry; biophysical techniques.

Richard O'Hair      Using mass spectrometry to study gas phase reactions in organic biomolecules and inorganic and organometallic ions.

Gavin Reid      Development and application of quantitative proteome and lipidome analysis strategies to identify functional biomarkers of disease, and for mass spectrometry based clinical diagnostics.

Mark Rizzacasa      The chemical synthesis of bioactive natural products and the development of synthetic methods.

Frances Separovic      Antimicrobial peptides, membrane biophysics, model membranes, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, structural biology.

Trevor Smith      Evanescent wave fluorescence spectroscopy, super-resolution optical microscopy, time-resolved fluorescence microscopy, ultrafast laser spectroscopy.

Jonathan White      DNA-binding radiomodifiers.

Uta Wille      How environmental radical and non-radical oxidants are involved in diseases of the respiratory tract by damaging biological molecules that are in direct contact with the atmospheric environment.

Spencer Williams      Application of organic chemistry to the study of biological systems, including carbohydrate chemistry and glycobiology.

Research centres

ARC CoE for Advanced Molecular Imaging Developing better techniques and technologies to reveal the structure and dynamics of molecular interactions (the Imaging program), and applying these techniques to visualise the response of our immune system (the Immunology program).

ARC Training Centre for the Chemical Industries Fosters transformative and innovative research in Australia’s chemical and advanced manufacturing sectors through a new industry-led research-training program developed through partnerships between in

Research in this area is conducted in the School of Chemistry .

Department of Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers change the world through use of their knowledge of chemistry, biology, computation and engineering to meet the needs of our technological society. Our highly ranked Department of Chemical Engineering is renowned for its impactful research, high quality teaching, impressive industry connections and excellent graduate outcomes.

We have a diverse range of exciting and innovative research programs, making us one of the highest ranked departments at the University of Melbourne and across Australia. A broad range of engineering disciplines are encapsulated across four main research themes.

Working with government and industry is a pivotal part of what we do. Our industry partners provide platforms for translational research, they inform our teaching and they provide employment pathways for our students.

Learn more about our undergraduate pathway degree and our graduate coursework Masters’ degrees and research degrees in Biochemical, Chemical or Materials Engineering.

Our world-class labs develop technologies, along with industry partners, to solve the most pressing problems facing the world, namely in the areas of energy, the environment, defence, and healthcare.

Contact details for our staff and profiles for our research and teaching academics.

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Find out our latest achievements and research. Attend one of our research seminars.

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School of Biomedical Sciences

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Biochemistry and Pharmacology

The University’s latest update and response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, including student support information.

A multidisciplinary research centre specialising in medical, agricultural and environmental biotechnology.

Bridging the gap between discovery science and translation into clinical outcomes.

Meet our biomedicine students, world-class researchers and teaching talent, plus find out where our incredible graduates are now.

We are passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists. Start your research career with us.

Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology

Meet our Head of Department, Professor Ian van Driel - and find out what’s happening around Biochemistry and Pharmacology.

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P: +61 3 9035 7119 E: [email protected]

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This is one of the greatest eras of scientific discovery, and you can be part of it. No matter what medicine and professional health career you want to pursue – or if you have another pathway such as law, engineering or business in mind – begin your journey here.

Learn from world-renowned academics in the heart of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct – the perfect way to begin in the field of biomedical science.

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We are passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists. Here’s how to start your research career at Melbourne.

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The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences offers an extensive range of scholarships and bursaries to undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.

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Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Pharmacology, honours & masters of biomedical science (biochemistry & pharmacology), pharmacology united with biochemistry students (pubs), meet our talent.

Meet some of our talented biomedicine students, world-class researchers and teaching talent – and find out where our incredible graduates are now.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Bringing together teaching specialists and academics across the School focused on improving student learning, outcomes, experiences and engagement across the biomedical sciences.

Undergraduate Research Training

Would you like the opportunity to work in a real research laboratory? The BIOM30003 will see you spend a semester working on an exciting, research-based project with our world leading researchers.

Find out more

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We are passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of biomedical scientists. Start your research career with us through Honours, Masters and PhD level programs.

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The Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology has a number of services available to the research community. Find out how our services, facilities and equipment can accelerate your research.

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• The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct

The School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Melbourne is part of the largest biomedical precinct in the southern hemisphere. It is a hub of innovation, exceptional collaboration opportunities and cutting-edge facilities.

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Supporting postdoctoral researchers in the School, EMCRA offers networking opportunities and an annual collaborative seed-funding grant: the EMCRA Collaborative Award.

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Our alumni community brings together our talented graduates – from those working in medicine, professional health, engineering to law and commerce. Stay connected with this global network.

Our alumni and donors enrich our School’s work in many ways. From creating scholarships, supporting ground-breaking research to building partnerships and community engagement.

Collaboration with industry, other institutions and research organisations, the community, not-for-profits and government means research outcomes in our School can have a global impact.

The School of Biomedical Sciences includes some of the University, and Victoria’s, most historically renowned departments, hosting a number of unique programs of community and scientific interest.

Our Research Centres and Programs

• Australian Venom Research Unit

Researching injuries and deaths caused by venomous snakes, spiders, marine creatures and other organisms.

• Lung Health Research Centre

Improving lung health through excellence in basic and translational research.

ARC Centre for Personalised Therapeutics Technologies

Advancing technologies to remove long-standing barriers to new drug discovery and development.

The Grimwade Medal

The Grimwade Medal for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology recognises distinguished scientists working within biochemistry and molecular biology.

Advancing the research and teaching of the molecular understanding of disease, drug discovery and development.

Welcome to a place of world-class medical research and teaching in biochemistry and pharmacology

Where cutting-edge facilities, scientific platforms and access to industry underpin our programs in discovery science, translational research, drug discovery.

Meet our Head of Department

Professor Ian van Driel’s vision for the new Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology is to bring together the benefits of interdisciplinary teaching and the development of an integrated research program.

The world-class researchers, award-winning teachers and exceptional staff of this department.

General enquiries, where to find us, deliveries and media requests.

A Brief History

Teaching and researching biochemistry and pharmacology since 1938.

Bio21 Institute

A multidisciplinary research centre specialising in medical, agricultural and environmental biotechnology.

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Scholarships

Graduate research scholarships.

The Melbourne Research Scholarship and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship are offered to high-achieving international and domestic students who are enrolling in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.

Application type

No application is required. You will be automatically considered for this award.

Benefit type

General allowance Fee remission Full benefit details

Citizenship requirements

Australian / domestic student International student

Total value

100% fee remission and up to $135,000

Applicable study areas

All study areas

Number of scholarships awarded

Approximately 600

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• have applied for and meet the  requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
• be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne

Selection criteria

All domestic students who are offered admission to a Masters by Research or doctoral degree (PhD) at the University of Melbourne will receive a Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee Offset).

Graduate Research Scholarships that provide a stipend as well as fee offset are awarded to domestic and international students based on academic merit. Eligible applicants are scored and ranked according to their academic achievement of their last completed degree and their research potential in their field of study. Factors such as completion of a degree at the same level of the research course for which the scholarship is sought, relevant professional experience, refereed publications, specialist medical qualifications or composition of original music may be taken into consideration.

These scholarships are subject to the Graduate Research Scholarships Terms & Conditions (as amended).

If you are a new student and have applied for a graduate research course by the application closing date for that course, you will be automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships. You will receive a notification that a scholarship application has been added to your record within ten business days of having submitted your course application.

If you have accepted a graduate research course offer and deferred commencement in order to be reconsidered for a scholarship, you must submit an online application form by 31 October to be considered for a scholarship in the following year. You will receive a notification that a scholarship application has been added to your record within ten business days of having submitted the online form.

If you are currently enrolled in a graduate research course for which you seek a scholarship, you must submit an online application form by 31 October to be considered for a scholarship in the following year. You will receive a notification that a scholarship application has been added to your record within ten business days of having submitted the online form.

Domestic students will receive an offer for Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee Offset) as part of their course offer.

Offers for Graduate Research Scholarships that provide a stipend and fee offset are made separately but around the same time course offers are made.

Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS)

This scholarship is available to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or doctoral degree.

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

This scholarship is supported by the Australian Commonwealth Government and offered by the University of Melbourne to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or Doctorate by Research degree. See also the University's RTP Scholarship Policy .

China Scholarship Council - University of Melbourne PhD Scholarship

This scholarship is provided by the China Scholarship Council and the University of Melbourne to promote international collaboration and is offered to citizens of the People's Republic of China wishing to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree at the University of Melbourne.

What are the benefits?

Stipend and fee offset scholarships.

• Full fee offset for up to two years for students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or up to four years for students undertaking a doctoral degree.
• Living allowance of $37,000 per year pro rata (2024 full-time study rate) for up to two years for students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or up to 3.5 years for students undertaking a doctoral degree. The living allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
• Relocation grant of $2000 for students moving from States or Territories other than Victoria or $3000 for students moving from outside Australia.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students who require a student visa to study in Australia

Fee offset scholarships

For further information, see  Manage my scholarship .

The information listed here is subject to change without notice. Where we have listed information about jointly run scholarships programs, please also see our partners' websites. Information describing the number and value of scholarships awarded is indicative.

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PhD (Applied Chemistry)

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Use advanced research skills to contribute to developments in applied chemistry and/or the grand environmental challenges of our age. 

You're viewing program information for local students.

RMIT considers you a local student if you are:

• a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• a New Zealand citizen, or
• a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

Asylum seekers who reside in Australia and study onshore are required to pay international onshore tuition fees for higher education courses.

If you are unsure or hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

Not a local student?

You're viewing program information for international students..

RMIT considers you an international student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa, or
• not a citizen or permanent resident of Australia, or
• not a New Zealand citizen, or
• not a a person seeking asylum who holds either a: Temporary Protection Visa (TPV), or Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (SHEV) or Bridging Visa E or Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) visa or Temporary Humanitarian Concern Visa.

If you are unsure or  hold a different visa type, please contact  Study@RMIT for more information.

Not an international student?

Not applicable

Research Training Scheme

See admissions

AU$36,480 (2024 annual)

RMIT's modern, purpose-built and well-equipped facilities, including analytical instrumentation, will support your research.

The School of Science has expertise in molecular modelling, chemo-metrics and micrometeorology that has found applications spanning multiple research fields.

Under expert supervision, you will join researchers already active in:

• analytical chemistry (metabolomics, natural products extraction and identification)
• separation science (focus on gas and liquid chromatography), flow injection analysis and mass spectrometry
• environmental analysis (air, soil and water quality; environmental contamination; biosolids; environmental toxicology)
• physical and materials chemistry (organic and inorganic synthesis, colloidal chemistry, functional surfaces, micro- and nano-technologies, nano-biotechnology, electrochemistry, heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis)
• interdisciplinary ecosystem restoration.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis with publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisors.

Research collaborations

Many of our research activities are conducted within these related research centres:

• Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry
• Centre for Molecular and Nanoscale Physics.

The School of Science’s researchers have a demonstrated record of success in collaborations, funding and research publications. 

Our research staff

You will work with researchers who are past and present winners of: 

• ARC Future Fellowships and DECRAs
• AGR Matthey Gold medal for outstanding contribution in the field of applied gold chemistry 
• RK Murphy Medal for Industrial Chemistry
• Silver Jubilee Medal of the Chromatographic Society, London
• CLRI Padmabhushan Dr Y Nayudamma Chemcon Distinguished Speaker Award (awarded by the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers).

The majority of our research staff are Members and Fellows of professional societies including: 

• the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering
• the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), UK
• the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI).

In the 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia assessments, we were ranked at ‘well above world standard’ for physical chemistry and ‘above world standard’ for analytical chemistry.

Research support

Throughout your candidature, you will be supported through:

• expert supervision
• participation in high-quality professional development programs delivered by RMIT's School of Graduate Research
• access to RMIT's extensive facilities, laboratories and equipment and those of our partners.

Candidates may be eligible for a range of scholarships including:

• Australian Postgraduate Awards – funded by the Australian Government
• PhD and Research Masters Scholarships – funded by RMIT University
• PhD scholarships in computer science and IT – funded by the School of Science
• other postgraduate research scholarships.

How you will learn

Research at rmit, time spent on research.

Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.

Regular contact with your supervisor

A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.

Resources, facilities and support

You will have access to the Learning Hub and other online and digital resources through the myRMIT student portal.

You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.

School of Graduate Research

The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

PhD candidates are given the opportunity to work closely with industry and government organisation scientists while undertaking their PhD.

RMIT has industry partnerships with companies such as:

• Agilent Technologies
• Alcoa World Alumina
• BHP-Billiton
• Cell Therapies Pty Ltd
• Ceramic Fuel Cells Ltd
• Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)
• Hone Carbon

The cross-disciplinary focus of chemistry and environmental science research also involves regular collaboration with biomedical institutions across Australia including:

• Burnet Institute
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trial Centre in Sydney
• Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
• St Vincent's Hospital and Austin Hospital in Melbourne.

Learning outcomes

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the  learning outcomes .

Electives and course plan

You will complete this program under academic supervision.

The PhD program is structured to enable you to:

• complete a compulsory research methods course
• receive training in research integrity and ethics
• select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
• complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your original contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard

You are required to complete:

Research Integrity modules

You are required to complete the online modules:

• Research integrity
• Copyright and intellectual property

Research methods for sciences

Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.

You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.

Research Techniques

You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.

Co-curricular activities

You are encouraged to participate in activities offered with the university, college and school according to your needs and interests.

This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis by publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time and 8 years part-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent and 6-8 years part-time equivalent.

*The maximum duration of the PhD program is 4 years full-time. However, candidates are expected to complete their program within 3-4 years full-time equivalent.

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

You will be able to pursue an academic career in a university or be employed in senior leadership and management positions in government, scientific and industrial research laboratories.

Minimum requirements for admission

Prerequisites, selection tasks.

The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:

• a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year;  or
• a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average;  or
• evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.

At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.

If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the  RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy .

These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.

A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate.

For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see  How to apply – Research programs .

English language requirements

Research proposal and supervisor.

You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:

a) title / topic b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area c) significance and impact of the research d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable).

Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

• IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
• TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit  English language requirements and equivalency information .

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at  RMIT English Worldwide .

You can gain entry to this program from a range of RMIT four year  Bachelor and Honours degrees  or  Postgraduate  or Masters by Research programs.

Fee summary

Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.

If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.

Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.

This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).

Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.

The  student services and amenities fee (SSAF)  is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

In addition to the SSAF there may be  other expenses  associated with your program.

Income tax deductions

Candidates may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to their employment. See the  Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website  for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$36,480.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$151,680.

International applicants

• Fees information  for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
• PhD  and  masters by research  fees for international candidates studying offshore. 

Other costs

Important fee information.

Find out more details about  how fees are calculated  and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a  refund  as a continuing international student.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information.

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

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Chemistry at UQ

About chemistry at uq.

We apply these key disciplines in an integrated and cohesive way through biological chemistry and materials chemistry.

Find out more about us and our research

General enquiries

Email: [email protected] Phone: +61 7 3365 3925

Related websites

• School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
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Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry

Get your phd in chemistry.

Thank you for your interest in the graduate program at the University of Iowa Department of Chemistry. The Department has had a chemistry PhD program for over 75 years and consists of over 25 research faculty, approximately 130 graduate students, and over 20 postdoctoral associates, research scientists and visiting scholars. Our graduates and postdocs have accepted positions at leading academic and industrial institutions, national laboratories and government facilities, as well as some non-traditional Ph.D. careers.

The Chemistry Building and adjacent Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratory house state-of-the-art laboratories, research support facilities, classrooms, and conference rooms spaces. Extensive resources are readily accessible such as NMR , mass spectrometry , and MatFab facility for fabrication and analysis which houses our X-ray facility and numerous other instruments . The department also supports advanced computational resources, and complete machine, electronics, and glass shops . In addition to strong programs in the core areas of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, we offer cross-discipline research opportunities in emerging areas such as (bio)catalysis, natural product synthesis, materials, surface science, bioinorganic chemistry, chemical sensors, chemical education research, and environmental and atmospheric chemistry.

All Ph.D. students with an accepted offer and good standing with the Department of chemistry are guaranteed financial support, including an annual stipend, tuition remission, and employee benefits such as health insurance. Additional funding to support student research is available from a variety of internal and external sources . 

For more information, contact the graduate program by e-mail at [email protected] .

Student resources

• First year student guide
• Annual review resources
• Teaching assistant resources
• Postdoctoral scholar resources
• Thesis and dissertation
• General catalog
• Current courses

Degree requirements

Proficiency requirement.

Students must demonstrate basic proficiency in three chosen sub-disciplines of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, physical). Proficiency is established in one of the following ways: Scoring at the 50th percentile level (national norm) on the proficiency exam, completing a one-semester review course with a grade of C or better (courses specified below), or completing a one-semester graduate-level/advanced course in that sub-discipline of chemistry with a grade of B or better. The proficiency requirement must be fulfilled before the beginning of the student's third semester in the graduate program.

Review courses

Courses currently designated as review courses are:

• CHEM:4171 (formerly 4:171): Advanced Analytical Chemistry
• BIOC:3120 (formerly 99:120): Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I
• CHEM:4270 (formerly 4:170): Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM:4372 (formerly 4:172): Advanced Organic Chemistry
• CHEM:4431 (formerly 4:131): Physical Chemistry I

Advanced course requirement

Beyond the proficiency requirements, students must complete a minimum of four additional advanced courses, totaling at least eleven semester hours of graduate credit, by the end of their fourth semester in residence. Research, seminar, and pedagogy credits; courses that are listed with lower division undergraduate level numbers; and courses taken with the S/U grade option cannot be used to fulfill this requirement. Transfer credits may be applied to a portion of this requirement. Students are encouraged to develop a detailed plan with their research advisor and discuss with the graduate education committee as needed.

Courses that meet the Advanced Course criteria

Graduate Advisory Committee

Before the beginning of the third semester, after a permanent advisor has been appointed, a Graduate Academic Committee (GAC) of four faculty, at least three from Chemistry, will be formed for each student with a PhD degree objective. GACs will be composed of at least four faculty, at least three from Chemistry, who agree to support and advise the student during the course of the Ph.D. and beyond. GAC members will meet the student to discuss research progress and provide feedback and guidance as appropriate.

The committee will consist of the research advisor and three additional members who are nominated by the student, subject to the advisor’s approval, and assigned by the Graduate Education Committee (GEC). 

Comprehensive examination

The comprehensive examination is designed to assess the student's overall progress, knowledge of fundamental chemical principles and chosen area of specialization, and general competency for PhD research. To be eligible to take the Comprehensive Examination, the student must have completed the advanced coursework requirement and maintain a cumulative average of 3.00 or greater on appropriate graduate coursework at The University of Iowa. The comprehensive examination must be completed by the end of the fourth semester in residence, unless written consent for an extension is received from the GAC and is approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

The comprehensive examination is a two-part process consisting of a written research report and an oral defense of the report.  The written document and oral defense are evaluated by the student’s GAC. Each member of the GAC will use a departmentally prescribed rubric to score the oral exam .  The exam typically occurs in a student’s fourth semester in residence.

Seminar requirements

Each student is expected to give a minimum of two acceptable seminars. One seminar must cover the student's research. The other may also deal with the student's research, or can be an extensive literature report. The student may register for the appropriate divisional seminar course and receive letter grade credit during those semesters in which the seminars are presented. The final PhD defense cannot be used to meet this requirement.

The research conference/three-month seminar

At least three months before the anticipated final defense, the PhD candidate must meet with their graduate academic committee. If scheduling permits, the research work can be reported as a research seminar during a regularly scheduled divisional seminar, with a subsequent committee meeting for questions and advice.

Final defense of the PhD dissertation

The Dean of the Graduate College will make a public announcement of a candidate’s final defense three weeks prior to the exam date. This final oral examination is open to the public. Dissertation copies must be made available to all members of the examining committee not later than two weeks before the examination date.

Milestones toward the PhD

The milestones on the path toward earning your PhD in chemistry at the University of Iowa are described below. These are illustrative of a typical student; most students follow this path, but some variations are possible.

Typical timelines for PhD completion

Create your academic path.

You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.

Current course list

The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.

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Graduate Coursework

Master of Science (Chemistry)

• Arrow-right #1 in Australia for Chemistry
• Course code:   MC-SCICHE

How to apply

You're considered a domestic student if you're an Australian or New Zealand citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or have a permanent humanitarian visa. This applies even if you're studying abroad or have dual Australian citizenship.

Key application dates

Upcoming intakes and key dates.

• Calendar Mid-year (July 2024 intake) timely applications due: 31 May 2024
• Calendar Start year (February 2025 intake) timely applications due 30 November 2024

Please note that we do not guarantee outcomes in time to commence the next available intake if you apply outside the timely application period.

There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) for this course. To ensure you are considered for a CSP, submit your complete application prior to the application deadline.

1. Review entry requirements and eligibility

• Check the entry requirements tab of this course page and ensure you meet the admission criteria.
• Review the English language requirements.
• Consider whether you are eligible for Graduate Access Melbourne.
• If you are applying for multiple courses, ensure you have confirmed your preference order .

2. Gather your supporting documentation

As part of your application, you’ll be required to submit:

• Transcripts and detailed information related to all previous studies you have undertaken and/or completed, including an explanation of the grading system used and official certified English translation of any document that is not written in English. View further information about supporting documentation.
• Evidence of meeting the University's English language requirements.
• An official syllabus or subject description (in English) for completed subjects you believe satisfy the course prerequisites
• Names of your 3 preferred supervisors from the School of Chemistry at the University of Melbourne

3. Submit your application

• To get started, begin your application here.

Additional application considerations:

Where a course offers both Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) and Australian full fee (AF) places, you only need to submit an application for one fee type. You will automatically be considered for a CSP if you are eligible.

After you apply

• All communications related to your application, including requests for additional information and application outcomes, will be sent to the email address you registered for your application. To avoid delays, please upload requested information as soon as possible.
• Track the progress of your application via the Application Portal.
• Please note that the Admissions team will only contact you via email if anything else is needed; there's no need to enquire about the timeline in the meantime.
• The time it takes to assess applications can vary. If you're applying for the next intake, this will typically be 4 to 8 weeks after we receive all required documents. Future intakes (beyond the next intake) may have different assessment timelines.