Doctorate In Chemistry

VUT Research is proud to offer our postgraduate students the opportunity to complete their Doctorate in Chemistry (PhD). A Doctoral degree offers students the highest possible level of qualification in the field of Chemistry and shows off the student’s original work which translates to academic contribution at the frontiers of chemistry. We understand the magnitude of the task ahead of our students who are completing their Doctorate and our dedicated team of staff will ensure that all our postgraduate students receive the help and support they need to achieve the best possible grade they can for their work. We encourage our students to look at an area that they are passionate about and one that best shows off their skills and knowledge gained during their time spent studying. The course duration is a minimum of two years full-time or four years part-time study. The curriculum consists of a research project by thesis.

The university provides funding for qualifying students through bursaries from both the NRF and the Institution.

Doctorate in Chemistry

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  • International Focus -VUT Research’s degrees and academic programmes are internationally recognised
  • Focus On Chemical Processes -occur when bonds are broken and reformed.
  • Facilities -At VUT Research we have world-class research facilities and resource access.

Doctorate in Chemistry Course Requirements

For consideration for admission for a PHD/Doctorate in Chemistry, a candidate must possess a Masters degree in Chemistry or a related field with a substantial research component. In some disciplines, further research training or the completion of a preliminary coursework program in research preparation may be required.

Our Doctorate in Chemistry offers students a unique opportunity to follow a specific interest in chemical processes for scientific and other purposes, and to focus on this for several years, allowing the students to make an important contribution to the development of new knowledge in society.

A Doctorate in Chemistry is the highest possible level of qualification in the Chemistry field and is a powerful acknowledgement of the student’s hard work, discipline, and knowledge of the subject. Achieving this degree is a great achievement and sets the student in good stead in their future endevours.

In order to complete a Doctorate in Chemistry, students need to have achieved the following:

MTech: Chemistry / MSc: Chemistry

  • The proposed topic must be appropriate for higher degree research and it must be consistent with the academic aims and objectives of the student.

  • The student must have access to the necessary resources, facilities and the necessary budget in order to complete the degree within the timeframe.

  • There must be a qualified staff member holding confirmed, continuous or fixed-term appointments of sufficient length for the purposes of supervision of the proposed research and student.

  • The proposed program of work must be able to be completed within the maximum period of submission for the degree.

  • A suitable level of contact with the university supervisors must be maintained.

  • Where the applicant is currently employed, capacity to meet the timelines and other requirements must be considered.

  • The proposed research cannot reproduce research that has previously been submitted for the award of a degree or diploma.

  • Where the intellectual property rights of the applicant may be a consideration, a suitable agreement protecting the rights of the student needs to be signed. If the student is unwilling to sign an agreement, the research proposal may not be approved and the student may be required to choose another topic in an area that is not commercially sensitive.

  • The applicant should have no outstanding financial obligation with the University and in the case of international applicants, they should be able to verify the necessary financial capacity to undertake the program.

  • The applicant must possess sufficient English language proficiency.

Doctorate in Chemistry Career Opportunities

Postgraduate students who have completed a Doctorate in Chemistry open many doors for themselves within the landscape of the industry and the public service. Tasks of a chemistry graduate include sample analysis, writing reports of analysis and implementation of approved methods of analysis as well as developing new methods of analysis.  A position as a researcher will see the graduate developing new analytical methods, theories and concepts. They are often involved in quality control in enterprises such as the petrochemical industry, fertilizer industry, mining industry, water purification plants, food processing factories, dairies, pharmaceutical factories and sewerage plants. Chemical researchers develop new theories, analytical methods and concepts as well as investigative and synthetic research.  Laboratory Assistants, Technicians and Managers are also positions a Chemistry graduate may consider and there are a number of opportunities available in both industry and research institutions, as well as lecturing positions at academic institutions of higher education.

Doctorate in Chemistry

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