Why Study With Us?

A postgraduate degree in Chemistry can open any number of career paths. We teach you the skills required for carrying out world-leading research while benefiting from a wide range of transferable skills that your degree will give you.

EaStCHEM, the joint research school of Edinburgh and St Andrews Chemistry departments, has scored highest in Scotland in the latest evaluation by the UK Higher Education Funding Councils (REF 2014). In the UK, EaStCHEM ranks second in the 'Power Table' (out of 35).

Our research is classed as world leading or internationally excellent. Our facilities, grant income, awards and prizes, are rated as top-class and more than 95 % of our research papers are published in high-impact, world-leading scientific journals.

The university as a whole is rated fourth in the UK for Research Power, based on its quality and breadth, and is by far the most successful university in Scotland. Edinburgh is also one of a select group of British universities to achieve outstanding results when demonstrating the impact of its research on wider society. More than half of its research in this category has been classed as 'world-leading'

My PhD supervisor is a great role model. She's always there to help you when you have chemistry problems, she encourages lateral thinking and is happy for you to try different chemistry ideas if you are passionate about them. I couldn't want anyone better.

My PhD supervisor is the best I could ever ask for. He is patient, kind and he cares about the students under his supervision. He is a brilliant chemist and is always encouraging you to come up with your own ideas.

He is always available to help and will always take time to explain things if you don't understand or calm you down if your work begins to stress you out! He is a fantastic academic, an attentive supervisor and one of the best people I have ever known.

Students using a scientific instrument

Our PhD programmes teach you a range of skills.

An instrument in use

Our researchers have access to an extensive range of modern instrumentation.

Students in a group meeting

Our students form a unique research community with their supervisor, industrial partenrs and each other. All our research students are also part of EaStCHEM.

Students standing in a park

Be part of a global community.

The Edinburgh skyline

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world to live in.