Theory and Modelling in Chemical Sciences

The three primary activities in theoretical and computational chemistry are the development of new theory, implementation of methods as reliable software, and application of such methods to a host of challenges in chemical and related sciences. The aim of this programme is to train new research students to deliver all these outcomes. 

Graduate destinations

As this is a new programme there are no alumni yet. The department runs a number of activities in close cooperation with the Careers Service, including an annual careers conference, CV workshops and visits from many employers. The programme also has strong engagement with industrial partners.

The first year is a set of training modules leading to an MSc, followed by a transfer to the DPhil or PhD programme for successful students in one of the participating universities (Oxford, Bristol or Southampton) or the candidate's home university as appropriate.

In the first year you will study eight compulsory core courses:

• Quantum Mechanics
• Statistical Mechanics
• Mathematics 1
• Statistics
• Computer Programming and Numerical Methods
• Methods of Computer Simulation
• Electronic Structure Theory
• Software Development Training. 

You will also select five optional courses from a choice of:

• Applied Computational Chemistry
• Biomolecular Simulation
• Mathematics 2
• Quantum Mechanics in Condensed Phases
• Intermolecular Potentials
• Chemical Informatics
• Chemical Reaction Dynamics
• Advanced Statistical Mechanics
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics. 

In addition, you will be required to undertake two six-week projects with an allocated supervisor, one at Oxford and one at either Bristol or Southampton University, and each project will be assessed based on a report that you will submit thereafter.

You will also be required to attend two transferable skills courses in the year, organised by the CDT administrator.

The compulsory and optional courses are assessed in various ways detailed on the course website. If you are successful in the first-year assessments, you will be awarded an MSc in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, and you may transition to the DPhil or PhD in one of the three participating institutions. A termly report is submitted by your supervisor throughout the course. After seven terms you must pass Transfer of Status, which is to ensure that you do have the potential to gain a doctorate.

Research proceeds with termly reporting throughout the next two years, and there is the opportunity to follow further courses during this period. By the end of the third year you must pass Confirmation of Status, which is to ensure that you are on track to complete the thesis within a reasonable time.

The MSc degree is examined by assessment of set work for each of the modules offered and of the two six-week projects. A board of examiners will be appointed by the University. The DPhil degree is examined by thesis and oral examination by two examiners, one of whom is normally from Oxford and one from elsewhere.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in chemistry, physics, materials science or a related discipline, with an appropriate background in mathematics, quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.6 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

A previous master's degree (either an integrated master's degree or standalone) is preferred but is not required.

Applicants with substantial professional experience are welcome.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: 1,000 to 1,500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships