Overview

About the programme

The chemical interactions between atoms, ions, and molecules in both the gas and solid phase span from the coldest, darkest regions of space, known as the interstellar medium, through to the surface of planets, where such processes may be key in astrobiology – the study of the emergence of life.

Astrochemistry research at The Open University UK therefore encompasses chemistry, physics and astronomy, as well as aspects of planetary science and biology.

Our research splits broadly into three areas: laboratory astrochemistry, (i.e. experimental-based research), observational astrochemistry, (i.e. fieldwork and computing-based research), and theoretical astrochemistry, which is computer-based and spans the range from theoretical chemistry to astrochemical modelling.

Programme Structure

Potential research projects:

Studies of Ice-Gas Chemistry under Interstellar Conditions, including using parabolic flights to perform experiments under microgravity
Studying the Fundamental Structure of the Bulk & Surface of Interstellar Ice
IR and VUV Spectroscopy of Interstellar and Planetary ices
Ion molecule chemistry in the interstellar medium and planetary atmospheres
Planetary atmosphere chemistry (with emphasis on Mars, Titan and exoplanets)
Ices, PAH and Dust to High Redshift: Tracing the origins of interstellar chemistry
Gas-Ice Mapping of Star-Forming Regions: A view towards JWST
Evolution and Formation of organic material in space
Studying the Structures of Interstellar Ices: a Molecular Dynamics approach

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months
Part-time
- 72 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00
Starting 2028-02-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

More details

Application period: January to April

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

87

Schedule TOEFL®

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Chemistry Astronomy & Space Sciences View 38 other PhDs in Astronomy & Space Sciences in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

GPA

Upper Second Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

87

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16420 GBP / year

≈ 16420 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5006 GBP / year

≈ 5006 GBP / year

Living costs

Milton Keynes

United Kingdom

848 - 1345 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for Astrochemistry.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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