Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical or Physical Sciences

Undertake a PhD in Chemical or Physical Sciences

Fuel your passion for discovery

Improve the products we use all of the time; from light bulbs to computers.
Find new solutions to clean up oil spills and to strip toxic metals from water.
Work to develop alternative green energy sources such as hydrogen.
Work to find a novel band-aid that helps with healing and preventing infection.

Undertake a Chemical or Physical Sciences research-based higher degree at Flinders, and you’ll have the opportunity to work toward bringing affordable, green, energy efficient and advanced technology solutions to people around the world.

Become part of the Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology while you work on globally relevant problems, access cutting-edge instrumentation and create new scientific knowledge with the support of a team of leading research supervisors.

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Doctor of Philosophy (Science)

Duration: 4 years

Delivery mode:
In Person

Location:
Bedford Park

CRICOS code: 106271G

Annual fees:
2025: $42,700

Further information on fees listed

Master of Science (Research)

Duration: 2 years

Delivery mode:
In Person

Location:
Bedford Park

CRICOS code: 106283C

Annual fees:
2025: $42,700

Further information on fees listed

Doctor of Philosophy (Science) / Master of Business Administration (Future Business)

Duration: 5 years

Delivery mode:
In Person

Location:
Bedford Park

CRICOS code: 113568J

Annual fees:
2025 MBA (Future Business): $42,700
2025 PhD (Science): $42,700

Further information on fees listed

Research supervisors

How to apply

Enquire

Why undertake a PhD in Chemical and Physical Sciences

Complete your research under the supervision of nationally and internationally recognised engineers and scientists.
Rated ‘Well above world standard’ in physical, medicinal & biomolecular chemistry, condensed matter physics, materials engineering, and nanotechnology in the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment.
Access Flinders at Tonsley, home to the highly esteemed Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, top quality research facilities, as well as some of Adelaide's biggest businesses and industries
Apply your research to the real world with Flinders’ expansive network of industry, government and scientific partners.
Boost your expertise and career prospects and become an expert in your area of specialisation.

Find out more about research at the College of Science and Engineering.

PhD opportunities

Your chosen research area is flexible, and ultimately agreed between you and your supervisor. Areas of focus could include:

Chemical Sciences
Energy and Advanced Materials
Forensic and Analytical Science
Nanotechnology
Physics
Or another area of interest in consultation with your supervisor.

Accelerate your career and be part of the solution to the equation of life with a PhD in Chemical or Physical Sciences.

Hear about graduate Liam Howard-Fabretto’s thesis

Metal Clusters: Fighting pollution with a new generation of catalyst

Your career

A PhD in Chemical or Physical Sciences will position you as an expert in your area of specialisation. A PhD is a stepping stone to professional research or as a highly sought-after expert in the private or public sector in Australia or internationally. This prestigious degree will equip you with valuable skills in communications, time management and organisation transferrable to any role.

Potential occupations include:

Professional researcher
Defence Scientist
Research Scientist in sonar systems
Forensic Scientist
Analytical Chemist
Winemaker/Oenologist
Academic

Potential employers include:·

Australian Space Agency
The Australian Wine Research Institute
DST Group
Mining industry eg Rio Tinto, Santos
Research centres, eg CSIRO
Universities
Public sector
Private corporations

Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology

The Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology applies world-class research and know-how to find novel and robust solutions to challenges facing Australia in areas such as water, energy, health and security. The research focused centre works on a variety of socially beneficial developments including new methods for harnessing energy, DNA genotyping for cancer diagnostics, environmentally friendly corrosion and fingerprinting using quantum dots.

Find out more

Potential research supervisors

Flinders academic staff are recognised experts in their specialised Chemical or Physical Sciences fields. They are embedded in real-world applications of research, with extensive knowledge, networks and industry partners to support PhD students and deliver exciting and valuable research outcomes.

Get in touch with a supervisor of your choice today, to discuss your area of interest, and start on your path to thought leadership.

Dr Zhongfan Jia

Hear from Dr Zhongfam as he discusses his own research interests in biomaterials, catalysis, functional polymeric materials, organic electronics and polymer.

Learn what to prepare before approaching a potential research supervisor.

Ready to find the perfect supervisor for your research journey?

Explore Research @ Flinders.

How to apply

Review the course rule

Check your eligibility

Find a research supervisor

Find out about scholarships and fees

Prepare your application

Apply now

Enquire now

Review answers to regularly asked questions about applying for a higher degree by research (FAQs).

After reviewing the Study HDR web pages and FAQs above, if you still have questions that have not been answered, complete the form. You must provide details about the Reason for your enquiry in the text box 'Ask a question here’.

For queries relating specifically to a project, direct your enquiry to the College where you plan to study.