Join our Department to work alongside other PhD students and research staff, and contribute to our research outputs.
We are a friendly, supportive Department, fostering a collaborative culture that values the development of transferable skills.
Each year, we attract awards from research councils, industry and the University of Reading to support new PhD students.
Learn about the wider PhD community at Reading
Your life in the Department
Life as a PhD student
“I chose Reading because of an interest in the specific research project available, a desire to work with my academic supervisor and a liking for the campus and town.”
Ben Wōden, PhD graduate
Read Ben's story
Ben Wōden, PhD graduate
Read Ben's story
Research day
We hold an annual symposium where PhD students give oral or poster presentations to fellow students, staff and visitors from industry.
It's an opportunity to showcase the diversity of research in our Department while you hone your presentation skills in preparation for important conferences.
It's an opportunity to showcase the diversity of research in our Department while you hone your presentation skills in preparation for important conferences.
Fairbrother Lecture
Another event that celebrates academic excellence is the Doctoral and Researcher College's annual public lecture – the Fairbrother Lecture – delivered by a current or recent doctoral student.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a wider audience to hear about high quality doctoral research taking place at Reading.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a wider audience to hear about high quality doctoral research taking place at Reading.
Our facilities
Our purpose-built Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) includes technology for nuclear magnetic resonance, thermal analysis, molecular spectroscopy, X-ray analysis and mass spectrometry.
Life on campus
Whiteknights campus is set on 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, so you'll find plenty of places to relax. The campus is a thriving community and features the Students' Union, Library and places to eat.
Life in Reading
Step off campus and you'll find yourself in a bustling town centre offering a variety of shops, restaurants and activities. We're also well-connected – you can reach London Paddington within half an hour by train.
