This research programme usually takes 12 months to complete. The degree is awarded on the basis of the preparation and examination of a thesis and an oral examination (where necessary), together with successful completion of the Department's postgraduate training programme. Postgraduates make a vital contribution to the Department's research while also developing a variety of skills in chemistry and transferable skills in other areas such as oral and poster presentations (both in Durham and at conferences), report and paper writing, research methodology, team working, public engagement in science, and health and safety, for example. Our world-leading research in the Chemistry Department at Durham encompasses all of the traditional areas of chemistry and many less traditional topics, and includes both fundamental and applied work. Very many of our projects are multidisciplinary in nature, with researchers collaborating with a broad spectrum of academics and industrialists world-wide.