Lewis is right. You'll need to find some sort of crossover field where they need some input from a chemist. If you find something like that then you've cracked it, but it won't be easy.

Which area are your research interests in?

Go straight for a PhD, go for an MSc if you're unsuccessful. The only problem you have now is that there isn't much time to secure a place this academic year. However lots of supervisors are still looking for students. Keep an eye on the 'new projects' section of this site.

Now that they have written one reference for you they'll be able to use the same one again, so it should be no problem putting them down.

Each university has its own application procedure. Initialy you can contact the PhD supervisor with your CV. They will tell you if you should apply.

I see your point Pep, but after a few years as a post-doc you can become an independent researcher in you own right.

A PhD from a UK university will be recognised throughout the EU and the rest of the world

Yes if you receive a full studentship your course fees and living expences will be covered.

For UK students a first or a 2i is usually enough to go on straight to a PhD in science or engineering.

You will need either IELTS or TOEFL to take a PhD in the UK.

The prevailing wisdom is that students should move institution in order to expose themselves to different academic influences. However if you have family commitments where you live nobody is likely to complain that you stayed in the same place.

Funding is usually dependant you you getting a 2(i) or a 2(ii) plus a relevant Masters degree. This is a condition of the grant awarding body and will apply to all applicants irrespective of there ability to do the PhD. You therefore need to be aiming for a 2(i) if you want to start a PhD straight after your first degree. If you are studying a subject outside of science or engineering then you will probably need the masters degree as well anyway.

Yes you can do a second PhD. If your current PhD is easier than being a postdoc, then either the postdocs you have seen have horrible bosses or they didn't learn enough whilst they were doing a PhD and so make everything hard work. Either that or you're simply not working hard enough as a PhD student.

.....OK, in most cases postdocs and junior lecturers do have to work harder than PhD students, but they get paid more to do so. Finally as anon German says, there's little enough funding going round as it is without people taking two studentships.

Was your Masters a 4 year undergraduate course? Did you get a 2(i) or a 2(ii)?

It's always a good idea to have a supervisor who's interest and expertise lie in the same areas as your own. If you are funding this PhD yourself then you should probably complain. If the funding is tied to the supervisor or has been allocated by the department then there may be little that you can do. If they are reluctant to allocate a new lead supervisor then you should try requesting a second supervisor who has experience in your research area.