Chemistry

Why study with us

9th in the UK for research output

In the latest REF research assessment exercise.

Professionally accredited

All our taught master's degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Quality research facilities

Following over £20 million investment, our facilities provide a superb environment for excellence.

Our postgraduate taught programmes

Advanced Chemistry (MSc)

Take your science career to the next level with our Master’s degree in Advanced Chemistry. This broad and flexible course can be tailored to fit your interests and career aspirations, helping you develop the skills you need to follow your chosen career.

Catalysis (MSc)

Catalysis lies at the heart of many chemical processes, from living systems to large-scale industrial reactors. By understanding and applying catalysts, we can create more economical and sustainable processes. With roughly 85% of manufacturing involving catalysis in the production chain, career prospects for graduates with this specialist knowledge are strong.

One of our students during a practical session in one of our laboratories.

Medicinal Chemistry (MSc)

The search for new drugs to combat serious illnesses is an important and exciting challenge at the forefront of medical research. As a medicinal chemist, you can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of millions of people worldwide.

One of the many reasons I chose to study the MSc in Catalysis at Cardiff University is the Cardiff Catalysis Institute. The CCI is a world renowned centre for research offering degrees that give you the freedom to investigate a cutting-edge topic in depth amongst leading researchers with truly first-class facilities. The course is taught by experts in their fields, bringing in-depth knowledge and heaps of enthusiasm. The chemistry department itself is fantastically organised, providing support from the moment the course begins.

Joseph Burnett, MSc Catalysis

Our postgraduate research programmes

A first year chemistry student during a practical in one of our laboratories.

Our talks

An introduction to our taught master's degree programmes

Dr Tom Tatchell, Education and Students Manager, shares all you need to know about postgraduate study at the School of Chemistry including career opportunities for graduates, contact hours for our taught degree programmes, the differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study, and more.

Catalysis (MSc)

Jonathan Bartley, Course Leader for the Catalysis MSc, talks you through what you can expect in conjunction with our Cardiff Catalysis Institute, one of the world’s leading centres for catalysis.

Medicinal Chemistry (MSc)

Dr Michaela Serpi explains how medicinal chemistry is a rapidly developing science concerned with the chemistry underpinning the design, discovery and development of new pharmaceuticals.

Advanced Chemistry (MSc)

Dr Niklaas Buurma covers how this course will prepare you for a range of research careers in universities, government agencies and science companies all over the world.

For more helpful videos by staff and students, head to our YouTube channel and our 'Postgraduate chemistry at Cardiff' playlist.

Our School

Our School has a world-class reputation for research excellence, with a vibrant and diverse community of postgraduate students. Explore our facilities and find out more about our School and research including the Cardiff Catalysis Institute.

View our taught postgraduate degree programmes.
View our postgraduate research programmes.

Entry requirements can be found on the course pages.

Rebekah shares her experiences as a postgraduate chemistry student

MChem and PhD student, Rebekah Taylor, explains why she chose to study chemistry at Cardiff and shares some useful advice for students who are considering studying with us, including information about student support, the skills she gained during her degree and the city of Cardiff.

Facilities

From the latest analytical techniques to expert scientific workshop capabilities, these facilities underpin all of our activities.

Close-up of green liquids in glass phials

Recent publications

Explore our publications for detail of how we're addressing some of the most significant issues of the 21st century.

Cardiff Catalysis Institute

We are improving the understanding of catalysis, developing new catalytic processes with industry and promoting its use as a sustainable technology.

Latest news

Scientists have created a new and simple method for creating catalysts made from precious metals and have shown that gold still remains the most stable and efficient of them all.

Plus, researchers are taking snapshots of chemical reactions in a trillionth of a second in the hope of developing the next generation of antibiotics and anti-viral drugs.

The programme has been very involving and interesting and the lecturers have all been brilliant. They've been very supportive and patient and have always made time to see me when I've needed help. I've made a lot of friends and I've loved every minute of being at the School of Chemistry.

Manita Kalsey, MSc Medicinal Chemistry