Chemistry
Our PGR students study across the full spectrum of fundamental and applied chemistry, contributing to research projects addressing major intellectual, industrial and societal challenges.
We provide a thriving research culture with guidance from renowned researchers and access to state-of-the-art facilities. We’re ranked 12th in the UK for research impact by the Times Higher Education (THE) analysis of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF). To find out more about REF, go to our REF webpage.
During their research studies, our students are fully supported by academics, researchers and our outstanding support staff to develop high-level technical and research skills which will prepare them for a variety of innovative careers.
Our research is grouped into four themes: catalysis and interfacial science, materials and energy, molecular synthesis and spectroscopy and dynamics.
Distinctive features
- Our department is home to leading researchers, with 99% of our research deemed world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
- Our strong interdisciplinary collaborations provide opportunities for research projects across traditional subject divisions and we work with a wide network of industrial organisations.
- A number of our research projects include placements abroad, due to our extensive international collaborations.
- Our outstanding research facilities span two sites: state-of-the-art catalysis in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute at the multi-million pound Translational Research Hub - Campus developments - Cardiff University and well-equipped and modernised labs in our traditional Main Building.
Projects
We have an extensive list of research projects that our supervisors are currently working on and we welcome applicants interested in these projects.
We have a range of research projects with external funding. Please check you meet any specific funding eligibility criteria before applying.
We also welcome applicants who have secured funding themselves. This can be from an external sponsor, student loan or self-funding.
You are welcome to contact our academics directly for an informal chat, or further information.
Applications should be made via the Cardiff University application service.
Key facts
| Mode of study | Full-time, part-time |
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| Qualification | PhD, MPhil |
| Full-time duration | PhD 3 years, MPhil 1 year |
| Start dates | January, April, July, October |
As a PhD/MPhil student in Chemistry, you will undertake cutting-edge research in one of our various research themes.
The School specialises in the following research areas:
Research areas
Studying a PGR qualification in chemistry equips you with the skills and knowledge that can lead to career opportunities in a range of fields. The majority of our students secure their next position within 0-3 months from passing their higher degree, and over the last 10 years have started successful careers in these roles:
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2023/2024 graduate experiences
Dr Kennedy Jones (Graduated 2023)
“We learn so many valuable skills as a PhD student – not just our technical knowledge…”
Kennedy completed her PhD in nanoparticle catalysis with Dr Sankar Meenakshisundaram - People - Cardiff University in 2023. She is now working as a Materials and Processes Engineer at aerospace company Safran, focussing on paints, coatings and surface treatments.
Kennedy’s thoughts on moving from academia to industry "It was a big change adapting to an industrial setting, but the skills gained in my PhD have allowed me to effectively plan and manage projects and improved the way I approach tasks”.
Dr Owain Beynon: (Graduated 2023)
Owain’s PhD with Dr Andrew Logsdail - People - Cardiff University , “Astudiaeth Gyfrifiadurol O Strwythur A Sefydlogrwydd Defnyddiau Mandyllo Anorganig” (English: “A Computational Study of the Synthesis and Stability of Porous InorganicMaterials”) was an investigation of the synthesis of zeolite catalysts using novel mechanochemical processes and a range of state-of-the-art computational methods.
Owain then secured a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position at University College London in the Institute of Materials Discovery, where he is investigating the use of data-driven methods to enhance the simulation of materials.
Sara Royo Miguel (completed PhD 2024)
“The skills I learned during my PhD were crucial for my current role”
Sara’s PhD under the supervision of Professor Rudolf Allemann - People - Cardiff University focused on engineering light-inducible transcription factors for control of gene expression. Sara has remained in Cardiff, joining the group of Dr Guto Rhys - People - Cardiff University as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant and is now working on the design of artificial metalloenzymes.
Sara’s advice for those thinking to apply to do a PhD:
- "I think doing a PhD is useful both for staying in academia and going to industry as you gain very valuable technical and transferrable skills."
- "Get in contact with current members of the group to ask for their experience."
- "Here in Cardiff, there are many groups that work in very interesting topics."
UK government postgraduate doctoral loans
Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.
Find out more about UK government postgraduate doctoral loansFunding
See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Students from the UK
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.
Students from the rest of the world (international)
Applicants are required to have a BSc 2.2 or above, or equivalent, in Chemistry or in a related subject.
English language requirements
IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or equivalent. Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.
Contacts
Administrative contact(s)
Dr Ben Ward
Administrative contact
