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Chemistry

Our research is grouped into five distinct cognate themes: biological chemistry, catalysis and interfacial science, materials and energy, molecular synthesis and spectroscopy and dynamics.

The research carried out within the School of Chemistry is diverse and encompasses both fundamental and applied themes. Available research topics closely mirror the particular research interests of individual staff members, which fall broadly into biological and organic, inorganic, physical, and theoretical and computational chemistries.

Programme aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in the pharmaceuticals and fine chemical sectors, teaching, biomedical research fields, research and managerial roles in general manufacturing industry (eg. food, cosmetics, petrochemical etc).

Distinctive features

  • The School has undergone an extensive revitalisation in the last few years and occupies newly refurbished laboratories with excellent facilities for research and teaching
  • Chemistry continues to attract an expanding team of researchers, as well as maintaining an extensive network of industrial contacts
  • Strong interdisciplinary collaborations support projects across traditional subject divisions; postgraduates interact across these groups
  • New facilities for synthetic and catalytic chemistry, including an advanced pressure reaction suite for catalyst development and investigation and the opening of the laboratories of the new EPSRC-funded Physical Organic Chemistry Centre
  • Extensive collaborations internationally; a number of research programmes allow placements abroad, including in Europe and America.

Key facts

Mode of study Full-time, part-time
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

Catalysis in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute

The School of Chemistry has developed a particular strength in Heterogeneous Catalysis and Surface Science, with a research group dedicated to this exciting area of study.

Chemical Biology

The School of Chemistry has developed a particular strength in Chemical Biology, with a research group dedicated to this exciting area of study.

Inorganic Chemistry

The School of Chemistry has developed a particular strength in Inorganic Chemistry, with a research group dedicated to this exciting area of study.

Organic Synthesis

The School of Chemistry has developed a particular strength in Organic Synthesis, with a research group dedicated to this exciting area of study.

Physical Organic Chemistry

The School of Chemistry has developed a particular strength in Physical Organic Chemistry, with a research group dedicated to this exciting area of study. As part of the Chemistry (PhD/MPhil) programme, students can conduct their research within this group.

Solid State Materials

The School of Chemistry has developed a particular strength in Solid State and Materials Chemistry, with a research group dedicated to this exciting area of study. As part of the Chemistry (PhD/MPhil) programme, students can conduct their research within this group.

Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

The School of Chemistry has developed a particular strength in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, with a research group dedicated to this exciting area of study. As part of the Chemistry (PhD/MPhil) programme, students can conduct their research within this group.

Research projects

Each  year the School of Chemistry welcomes applicants who have secured funding from  external sponsors, or who are self-funded.

We have an extensive list of projects that are available. Details for each project can be obtained by  contacting the member of academic staff directly.  Please state which project(s) you would like to be considered for on your application form.

In the first instance, you should submit a CV & Covering Letter to the project supervisor detailing which projects you would like to be considered for.

Formal applications should then be submitted via Cardiff University's Online Application Service. In the research proposal section of your application, please specify the project title and supervisors of this project.

In answer to the question ‘How do you plan to fund your studies?’, please specify the details and upload any documents providing the evidence (for example: letter of confirmation of scholarship).

Our students have gone on to a diverse range of careers, some continue along the academic path with postdoctoral positions in groups both in Cardiff and around the world, others have joined the teaching profession whilst many have entered major industrial companies in jobs that range from research to management.

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 loans

Funding

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)

Get the latest information on postgraduate fees.

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

Apply

Apply now
See the range of PhD studentships and projects currently available.

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