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Chemistry

Our 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 / supervision by 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).

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.
  • We offer placements abroad, including in Europe and Japan, on a number of our research programmes 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
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

Biological Chemistry

The School of Chemistry has a strong research group in Biological Chemistry, including developing our research in medicinal chemistry with links to the Medicines Discovery Institute.

Catalysis in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute

The School of Chemistry has particular strengths in Heterogeneous Catalysis, Homogeneous Catalysis and Surface Science, including the Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI) dedicated to this exciting area of study.

Inorganic Chemistry

The School of Chemistry has a highly experienced research group in Inorganic Chemistry, with research areas including the design of new ligands.

Materials and Energy

The School of Chemistry has a broad research base in advanced materials, with a focus on understanding the fundamental properties of both soft and solid materials.

Medicinal Chemistry

The School of Chemistry has close links with the Medicines Discovery Institute, and our students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration in drug discovery research.

Organic Synthesis

The School of Chemistry has a dedicated research team in Organic Synthesis, with a particular focus on the development of novel synthetic methods.

Physical Organic Chemistry

The School of Chemistry has a wide-ranging scientific research team in Physical Organic Chemistry, with a variety of research techniques and topics being studied.

Theoretical and Computational Chemistry

The School of Chemistry has an expanding and groundbreaking research team in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry, with research into theory and computation.

A PGR qualification in chemistry equips you with the skills and knowledge that can lead to career opportunities in a range of fields. Over the last 10 years our postgraduates have started successful careers in the below roles, with the majority securing a role within 0-3 months from passing their higher degree:

  • Analytical Chemist
  • Data Analyst
  • Experimental Officer
  • Finance Analyst
  • Graduate Process   Engineer
  • Head Of Mentoring / Programme   Manager
  • Head Of Research and   Development
  • Laboratory Operator
  • Medical Writer
  • Partnership Manager
  • Permitting Officer
  • Radiopharmaceutical Production   Technologist
  • Research and Development   Engineer
  • Research Innovations   Manager
  • Research Software   Engineer
  • Senior Data Analyst
  • Senior Materials   Engineer
  • Senior Polymer Chemist
  • Tax Inspector
  • Teacher

Below, some of our 2023/2024 graduates have shared their 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.

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.

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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