Chemistry
Our accredited degree programmes combine theory with hands-on lab experience and the opportunity to work in industry or study abroad as part of your degree.
Why study with us
From top-quality facilities, teaching, courses, and career prospects, there are plenty of reasons to study chemistry at Cardiff.
Flexible courses
Our wide selection of modules gives you the flexibility to shape your studies to suit your interests.
Placement opportunities
We offer year-long industry and study abroad opportunities on all of our courses.
Leading chemistry school
We are one of the top twenty places to study chemistry in the UK (Complete University Guide 2020).
I'm glad I chose to study chemistry because every day I learn something new that blows my mind. The structure of the course at Cardiff has allowed me to balance studies with extracurricular activities such as sports and societies which I believe is integral to everyone's university experience.
Courses
Entry year
Our buildings and facilities
Our School
Located in Main BuildingThe School of Chemistry is located inside the University's iconic, Grade 2 listed Main Building. It's home to a number of undergraduate teaching laboratories, the Science library and computer suites, and several modern lecture theatres.
Science Library
Located in Main BuildingThe library contains collections on biosciences, chemistry, Earth and environmental sciences, as well as IT facilities and information services to support you with your studies.
Cardiff Catalysis Institute
Located in Main BuildingHere we carry out ground-breaking research to improve the understanding of catalysis, develop new catalytic processes with industry, and promote the use of catalysis as a sustainable 21st century technology.
National Museum of Wales
We are just a short walk away from the National Museum of Wales, providing easy access to their impressive exhibition galleries and collections.
Main Building Restaurant
Located in Main BuildingThe Main Building, where the School of Chemistry is housed, has a restaurant perfect for grabbing a quick bite or meeting with friends.
Lecture theatres
Located in Main BuildingSome of your first-year lectures will take place in our large lecture theatres. You'll also find smaller lecture theatres in our Main Building, and classrooms located over in Glamorgan Building where your tutorials will take place.
Centre for Student Life
Our School is opposite the new building for our Students' Union, student support services and a large selection of shops, restaurants and study spaces.
Laboratory
Located in Main BuildingThis is a typical laboratory where chemistry students enhance their practical skill set, including performing analytical measurements (e.g. ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy) and developing synthetic techniques (e.g. distillation, filtration, chromatography).
Our talks
Our School and degree programmes
Dr Paul Newman, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, talks you through learning and teaching at the School, the wide selection of modules we offer and our student support facilities.
The chemistry behind fireworks
Learn the chemistry behind fireworks including how they work and how they get their colours in this taster lecture with PhD student, Takudzwa Bere, and Dr Ben Ward, Senior Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry.
Final year projects explained
Dr Jamie Platts explains the final year student project, where you will have the opportunity to work alongside one of our academic staff on a piece of your own research.
Our School and students
Explore our facilities and learn more about the support services, study options, and opportunities that set us apart. Watch our student videos on studying abroad, working in industry, and life as a chemistry student to discover first-hand what it's like to study with us.
Take a 360 tour
Have a look around our facilities and beyond campus with our 360 tour.
The university buildings are grand and inspire learning. I love the location of the School of Chemistry, situated in the Main Building of the university and complemented with a superb Science Library.
Careers
Our graduates are very successful at obtaining a broad range of fulfilling careers. There are so many options available to chemistry graduates, and if you decide to change your career path, the skills that you learn in your degree will still be useful in a wide range of unrelated areas.
98% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study 15 months after the end of their course (HESA data).
Explore Cardiff University
Next steps
View courses
Explore our undergraduate courses and admission criteria.
Download brochure
Learn more about our School in our subject brochure.
Contact us
Ask a question and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
How to apply
Everything you need to know about our application process.
Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
Copyright: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2022. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
Undergraduate
With over 300 courses to choose from, join us and benefit from our excellent facilities, a great student experience and as a graduate, be in demand by leading employers.
Undergraduate prospectus 2024
Order or download a copy of our prospectus, subject brochures and other guides.