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.

The programme has been very involving and interesting and the lecturers have all been 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

Chemistry (MSc)

Full time

This versatile course is excellent grounding for a career in research, with our graduates in high demand from the chemical science industries in the UK and internationally.

Medicinal chemists are at the forefront of modern medicine, developing new therapies and vaccines to prevent and treat infections and disease. This programme focuses on the biological aspects of chemistry, giving you the skills to join this exciting field.

Biological Chemistry (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

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 (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

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.

Chemistry (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

The research carried out within the School of Chemistry is diverse and encompasses both fundamental and applied themes.

Inorganic Chemistry (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

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 (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

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.

Organic Synthesis (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

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 (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

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 (PhD, MPhil)

Full-time, part-time

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Our School and students

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.

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.

Our research impact

Our research is working to tackle major challenges facing society, the economy and our environment.

We collaborate with many industries and national and international organisations to translate our high quality chemical research into a broad spectrum of applications.