About the course

The School of Chemistry has developed a particular strength in Organic Synthesis, 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. The research carried out within the Organic Synthesis group is largely focused on the development of novel synthetic methods and applications of these in target synthesis, most often either natural products or biologically active compounds of pharmaceutical or agrochemical significance. In many cases, the inspiration for developing the new methodology arises from a consideration of the structural features of such targets. Particular areas of current interest are in heterocyclic synthesis, both saturated and heteroaromatic. Driven by the demands of industry and environmental considerations, much of this effort is aimed at defining new methods for the highly efficient and catalytic generation of such compounds. This can involve new heterogeneous catalysts, reactions in flow systems and the application of novel rearrangement reactions or radical chemistry. A particularly strong theme is the formation of such compounds by the electrophile-driven addition of nucleophiles to unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds. A long standing interest in pericyclic reactions continues in the areas of Diels-Alder chemistry, various sigmatropic rearrangements and electrocyclic reactions. Organocatalysis, an increasingly important area in view of the toxicity of many transition metals, is well represented within the group. Current target types include complex polycyclic peptides, alkaloids, steroids, terpene alkaloids and plant-derived oxygen heterocycles.

　　Full-time duration - PhD 3 years, MPhil 1 year Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 3 Year(s)Fees: GB£73,350

Intake	Location
Spring (January), 2024	Cardiff
April, 2024	Cardiff
July, 2024	Cardiff
Autumn (September), 2024	Cardiff
Spring (January), 2025	Cardiff
April, 2025	Cardiff
July, 2025	Cardiff
Autumn (September), 2025	Cardiff
Spring (January), 2026	Cardiff
April, 2026	Cardiff
July, 2026	Cardiff

　　

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How to apply

Entry requirements for Cardiff University

Applicants are required to have a good honours degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry or in a related subject.

　　IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 (with at least 5.5 in each sub-score)

　　TOEFL (iBT) - At least 90 with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking

　　International Baccalaureate (Language A) - HL 5 or SL 5

　　

English language requirements

　　6.5

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 90.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at Cardiff University. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　190th / 1250

　　THE World ranking21st / 130

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