The Chemistry postgraduate research programme covers a broad range of fundamental and applied chemistry, with students contributing to projects that address major intellectual, industrial, and societal challenges. The programme offers a strong research environment supported by experienced academics, researchers, and dedicated staff, helping students develop advanced technical and research skills for diverse career paths. The department is recognised for its research quality, ranking 12th in the UK for research impact in the Times Higher Education analysis of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Research activity is organised into four main themes: catalysis and interfacial science, materials and energy, molecular synthesis, and spectroscopy and dynamics. The department benefits from a high concentration of leading researchers, with the vast majority of its work rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. Strong interdisciplinary collaborations and partnerships with industry provide opportunities for cross-disciplinary research, while international links enable some projects to include placements abroad.

Students have access to advanced research facilities across two main sites, including specialised catalysis facilities at the Cardiff Catalysis Institute and modern laboratories in the main university building. A wide range of research projects is available, including those with external funding, and applications are also welcomed from candidates who have secured their own funding through sponsorship, loans, or personal resources.