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The Department of Chemistry offers the PhD as a full-time or part-time research period and introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge.
Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed Supervisor before applying for this mode of study. There are attendance requirements, and part-time students will need to live close enough to Cambridge to meet these requirements.
Students are integrated into the research culture of the department by joining a research group, supervised by one of our academic staff, in one of the following areas of chemistry:
Biological Chemistry
Life is the chemistry that goes on inside every one of us. We seek to understand this chemistry, both the physical processes occurring at the molecular level and the chemical reactions, and we also seek to control the chemistry as a way to treat diseases. Biological Chemistry at Cambridge comprises several research groups with additional contributions from many more. The major themes are biological polymers, proteins and nucleic acids: How they interact with each other and with small molecules. How do proteins fold to a defined structure, and why do they sometimes not fold properly but aggregate, causing neurodegenerative diseases? How do proteins catalyse the reactions that they do and can we make small molecules that inhibit these processes? What structures can nucleic acids adopt? How can we detect them, and what is the role of modifications of individual nucleotides? How can we target medicinally active compounds to where they are needed in the body? By addressing these questions, we seek to improve human health and the treatment of diseases.
Materials Chemistry
The technological devices we depend on, from aeroplanes to mobile phones, rely upon ever-increasing structural complexity for their function. Designing complex materials for these devices through the art of chemical synthesis brings challenges and opportunities.
Members of the Materials RIG invent new materials in view of potential applications. Modern materials chemistry is a wide-ranging topic that includes surfaces, interfaces, polymers, nanoparticles and nanoporous materials, self-assembly, and biomaterials. Its applications include oil recovery and separation, catalysis, photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries, crystallisation and pharmaceutical formulation, gas sorption, energy, functional materials, biocompatible materials, computer memory, and sensors.
Physical and Atmospheric Chemistry
Physical Chemistry at Cambridge has two broad but overlapping aims. One is to understand the properties of molecular systems in terms of physical principles. This work underpins many developing technological applications that affect us all, such as nanotechnology, sensors, and molecular medicine. The other is atmospheric chemistry, where the interactions between chemical composition, climate and health are studied using a range of computer modelling and experiment-based approaches. Together, these two areas form a richly interdisciplinary subject spanning the full range of scientific methodologies: experimental, theoretical and computational. It is a research area with something for everyone.
Synthetic Chemistry
Synthetic research at Cambridge is focused on developing innovative new methods to make and use molecules of function. Our interests range from innovative catalytic strategies to make small molecules to supramolecular assemblies or the total synthesis of biologically important compounds and natural products. Our research is diverse, pioneering and internationally leading. The dynamic environment created by the research groups working at the field's cutting edge makes postgraduate research at Cambridge the best place for outstanding and motivated students.
Theoretical Chemistry
Research in Theoretical Chemistry covers a wide range of lengths and timescales, including the active development of new theoretical and computational tools. The applications include high-resolution spectroscopy, atomic and molecular clusters, biophysics, surface science, and condensed matter, complementing experimental research in the department.
We develop new tools for quantum and classical simulations, informatics, and investigate molecules using descriptions that range from atomic detail to coarse-grained models of mesoscopic matter. This work often begins with analytical theory, developed into new computer programs, applied to molecules and materials of contemporary interest, and ultimately compared with experiments.
The educational aims of the PhD programme are:
- give students with relevant experience at the master's level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision
- give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests
- provide all students with relevant and useful researcher development training opportunities to broaden their horizons and properly equip them for the opportunity which they seek following their PhD studies
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the programme, students will have
- a comprehensive understanding of techniques and a thorough knowledge of the literature applicable to their own research
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field
- shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research, research techniques and methodologies
- demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research
- taken up relevant and highly useful researcher development training opportunities to develop skills and attributes for their desired future career
Continuing
Students currently studying for a relevant Master's degree at the University of Cambridge will normally need to obtain a pass in order to be eligible to continue onto the PhD in Chemistry.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
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Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
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Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.
The Department of Chemistry hosts a virtual open day for prospective postgraduate students. The day includes online laboratory tours, a chance to meet current students and academic staff, and a chance to talk to professional services staff about the application process.