The chemistry department at Durham is one of the leading departments in the UK. When you choose to study for a MChem degree you will join a dynamic and focused learning community that is home to multiple research institutes, a range of first-class facilities and experts with close links to industry. You will build strong foundations in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and learn practical skills in our modern teaching laboratories. You will learn how chemistry is the central science with learning interfaces with biosciences, earth sciences, engineering, physics and astronomy. You will be exposed to cutting-edge analytical techniques and learn how they can be used to assist research and tackle global issues. **Why Durham University?** You’ll be taught by internationally renowned research-active academics with a wide range of expertise. We have a long tradition of interdisciplinary research, from the development of chemical tests for cancer to the theory and computational study of molecular interactions. We have built a large network of national and international industrial partners involved in collaborative research through interactions at many levels with the Department and our BSc and MChem qualifications are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. With flexible pathways to suit your interests and career goals, and the chance to apply for an additional year in industry or an overseas placement, a degree in Chemistry will equip you for a range of careers or further study. **Rankings** **3rd** in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 **5th** in the Guardian University Guide 2026 **5th** in the UK Complete University Guide 2026 **Top 100** in the QS World University Rankings 2026 **Career Opportunities** A degree in Chemistry will prepare you for a career in science and technology either in industry, research or academia. Chemistry is also an excellent foundation for careers in areas such as business and finance, consultancy, journalism, information technology, teaching and more. Transferable skills include communication and presentation skills, logical thinking, report writing, problem solving, time management, data handling and analysis, teamwork and leadership, creativity, and instrumental and experimental skills. A significant number of our students also progress to postgraduate study. Recent employers of our graduates include GSK, Infineum, Procter & Gamble, BP and Akzo Nobel.
A Level: A*AA | Specific subjects/grades required for entry: Chemistry at grade A. Mathematics at grade A. Information: Applicants taking Science A-levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This refers only to English A Levels. | T Level | T levels will be considered on a case-by-case basis where the subject area aligns with the course applied to. Please note that additional A levels or equivalent may be required to study certain courses. If you’re interested in applying, then please Ask Us and we’ll see if we’re able to consider this for you: www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/ | Scottish Higher: AAAAA | We normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If you’ve not been able to take three Advanced Highers, then we’ll consider a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or just Highers (if your school doesn’t offer Advanced Highers at all). Subject specifics required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics. | Access to HE Diploma: 30 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 15 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | Subject specific A-levels (or equivalent) also required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics both at grade A. | Scottish Advanced Higher: AAA | Subject specifics required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 37 UCAS points | 666 at higher level including Chemistry and Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations). | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): D*DD | Other BTEC level 3 qualifications are also accepted in combination with each other or with other qualifications. See our website for more information on our BTEC qualification equivalencies. Subject specific A-levels (or equivalent) also required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics both at grade A. | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H1H2H2H2H2 | Subject specifics required for entry: Higher Level Chemistry and Mathematics. | OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: D*DD | Other level 3 Cambridge Technical qualifications are also accepted in combination with each other or with other qualifications. See our website for more information on our Cambridge technical qualification equivalencies. Subject specific A-levels (or equivalent) also required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics both at grade A.
For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.
The tuition fees shown for home students remain subject to parliamentary approval. They are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Durham University will charge home rate tuition up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for international and EU students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index. As a student you may also get involved in optional activities which incur additional costs. To find out more visit https://www.dur.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/additional-charges/. — 27/28 Placeholder
Comparing courses? Match them against your grades.
Open the course explorer