**Course details** Chemistry is often called ‘the central science’ as knowledge of atoms and molecules is instrumental to understanding and interacting with the world around us. When you choose to study for a four-year 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. Current developments in both research and industry are used to bring theoretical learning to life. You will learn how chemistry is the central science with learning interfaces with biosciences, earth sciences, engineering, physics and astronomy. **Why Durham University?** The chemistry department at Durham is one of the leading departments in the UK. Gain the theoretical knowledge you need while developing your practical skills at our thriving centre of teaching and world-leading research. 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. **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 **Careers Opportunities** Graduates are ready to either move straight into employment in a wide range of industries or advance into further studies and scientific research. 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. Chemistry is also an excellent foundation for careers in areas such as business and finance, consultancy, journalism, information technology, teaching and more. 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. Specific subjects excluded for entry: Critical Thinking and General Studies. 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 | At Durham we welcome applications from students of outstanding achievement and potential from all educational backgrounds. We will consider applicants studying T level qualifications for entry to many of our courses. Where a course requires subject specific knowledge and this is not covered within the T level being studied, you may need to supplement your T level studies with a suitable qualification to meet this requirement, for example at A level. Where this is needed this will be clearly stated in our entry requirements. Detailed entry requirements can be found on individual course entries on our courses database. https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/f111/#entry-requirements-1237473 | Scottish Higher: AAAAA | We will normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If an applicant has not been able to take 3 Advanced Highers, offers may be made with a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or on a number of Highers. 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 | We require 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3 (or equivalent). 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 | 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: Chemistry and Mathematics. | OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: D*DD | Subject specific A-levels (or equivalent) also required for entry: Chemistry and Mathematics both at grade A.
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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
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