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Department of Chemistry
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About Us

Chemistry at Durham is a thriving centre of scientific activity for teaching and for world-leading research in the chemical sciences.

Located at the heart of the University Science site and just 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre, we are a global 100 University (QS world rankings, 2020) that is consistently in the top five in major UK league tables. We are currently 2nd in The Guardian's University Guide, 6th in The Complete University Guide and 4th in The Times Good University Guide, demonstrating our commitment to quality teaching, research and student experience.
Why study at Durham?

Top for research impact

Durham's Department of Chemistry topped the UK research impact charts in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014). Our next assessment is due in 2021. The impact tables are a measure of how research work done in universities makes a difference in terms of both the economy and society. In the same exercise, 96% of Durham Chemistry’s research activity was rated as internationally excellent or world leading.  

Our research is inter-disciplinary and is divided into six research groupings:

  • Bioactive Chemistry and Synthesis
  • Catalysis and Sustainable Chemical Processes
  • Computational and Dynamics
  • Functional Molecules and Materials
  • Physical Organic and Assembly
  • Soft Matter and Interfaces.

Through these groupings we focus on tackling global challenges across three core themes, manufacturing the future, bio-economy and new material discovery. 

 

Our courses

We offer both three-year (BSc) and four-year (MChem) Undergraduate degrees.

Our four-year courses include cutting-edge research projects that can be based in Durham, in industry, or our international partners. We also offer postgraduate research degrees with access to modern research laboratories, state-of-the-art instrumentation and world-class facilities.
Find the right course for you
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Our chemical society

Our active student chemical society, DUCS, offers a range of lecture programmes, external visits and social events throughout the year. We're a diverse and vibrant departmental community and hold a Bronze Athena Swan award for good practice in recruiting and supporting the development of women.

Equality, diversity and inclusion at Durham

Get in touch

Enquiries about Chemistry and our courses should be sent via the emails below:

  • General enquiries
  • Undergraduate enquiries
  • Postgraduate enquiries

    • Department of Chemistry
    Durham University
    Stockton Road
    Durham
    DH1 3LE
    United Kingdom

     

    Telephone (UK): +44 (0191) 334 2076
    Telephone (International): +44 191 334 2000