Chemistry (International Route)
Chemistry (International Route)
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MChem
4 years full-time
Durham City
MChem
4 years full-time
Durham City
F102
F102
Typical offers
| A Level | A*AA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | D*DD |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 |
Course details
This is a four-year MChem degree accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. You will spend the first three years developing an understanding of a broad range of modern chemistry covering organic and inorganic synthesis, physical characterisation methods, and chemistry at the interfaces with biosciences, engineering and physics. You will also gain a broad range of practical skills in synthesis, physical measurement and data analysis. In your final year you will carry out an individual research project at one of our overseas partner universities addressing a novel area of contemporary chemistry, whilst following some chemistry at the research forefront.
Throughout the degree you will develop your chemical understanding, problem-solving, independence and practical skills. Graduates of this course are well-prepared for higher level study, work in the chemicals sector, and roles requiring problem-solving and numeracy skills.
Year 1
You will study 120 credits per academic year. In the first year there are 80 credits of chemistry modules that teach you the basics of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, consolidating and building on pre-university courses. Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry (METRiC) contains courses that develop mathematical and physical concepts as tools for chemistry, and also some background biology and physics. Practical Chemistry is introduced in two cross-disciplinary modules, concluding in a short project.
For this degree you are expected to study an appropriate language module in first year.
Compulsory modules:
- Core Chemistry 1
- Practical Chemistry 1A
- Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry
- Introduction to Materials Chemistry
- Practical Chemistry 1B
- An appropriate language module.
Examples of optional modules:
You will take 20 credits of modules from those offered by other departments in science and the other faculties.
Modules have previously included:
- Mathematics
- Biology and languages are popular
- We offer an elective Chemistry module ‘Molecules in Action’.
Year 2
You will study compulsory modules to the value of 100 credits. These extend your knowledge of inorganic, organic, physical and theoretical chemistry from the first-year introduction, and develop further practical skills. There is also an option to take a language module.
Compulsory modules:
- Core Chemistry 2
- Chemistry of the Elements
- Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry
- Properties of Molecules
- Practical Chemistry 2 – Inorganic
- Practical Chemistry 2 – Organic
- Practical Chemistry 2 – Physical.
Examples of optional modules:
Your final second-year module provides you with an opportunity to specialise or to continue study with a timetable-compatible module of another subject. You will study one 20-credit module.
Modules have previously included:
- Biological Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- A module from another subject, which can include a language.
Year 3
There are two compulsory modules, and the remaining modules allow you to study all areas of the subject or to specialise. There is also an option to take a language module in Year 3 if not taken in Year 2.
Compulsory modules:
- Core Chemistry 3
- Chemistry Literature Perspective.
At least two 10-credit modules from:
- Inorganic Concepts and Applications
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Molecules and their Interactions.
At least two 10-credit laboratory modules from:
- Practical Chemistry 3 – Inorganic
- Practical Chemistry 3 – Organic
- Practical Chemistry 3 – Physical.
Examples of optional modules:
These 20-credit modules provide you with the opportunity to further develop your interest in specialised areas of the subject.
Modules have previously included:
- Advanced Biological Chemistry (if Biological Chemistry was taken in the second year)
- Computational Chemistry (if not taken in the second year)
- Materials Chemistry
- Advanced Computational Chemistry.
Year 4
Chemistry MChem courses
The final choice of where to carry out your Research Project may be delayed until your third year, and you will perform your project work overseas.
MChem with Overseas Project
You carry out a Research Project at an overseas university, and also follow some taught material by distance learning. At the time of writing the Department currently has exchanges with universities in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain. Alternatively, Research Projects are carried out at one of the University’s growing number of partner universities outside Europe. Recent exchanges have been with universities in Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia.
Modules include:
- Core Chemistry 4D
- External Research Project.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.Typical offers
| A Level | A*AA |
|---|---|
| BTEC | D*DD |
| International Baccalaureate | 38 |
Course details
Year 1
Core modules:
Core Chemistry 1 provides the foundation for your future studies and covers organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. The aim is to ensure all course participants reach a common level of knowledge regardless of their pre-university studies.
Practical Chemistry A and Practical Chemistry B are two modules of laboratory work. These will allow you to learn and practise the skills required to accurately and safely use chemical reactions to create target substances and concludes with project work.
The Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry (METRiC) module builds on your pre-university mathematical skills and ensures that all students understand the vocabulary of physics and biology that interfaces with chemistry.
Introduction to Materials Chemistry introduces the fundamentals of solid state and materials chemistry.
An appropriate language module in preparation for your overseas placement.
Finally, you will choose an optional module allowing you to tailor your learning in subjects such as mathematics, biology or the chemistry module Molecules in Action.
Year 2
Core modules:
Core Chemistry builds your knowledge of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry into more specialised concepts.
Chemistry of the Elements focuses the principles of bonding as well as the unique chemistry of the transition metals.
Structure and Reactivity of Organic Chemistry explores how the structure of molecules affects reactions.
Properties of Molecules advances your understanding of physical chemistry in the areas of magnetic resonance, surface chemistry and electrochemistry.
Practical Chemistry becomes more intensive with three modules, one each for Inorganic, Organic and Physical.
Once again, you can personalise your studies with one optional module, including Biological Chemistry, Computational Chemistry.
Year 3
Core modules:
Core Chemistry takes your knowledge up to degree standard.
You will also produce a research-led Chemistry Literature Perspective which will demonstrate your attained skills of literature review, data collection and critical analysis as well as literacy and presentation skills.
The remainder of the course can be personalised as you can choose modules from the following sets.
Examples of optional modules:
- Inorganic Concepts and Applications
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Molecules and their Interactions
- Materials Chemistry
- Advanced Computational Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Advanced Biological Chemistry
- An appropriate language module.
Year 4
Core modules:
Core Chemistry D provides an advanced overview of more specialised areas of chemistry and chemical physics. This module is delivered by distance learning.
The External Research Project is undertaken at an overseas university into which you will impart your experimental, analytical, theoretical and problem-solving skills through a project including laboratory or computational work, or both, and the writing of a research report.
Course Structure
Year 1
Core modules:
Core Chemistry 1 provides the foundation for your future studies and covers organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. The aim is to ensure all course participants reach a common level of knowledge regardless of their pre-university studies.
Practical Chemistry A and Practical Chemistry B are two modules of laboratory work. These will allow you to learn and practise the skills required to accurately and safely use chemical reactions to create target substances and concludes with project work.
The Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry (METRiC) module builds on your pre-university mathematical skills and ensures that all students understand the vocabulary of physics and biology that interfaces with chemistry.
Introduction to Materials Chemistry introduces the fundamentals of solid state and materials chemistry.
An appropriate language module in preparation for your overseas placement.
Finally, you will choose an optional module allowing you to tailor your learning in subjects such as mathematics, biology or the chemistry module Molecules in Action.
Year 2
Core modules:
Core Chemistry builds your knowledge of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry into more specialised concepts.
Chemistry of the Elements focuses the principles of bonding as well as the unique chemistry of the transition metals.
Structure and Reactivity of Organic Chemistry explores how the structure of molecules affects reactions.
Properties of Molecules advances your understanding of physical chemistry in the areas of magnetic resonance, surface chemistry and electrochemistry.
Practical Chemistry becomes more intensive with three modules, one each for Inorganic, Organic and Physical.
Once again, you can personalise your studies with one optional module, including Biological Chemistry, Computational Chemistry.
Year 3
Core modules:
Core Chemistry takes your knowledge up to degree standard.
You will also produce a research-led Chemistry Literature Perspective which will demonstrate your attained skills of literature review, data collection and critical analysis as well as literacy and presentation skills.
The remainder of the course can be personalised as you can choose modules from the following sets.
Examples of optional modules:
- Inorganic Concepts and Applications
- Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Molecules and their Interactions
- Materials Chemistry
- Advanced Computational Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Advanced Biological Chemistry
- An appropriate language module.
Year 4
Core modules:
Core Chemistry D provides an advanced overview of more specialised areas of chemistry and chemical physics. This module is delivered by distance learning.
The External Research Project is undertaken at an overseas university into which you will impart your experimental, analytical, theoretical and problem-solving skills through a project including laboratory or computational work, or both, and the writing of a research report.
Placement
You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more./prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/500-x-300-px-(2).png)
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Learning
Chemistry is a linear, quantitative subject containing a significant volume of factual material. It is an experimental science where practical work, and development of practical skills, is important. This four-year course is delivered through a mixture of “Core” and “add-on” modules using lectures, tutorials, problem classes and laboratory practical work, culminating in a major research project in the fourth year conducted on placement at a research laboratory outside the UK, normally at a university that we have an exchange scheme in place.
Lectures provide the key information on a particular area and form the main basis by which you will learn the fundamental concepts and facts of the subject. In tutorials and workshops you will acquire and consolidate subject-specific knowledge, and also develop problem-solving skills embodying the concepts from lectures in a formative environment.
Revision classes in the first year prepare for the end of year examinations. Problem classes are used in the first year to develop mathematical and other quantitative skills in a problem-solving environment. Laboratory classes are used to teach, develop and refine the subject-specific experimental skills of synthesis, measurement and characterisation that characterise a competent chemistry graduate, whilst applying concepts from lectures in an experimental environment.
For the first three years of the course, you are expected to spend a minimum of one subsequent hour per hour of lecture contact on private study, reading and problem-solving using textbooks and other resources. Additional private study is directed at preparing for tutorials, workshops, writing reports of laboratory work and revision for examinations. In the four compulsory modules you will attend seven hours of lectures, two hours of tutorials or problem classes and six hours of laboratory work each week. Additionally, a third of the year’s credits are from elective modules which involve between two and six hours of lectures and laboratories each week. On this course at least half of the elective modules are in the study of an appropriate foreign language. Individual learning forms an important part of academic study.
In the second and third years, you will typically attend 12 hours of lectures or workshops per week and 10 hours of laboratory work. The laboratory work in the course moves from a defined set of practicals in the first year towards a more open-ended course, providing choice and some element of project work in Year 3.
The major element of the fourth year is an independent individual research project, carrying out novel chemistry research embedded within a research group in an overseas university, normally one that we have an exchange agreement with. Research is carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff of that overseas university, and a member of Durham staff will maintain regular contact with you. You will typically work for 20 to 30 hours per week for at least 19 weeks and prepare a project report describing your findings which is assessed by Durham staff. The assessment also includes a poster and an oral presentation, training is provided in these skills. In addition, you will study for a sixth of your final year credits in a module of distance learning which is based on one of the lecture modules delivered in Durham and supported through our virtual learning environment. The independent learning skills you developed at earlier levels are enhanced by this mode of study.
You are allocated an academic adviser at the start of the course, who normally delivers some first-year tutorials, provides feedback on examination performance and remains with you throughout the course. Meetings between you and your adviser are timetabled three times a year, but you can always request further meetings. All members of staff are available to meet students on an “open office” basis.
Entry requirements
A level offer – A*AA including Chemistry and Mathematics.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.
IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including Chemistry and Mathematics (either Analysis and approaches HL or Applications and interpretations HL).
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information contact our Admissions Selectors.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry, but encourage a short statement of gap year plans in your personal statement.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
Full Time Fees
| Home students | £9,250 per year |
|---|---|
| EU students | £29,500 per year |
| Island students | £9,250 per year |
| International students | £29,500 per year |
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. 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 overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Chemistry
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 90% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 93% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £28,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Chemistry
Chemistry is a linear, quantitative subject, containing a significant volume of factual material. It is an experimental science, where development of practical skills is important. From a coherent and integrated core of theoretical and practical knowledge, you will progress to more specialised material.
For more information see our department webpages.
Rankings
- 5th in The Guardian University Guide 2022
- 5th in The Complete University Guide 2023.
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Chemistry Department web pages.
Research Excellence Framework
96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
Facilities
We are a recognised centre of excellence in crystallography, attracting academic collaborations from all over the world due to our unique range of instrumentation. Our state-of-the-art equipment forpowder diffraction measurements and members of staff have considerable expertise in all aspects of this analytical technique. We also host a biennial residential training course on powder diffraction and Rietveld refinement.
More information on our facilities and equipment.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
F102
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
Learning
The factual and theoretical content of the course is delivered mainly by lectures, supported by tutorials, workshops and private study.
In an experimental science, practical lessons are a vital aspect of learning and you will develop your laboratory skills, experiment planning, data analysis and safety management.
In your first year the core modules involve seven hours of lectures, two hours of tutorials or workshops and six hours of practicals per week. In addition, each optional module will require between two and six hours of contact time per week, supplemented by independent study.
Contact time for the core modules increases in subsequent years, typically with 12 hours of lectures and 10 hours of practicals per week. By the third year, you will have developed as an independent learner and more aspects of learning are student-led.
The major element of the fourth year is an independent individual research project, carrying out novel chemistry research embedded within a research group in an overseas university. Your research is supervised by that university with regular contact by a member of Durham staff. You will typically work for 20 to 30 hours per week for at least 19 weeks and prepare a project report describing your findings. In addition, you complete a module by distance learning supported through our virtual learning environment, further emphasising independent learning.
Assessment
Assessment is mainly by end-of-year examinations and coursework including laboratory reports, and essays. In your final year, you will submit your research-led project report and deliver an oral presentation.
The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the course content, test your capacity to solve problems, enhance your written and oral communication skills, and assess your ability to relate your learning to real-world scenarios.
Entry requirements
A level offer – A*AA including Chemistry and Mathematics.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.
IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including Chemistry and Mathematics (either Analysis and approaches HL or Applications and interpretations HL).
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information contact our Admissions Selectors.
- We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry, but encourage a short statement of gap year plans in your personal statement.
Science A levels
Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.
Alternative qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Fees and funding
The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. 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 overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Chemistry
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. A significant number of our students also progress to postgraduate study.
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. We aim to develop your curiosity as a scientist. These skills are valued across many sectors.
Recent employers of our graduates include GSK, Infineum, Procter & Gamble, BP and Akzo Nobel.
Of those students who graduated in 2019:
- 90% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes
Of those in employment:
- 93% are in high skilled employment
- With an average salary of £28,000.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)
Department information
Chemistry
We are a dynamic and diverse international teaching and research community, equipped with modern laboratories and world-class facilities. 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. You will study the design, synthesis and characterisation of societally and technologically important substances, and will benefit from exposure to innovative research programmes and ideas. 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.
For more information see our department webpages.
Rankings
- 5th in The Complete University Guide 2023
- 7th in The Guardian University Guide 2023
- 10th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see the Chemistry Department web pages.
Research Excellence Framework
96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).
Facilities
We are located on the Lower Mountjoy (science) site, near the Palatine Building and Calman Learning Centre, and just a short walk from the city centre or any of our colleges. Chemistry teaching is delivered in lecture theatres within our own building or those nearby. Our practical laboratories and research space are all together. Our research services interact with various UK and overseas companies and with other universities and research institutions.
Throughout your degree you will have access to Durham’s virtual learning environment which contains lecture material, support materials and course administration information.
More information on our facilities and equipment.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
Apply
F102
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
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