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 double “Core” modules and single “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 an industrial research laboratory.

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 you will acquire subject-specific knowledge, and also develop problem-solving skills embodying the concepts from lectures in a formative environment. Workshops are used in the first year as revision sessions in preparation for the end of year examinations, in later years they are used to consolidate factual knowledge and develop problem-solving skills. 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 will be 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 chemistry modules in the first year, 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. 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 industrial placement, carrying out research with a chemical company, normally in the UK. You will apply to company industrial trainee schemes at the start of your third year, we will provide guidance and interview training. We can assist you in finding placements, but you may also arrange your own. Research is carried out under the supervision of the company, and a member of Durham staff will maintain regular contact with you. Placements are typically paid 10 or 12 month full-time employment and culminate in a project report which is assessed by Durham staff. The assessment also includes a poster and an oral presentation, and 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 academic study which is based on one of the lecture modules delivered in Durham and supported through our virtual learning environment. The independent learning skills developed at earlier levels are enhanced by this mode of study.

You will be 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 may request further meetings. All members of teaching staff are available on an “open office” basis.

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

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Full Time Fees

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.

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)

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.

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The chemistry department at Durham is one of the leading departments in the UK and within the Top 100 across the world. 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.

Chemistry degrees at Durham offer a high level of flexibility. The MChem contains the same core curriculum in Years 1 and 2 as our other chemistry degrees and you can switch to one of the other degrees up to the end of the second year.

You will build strong foundations in inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and learn practical skills in our modern teaching laboratories. In your third year, you will continue to learn the core aspects of modern chemistry, and start to focus on the concepts and skills required in research. In your final year, you will complete a research project as an industrial placement within the chemical industry.

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. Graduates are ready to either move straight into employment in a wide range of industries or advance into further studies and scientific research.

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.

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

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

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.

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)

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.

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