Chemistry

Tuition Fee

Start Date

2026-09-01

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

48 months

Program Facts

About Program

About University

Admission Requirements

Gallery

Easy Apply

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Masters

Major

Biochemistry | Biotechnology | Chemistry

Area of study

Natural Science

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

Intakes

Program start date	Application deadline
2026-09-01	-
2025-09-01	-

About Program

Program Overview

An integrated Master’s degree, ideal for those planning to move into research either through further studies or within industry.

Start Dates

September 2026
September 2025

Degree Type

MChem

Course Length

4 years full-time

Location

Durham City

UCAS Code

F105

Typical Offers

A Level: A*AA, including A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics
BTEC: D*DD and A level requirements as above
International Baccalaureate: 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including Chemistry and Mathematics (either Analysis and approaches HL or Applications and interpretations HL)

Course Details

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 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 industry links. 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 learn how chemistry is the central science with learning that interfaces with biosciences, earth sciences, engineering, and physics. You will be exposed to cutting-edge analytical techniques and learn how they can be used in research to 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.

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. Your final year is built around a research project embedded within a research group.

Course Structure

Year 1 Modules

Core Modules:

Core Chemistry 1: provides the foundation for your future studies and covers organic, inorganic and physical chemistry
Practical Chemistry 1A and Practical Chemistry 1B: which will allow you to learn and practice the skills required to accurately and safely use chemical reactions to create target substances and concludes with project work in a laboratory setting
Mathematical and Experimental Tools Required in Chemistry (METRiC): builds on your pre-university mathematical skills and ensures that you understand the vocabulary of physics and biology that interfaces with chemistry
Introduction to Materials Chemistry: introduces the fundamentals of solid state and materials chemistry

Optional Modules:

Finally, you will choose some optional modules allowing you to tailor your learning in subjects such as mathematics, biology, languages or the chemistry module Molecules in Action

Year 2 Modules

Core Modules:

Core Chemistry 2: builds your knowledge of inorganic, physical, and organic chemistry into more specialised concepts
Chemistry of the Elements: focuses on 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: developing core practical skills in a laboratory setting

Optional Modules:

In recent years optional modules have included:
- Biological Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry

Year 3 Modules

Core Modules:

Core Chemistry 3: takes your knowledge up to degree standard
Chemistry Literature Perspective: 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
Practical Chemistry: continues to explore your practical ability in a laboratory setting
Inorganic Concepts and Applications: explores the chemistry of lanthanoid and actinoid elements, applied inorganic NMR spectroscopy, and organometallic reaction mechanisms
Advanced Organic Chemistry: expands knowledge in synthetic and mechanistic chemistry, focusing on catalysis, natural product biosynthesis, and molecular recognition
Molecules and their Interactions: advances understanding of intermolecular forces and spectroscopy, including electronic, vibrational, and optical aspects

Optional Modules:

In recent years optional modules have included:
- Materials Chemistry
- Advanced Computational Chemistry
- Biological Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Advanced Biological Chemistry
- Chemistry into Schools

Year 4 Modules

Core Modules:

Chemistry Research Project: where you will impart your experimental, analytical, theoretical and problem-solving skills through a capstone project including laboratory or computational work, or both, and the writing of a research report with the potential for publication

Optional Modules:

In recent years optional modules have included:
- Advanced Research Concepts in Chemistry
- Advanced Computational Chemical Physics
- Frontiers in Molecular Assembly

Learning

The course content is primarily delivered through lectures, supported by tutorials, workshops, and private study. Practical lessons are essential in experimental sciences, helping you develop laboratory skills, experiment planning, data analysis, and safety management.

In the first year, core modules include seven hours of lectures, two hours of tutorials or workshops, and six hours of practicals weekly. Optional modules add two to six hours of contact time per week, alongside independent study.

At the heart of the fourth year is a research project, supervised by an academic member of staff. Your project work will typically be for two full days a week for 20 weeks, in addition, you follow two lecture modules. The learning environment is more focused on independent learning than in earlier years.

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 A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics
Contextual offer: AAB, including A in Chemistry and A in 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)

Fees and Funding

The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.

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 will be subject to an annual inflationary increase expected to rise throughout the programme of study.

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. 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.

Department Information

Chemistry is often called ‘the central science’ as knowledge of atoms and molecules is instrumental to understanding and interacting with the world around us. Gain the theoretical knowledge you need while developing your practical skills at our thriving centre of teaching and world-leading research.

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.

Rankings

Top 10 in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Top 10 in The Guardian University Guide 2025
4th in The Complete University Guide 2025

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.

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.

Program Outline

Overview:

The MChem Chemistry program at Durham University is a four-year integrated Master's degree designed for students interested in pursuing research careers in chemistry or related fields.
The program is considered one of the leading chemistry programs in the UK, offering a dynamic and focused learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities and close industry connections.
The curriculum provides a strong foundation in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, building upon students' pre-university math skills and introducing them to cutting-edge analytical techniques.
The program focuses on developing students' research skills through a final-year research project, allowing them to gain practical experience and conduct independent research under the guidance of academic staff.

Objectives:

To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of core chemistry concepts and principles.
To develop students' practical laboratory skills and analytical techniques.
To foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
To cultivate independent research skills through a final-year research project.
To prepare students for a range of careers in scientific research, industry, or further academic study.

Program Description:

The MChem Chemistry program at Durham University offers a high level of flexibility, allowing students to personalize their learning experience through optional modules in various disciplines.
The program emphasizes a hands-on approach, with numerous laboratory sessions and practical components integrated throughout the curriculum.
Students are exposed to real-world scenarios and cutting-edge research, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities in the field of chemistry.
The program culminates in a significant research project, allowing students to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills through independent research and presentation.

Outline:

Year 1:

Core modules:
Core Chemistry 1: Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry basics.
Practical Chemistry 1A & 1B: Laboratory skills and project work.
METRiC: Mathematical and Experimental Tools in Chemistry.
Introduction to Materials Chemistry.
Optional modules: Mathematics, Biology, Languages, or Molecules in Action.

Year 2:

Core modules:
Core Chemistry 2: Advanced Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry.
Chemistry of the Elements: Bonding and Transition Metal Chemistry.
Structure and Reactivity of Organic Chemistry.
Properties of Molecules: Magnetic Resonance, Surface Chemistry, Electrochemistry.
Advanced Practical Chemistry.
Optional module: Biological Chemistry or Computational Chemistry.

Year 3:

Core modules:
Core Chemistry 3: Advanced Chemistry concepts.
Chemistry Literature Perspective: Research skills development.
Optional modules: Inorganic Concepts and Applications, Advanced Organic Chemistry, Molecules and their Interactions, Advanced Computational Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Biological Chemistry.

Year 4:

Core modules:
Core Chemistry 4: Advanced specialized areas of Chemistry and Chemical Physics.
Chemistry Research Project: 20 weeks of research with a potential publication opportunity.
Optional module: Advanced Research Concepts in Chemistry or Advanced Computational Chemical Physics.

Assessment:

End-of-year examinations and coursework, including laboratory reports and essays.
Final-year research project report and oral presentation.
Assessment methods evaluate students' knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and the ability to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.

Teaching:

Lectures, tutorials, workshops, and private study.
Laboratory sessions and practical work to develop experimental skills and data analysis.
Student-led learning approaches in later years.
Independent research project supervised by academic staff.
Faculty: Internationally renowned research-active academics with diverse expertise.

Careers:

Possible careers in scientific research, industry, and academia.
Significant number of graduates pursue postgraduate studies.
Transferable skills include communication, problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and instrumental/experimental skills.
Recent employers of graduates include GSK, Infineum, Procter & Gamble, BP, and Akzo Nobel.
2020-21 Graduate Outcomes: 95% in paid employment or further study, 90% in high skilled employment, average salary £28,000 (Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey).

Other:

The program offers flexibility through optional modules and opportunities for industrial placements or overseas studies.
The Department of Chemistry at Durham is a leading research center with state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on real-world applications.
The program is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, ensuring its high quality and industry relevance.
The University of Durham offers a vibrant and diverse student community and a supportive learning environment.

The tuition fees for 2025/26 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).