Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
The chemistry department at Durham is one of the leading departments in the UK. When you choose the BSc in Chemistry 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 BSc in Chemistry 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 final year, you will continue to learn the core aspects of modern chemistry and examine how it is applied to real-world issues. Your studies will culminate in a research-led dissertation. 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.
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 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 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. 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.
Assessment method
Assessment is mainly by end-of-year examinations and coursework including laboratory reports, essays and project reports and presentations. In your final year, you will submit your research-led dissertation and 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.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F100
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - A*AA
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AAAAA
Scottish Advanced Higher - AAA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 38 points
Extended Project - Not accepted
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D2, D3, D3
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - D*DD
T Level
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level AAB (or equivalent) which includes Mathematics and Chemistry both at grade A and a grade B (or equivalent) in another subject. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £30500* | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| International | £30500* | Year 1 |
*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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).
There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Sponsorship information
We're committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances. https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE