BSc Chemistry and Physics
About this course
BSc (Hons) Chemistry and Physics is a joint science degree within the physics subject area, combining chemistry with the study of physical principles. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques and Research Methods. The shared first year allows transfer to MSci Chemistry and Physics, MSci Physics, BSc Physics or MSci Natural Sciences, and a placement or year-abroad pathway can be added after the second year, extending the course to four years. The first year covers Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding and Energetics, including introductory laboratory techniques, together with Foundations of Physics I, covering waves, electromagnetism and mechanics. Mathematics is taken as either Single Mathematics A and B or Calculus and Linear Algebra. The second year covers Principles of Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Spectroscopy, Principles of Inorganic Chemistry: Symmetry and Transition Metal Complexes, Foundations of Physics 2A and Laboratory Skills and Electronics 2, spanning thermodynamics, spectroscopy, symmetry, quantum mechanics, electromagnetism and electronics. Mathematical Methods in Physics supplies the supporting mathematics. The third year covers quantum, nuclear and particle physics in Foundations of Physics 3A, thermodynamics, condensed matter and optics in Foundations of Physics 2B, Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetics, and Practical Measurement and Analysis – Level 3. The compulsory capstone spans 40 credits of project work across both subjects, including a dissertation, Science into Schools or Science Enterprise.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: A*AA including A* in Mathematics and AA in Chemistry and Physics. IB: 37 points overall including 7 in Higher Level in Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches) and 66 in Higher Level Chemistry and Physics.
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 61 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 69%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 110 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 9%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 43 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 66%
- Working and studying: 12%
- Further study: 14%
- Unemployed: 1%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 18%
- Finance Professionals: 18%
- Information Technology Professionals: 12%
- Natural and social science professionals: 11%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 160 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 11%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 33%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 115 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding and Energetics
- Foundations of Physics I
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Single Mathematics A and B (40 credits in total)
- OR Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Principles of Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Spectroscopy
- Practical Measurement and Analysis – Level 2
- Principles of Inorganic Chemistry: Symmetry and Transition Metal Complexes
- Foundations of Physics 2A
- Mathematical Methods in Physics
- Laboratory Skills and Electronics 2
- Capstone Project Modules: including Dissertation, Science into Schools or Science Enterprise modules
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
- Practical Measurement and Analysis – Level 3
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Chemistry and Physics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £33,000 after 15 months, £34,000 after 3 years, £45,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £33,000 and £59,500. The £45,000 median after five years is £6,500 more than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Chemistry and Physics at Durham University do next?
92% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Chemistry and Physics at Durham University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Chemistry and Physics at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 188 UCAS points.
Does BSc Chemistry and Physics at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Chemistry and Physics at Durham University?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 9% left higher education.