MSci Chemistry and Physics
About this course
MSci (Hons) Chemistry and Physics is a natural sciences degree combining chemistry and physics. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling and Laboratory Techniques. The common first year allows transfer onto the BSc Chemistry and Physics, MChem, BSc Chemistry or BSc Natural Sciences routes, and a one-year work placement can extend the course to five years. The degree is recognised by the Institute of Physics. The first year sets out foundations through Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding and Energetics, which introduces the main branches of chemistry alongside first exposure to practical laboratory work, and Foundations of Physics I, which spans classical waves and electromagnetism through mechanics, quantum basics, relativity and optics, supported by either Single Mathematics A and B or Calculus and Linear Algebra. Year two deepens both subjects through Foundations of Physics 2A, covering quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, Principles of Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Spectroscopy, which links bonding to structure and reactivity, plus Mathematical Methods in Physics and Laboratory Skills and Electronics 2. The third year moves into advanced territory with Foundations of Physics 3A on quantum mechanics and nuclear and particle physics, Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetics, Computational Chemistry and Practical Measurement and Analysis Level 3; optional modules in recent years have included Computing, Planets and Cosmology 3 and Physics in Society 3. The final year centres on the Project, a 60 or 80 credit piece of research work at the chemistry-physics interface combining laboratory, analytical and report writing, alongside Foundations of Physics 4B on statistical and condensed matter physics. Students whose Project is based in the Chemistry department choose between Emerging Developments in Chemistry and Advanced Computational Chemistry, while Advanced Computational Chemistry is compulsory for those undertaking a Physics department project.
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 88 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 210 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 4%
What graduates do next
Based on about 81 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 13%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 20%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 11%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 8%
- Find their work meaningful: 78%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 71%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 48%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 345 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 9%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 31%
- South East: 17%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 295 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
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
- Foundations of Physics 3A
- Foundations of Physics 2B
- Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
- Computational Chemistry
- Practical Measurement and Analysis Level 3
- Example optional modules
- Foundations of Physics 4B
- Project (60 or 80 credits)
- Emerging Developments in Chemistry
- Advanced Computational Chemistry
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Chemistry and Physics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £35,000 after 3 years, £44,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £61,500.
What do graduates of MSci Chemistry and Physics at Durham University do next?
88% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci 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 MSci 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 196 UCAS points.
Is MSci Chemistry and Physics at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Does MSci Chemistry and Physics at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on MSci Chemistry and Physics at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.