BSc Chemistry
About this course
BSc (Hons) Chemistry, a chemistry degree centred on the structure, behaviour and transformation of matter. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, and Research Methods. In Years 1 and 2 the curriculum is shared with the other chemistry degrees, and it is possible to switch to one of those degree routes up to the end of the second year. The first year provides the foundations through Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics, Chemical Systems & Change: Structure & Dynamics, and Molecules in Action, alongside laboratory work in Experimental Chemistry I: Introductory to Laboratory Techniques and Experimental Chemistry II: Developing Laboratory Expertise. Mathematical Methods for Chemists builds the mathematical vocabulary used in chemistry. Year 2 deepens each discipline through Principles of Inorganic Chemistry: Symmetry & Transition metal complexes, Principles of Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics & Spectroscopy, and Principles of Organic Chemistry: Aromaticity & Synthetic strategy, with Practical Chemistry Level 2 – Integrated combining synthesis, measurement and data interpretation. The final year combines compulsory practical pathways, with students selecting one of Practical Synthetic Chemistry -Level 3, Practical Measurement and Analysis - Level 3, or Practical Chemistry - Integrated - Level 3. Students also select 40 credits of Capstone Modules, including a research-led Chemistry Dissertation, and take two or three Contemporary Chemistry modules: Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry: Organometallics & Catalysis, Contemporary Organic Chemistry: Pericyclic & stereoselectivity, or Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical thermodynamics & Kinetics. Recent optional modules have included Molecular Structure and Spectroscopic Methods, Chemical Principles of Biological Systems, Advanced Materials Chemistry, and Advanced Computational Chemistry.
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 Chemistry and Mathematics. IB: 37 with 766 in higher level subjects, including Chemistry and Mathematics (either Analysis and approaches HL or Applications and interpretations HL).
See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 71%: 120 offers from 170 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 15 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 59%
- Academic support: 94%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 17 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Finance Professionals: 35%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
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 30 students who started
- 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 & Energetics
- Experimental Chemistry II: Developing Laboratory Expertise
- Mathematical Methods for Chemists
- Chemical Systems & Change: Structure & Dynamics
- Molecules in Action
- Principles of Inorganic Chemistry: Symmetry & Transition metal complexes
- Principles of Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics & Spectroscopy
- Principles of Organic Chemistry: Aromaticity & Synthetic strategy
- Practical Chemistry Level 2 – Integrated
- Example optional modules
- Practical Chemistry Level 3
- Practical Synthetic Chemistry -Level 3
- Practical Measurement and Analysis - Level 3
- Practical Chemistry - Integrated - Level 3
- Capstone Modules
- Contemporary Chemistry modules
- Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry: Organometallics & Catalysis
- Contemporary Organic Chemistry: Pericyclic & stereoselectivity
- Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical thermodynamics & Kinetics
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Chemistry 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 £11,000 more than the UK median for Chemistry.
What do graduates of BSc Chemistry at Durham University do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Chemistry at Durham University?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Chemistry at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 180 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Chemistry at Durham University?
71% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 120 offers from 170 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Chemistry at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry for partially meeting the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
How many students continue on BSc Chemistry at Durham University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.