MChem Chemistry
About this course
MChem (Hons) in Chemistry, a four-year undergraduate degree in the subject of Chemistry. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques and Research Methods. The MChem and BSc variants share the same core curriculum in Years 1 and 2, so students can switch between the two programmes up to the start of the third year. The degree closes with a capstone Chemistry Research Project, combining laboratory and/or computational work with the writing of a research report. The first year covers the foundations of the subject through Foundations of Chemistry: Atoms, Bonding & Energetics, which spans organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, alongside Experimental Chemistry II: Developing Laboratory Expertise, Chemical Systems & Change: Structure & Dynamics and Mathematical Methods for Chemists. Year 2 specialises into the three main disciplines via 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 extending the laboratory work across synthesis, measurement and analysis; example optional modules in this year have included Molecular Structure and Spectroscopic Methods and Chemical Principles of Biological Systems. In Year 3 students select two or three of the compulsory Contemporary Chemistry modules — Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry: Organometallics & Catalysis, Contemporary Organic Chemistry: Pericyclic & stereoselectivity, and Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical thermodynamics & Kinetics — supported by Practical Chemistry Level 3 – Integrated, which prepares the advanced laboratory techniques needed for independent research; optional offerings have included Advanced Materials Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Advanced Organic Chemistry, and Chemistry into Schools Enhancing Pedagogy in Chemistry. Year 4 centres on the Chemistry Research Project, with further specialisation possible through optional modules such as Advanced Research Concepts in Chemistry, Advanced Computational Chemical Physics, Frontiers in Molecular Assembly and Emerging Developments in 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 A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics. IB: 37 with 766 in higher level subjects, including Chemistry and Mathematics (either Analysis and approaches HL or Applications and interpretations HL).
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 81%: 145 offers from 180 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 – Integrated
- Contemporary Chemistry modules
- Contemporary Inorganic Chemistry: Organometallics & Catalysis
- Contemporary Organic Chemistry: Pericyclic & stereoselectivity
- Contemporary Physical Chemistry: Statistical thermodynamics & Kinetics
- Example optional modules
- Chemistry Research Project
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MChem 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 MChem 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 MChem 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 MChem 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 MChem Chemistry at Durham University?
81% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 145 offers from 180 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is MChem 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 MChem Chemistry at Durham University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.