Chemistry (International Route)

The factual and theoretical content of the course is delivered mainly by lectures, supported by tutorials, workshops and private study.

In an experimental science, practical lessons are a vital aspect of learning and you will develop your laboratory skills, experiment planning, data analysis and safety management.

In your first year the core modules involve seven hours of lectures, two hours of tutorials or workshops and six hours of practicals per week. In addition, each optional module will require between two and six hours of contact time per week, supplemented by independent study.

Contact time for the core modules increases in subsequent years, typically with 12 hours of lectures and 10 hours of practicals per week. By the third year, you will have developed as an independent learner and more aspects of learning are student-led.

The major element of the fourth year is an independent individual research project, carrying out novel chemistry research embedded within a research group in an overseas university. Your research is supervised by that university with regular contact by a member of Durham staff. You will typically work for 20 to 30 hours per week for at least 19 weeks and prepare a project report describing your findings. In addition, you complete a module by distance learning supported through our virtual learning environment, further emphasising independent learning.

Assessment

Assessment is mainly by end-of-year examinations and coursework including laboratory reports, and essays. In your final year, you will submit your research-led project report and deliver 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.

A level offer – A*AA including Chemistry and Mathematics.

Contextual offer – AAB including Chemistry and Mathematics.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and A level requirements as above.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects, including Chemistry and Mathematics (either Analysis and approaches HL or Applications and interpretations HL).

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. For more information contact our Admissions Selectors.

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry, but encourage a short statement of gap year plans in your personal statement.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Full Time Fees

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 will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only; fees for subsequent years will be confirmed not less than 3 months before the start of the academic year to which the increase is intended to apply and will be published on the Finance webpages.

In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of;

1. 6%, or,
2. the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

A degree in Chemistry will prepare you for a career in science and technology either in industry, research or academia. Chemistry is also an excellent foundation for careers in areas such as business and finance, consultancy, journalism, information technology, teaching and more. A significant number of our students also progress to postgraduate study. 

Transferable skills include communication and presentation skills, logical thinking, report writing, problem solving, time management, data handling and analysis, teamwork and leadership, creativity, and instrumental and experimental skills. We aim to develop your curiosity as a scientist. These skills are valued across many sectors.

Recent employers of our graduates include GSK, Infineum, Procter & Gamble, BP and Akzo Nobel.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 95% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 90% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £28,000.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

Chemistry is often called ‘the central science’ as knowledge of atoms and molecules is instrumental to understanding and interacting with the world around us. Gain the theoretical knowledge you need while developing your practical skills at our thriving centre of teaching and world-leading research.

We are a dynamic and diverse international teaching and research community, equipped with modern laboratories and world-class facilities. You’ll be taught by internationally renowned research-active academics with a wide range of expertise.

We have a long tradition of interdisciplinary research, from the development of chemical tests for cancer to the theory and computational study of molecular interactions. You will study the design, synthesis and characterisation of societally and technologically important substances, and will benefit from exposure to innovative research programmes and ideas. We have built a large network of national and international industrial partners involved in collaborative research through interactions at many levels with the Department and our BSc and MChem qualifications are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

With flexible pathways to suit your interests and career goals, and the chance to apply for an additional year in industry or an overseas placement, a degree in Chemistry will equip you for a range of careers or further study.

For more information see our department webpages.

Rankings

• 5th in The Complete University Guide 2024

• Top 10 in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Chemistry Department web pages.

Research Excellence Framework

• 96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021).

Facilities

We are located on the Lower Mountjoy (science) site, near the Palatine Building and Calman Learning Centre, and just a short walk from the city centre or any of our colleges. Chemistry teaching is delivered in lecture theatres within our own building or those nearby. Our practical laboratories and research space are all together. Our research services interact with various UK and overseas companies and with other universities and research institutions.

Throughout your degree you will have access to Durham’s virtual learning environment which contains lecture material, support materials and course administration information.

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