Durham University - Undergraduate Pre-application Open Day
26 Jun 2026, 08:00
Durham

Course details
Chemistry is often called ‘the central science’ as knowledge of atoms and molecules is instrumental to understanding and interacting with the world around us.
When you choose to study for a four-year MChem degree you will join a dynamic and focused learning community that is home to multiple research institutes, a range of first-class facilities and experts with close links to industry.
Current developments in both research and industry are used to bring theoretical learning to life.
You will learn how chemistry is the central science with learning interfaces with biosciences, earth sciences, engineering, physics and astronomy.
Why Durham University?
The chemistry department at Durham is one of the leading departments in the UK.
Gain the theoretical knowledge you need while developing your practical skills at our thriving centre of teaching and world-leading research.
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.
Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026
Careers Opportunities
Graduates are ready to either move straight into employment in a wide range of industries or advance into further studies and scientific research.
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.
Chemistry is also an excellent foundation for careers in areas such as business and finance, consultancy, journalism, information technology, teaching and more.
Recent employers of our graduates include GSK, Infineum, Procter & Gamble, BP and Akzo Nobel.
For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.
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.
In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/
The following entry points are available for this course:
Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year. For further details please visit: https://www.durhamisc.com/programmes/international-foundation-year
Discover what it's like to study Chemistry (Industrial) at Durham University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level AAB (or equivalent) which includes Mathematics and Chemistry both at grade A and a grade B (or equivalent) in another subject. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
If you’re taking other qualifications not listed above, please check our qualification pages to see if we accept these: www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/
If you have a non-standard academic profile, then ask us about it here: www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English Language requirements https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Our contextual offer for this programme is A level AAB (or equivalent) which includes Mathematics and Chemistry both at grade A (or equivalent).
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
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Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| EU | £34000 | Year 1 |
| International | £34000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Home Students.
The tuition fees for 2027/28 will increase to £10,050. Please note that these figures remain subject to parliamentary approval.
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.
Durham University will charge home rate tuition fees up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. Should the UK Government choose to increase the maximum tuition fee allowed in the second and subsequent years of your course, Durham University will raise tuition fees in line with UK Government policy and approvals.
International and EU Students.
The tuition fees shown for international and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. 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 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or International tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
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Phone:0191 334 1000