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Department of Chemistry

A thriving centre of scientific activity for teaching and world-leading research in the chemical sciences.
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Welcome to the Department of Chemistry at Durham

Durham’s Chemistry Department delivers research-led and socially relevant chemical education, with alumni that are innovators and leaders in chemical industries and beyond. Our research is transformational and translational, with specific strengths in: developing underpinning spectroscopic and computational methods; devising novel processes and materials for sustainable chemistry; and creating molecules, formulations, technologies and global networks to improve health. Our values foster a supportive, diverse community in a small historic city with deep regional roots and a global reach.

 

Find out more about us
96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
6th in the Complete University Guide 2027
9th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
10th in the Guardian University Guide 2026

Study with us

  • Undergraduate Study

    We offer both BSc and MChem undergraduate courses, many accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

    Research student in laboratory

  • Postgraduate Study

    Discover our MSc and PhD research degrees at a world-leading university.

    A student with goggles on, conducting an experiment

Undergraduate Study

We offer both BSc and MChem undergraduate courses, many accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Research student in laboratory

Postgraduate Study

Discover our MSc and PhD research degrees at a world-leading university.

A student with goggles on, conducting an experiment

What's new?

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£1.7m grant to uncover the secrets of molecular behaviour using robotic chemistry and AI

Using robotic laboratories and AI, our researchers will study molecular behaviour to develop new chemicals and materials more efficiently, thanks to funding worth £1.7m (€2.1m).

Research news
Illustration of molecules

School pupils help discover promising new tuberculosis drug boosters

School pupils helped develop and test promising new compounds that could improve the effectiveness of existing tuberculosis (TB) treatments as part of a unique research project.
Research news
A group of students in formal attire talking with a man in a hall.

Durham researchers recognised with Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize

Researchers from our top-rated Chemistry and Biosciences Departments have been recognised as part of an international team awarded a prestigious 2026 Horizon Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
Research news
NTD TEAM

Durham spin-out company wins major life sciences award

Nevrargenics, a Durham University spin-out company, has received the Bionow Project of the Year Award at the 2025 Bionow Annual Awards.
Research news
Nevrargenics team at the Bionow awards.

Durham leads project to transform medicines, agrochemicals and other crystalline-based consumer products

A Durham-led research project has been awarded a grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to revolutionise how molecular crystals are designed.
Research news
A close-up of an orange tablet capsule with the letters MoSS printed on the front in white held between two fingers

Scientists discover new DNA-binding proteins from extreme environments that could improve disease diagnosis

Researchers from our top-rated Biosciences and Chemistry Departments are leading an international effort to turn discoveries from some of the harshest places on Earth into practical tools for healthcare.
Research news
DNA-binding enzymes

New materials conduct ions in solids as easily as in liquids

We’re part of an international team of scientists behind the creation of a new family of organic materials that can conduct ions - atoms or molecules with a net electrical charge - in solids.
Research news
A series of swirling spirals against a black backdrop.
See all news

£1.7m grant to uncover the secrets of molecular behaviour using robotic chemistry and AI

Using robotic laboratories and AI, our researchers will study molecular behaviour to develop new chemicals and materials more efficiently, thanks to funding worth £1.7m (€2.1m).

Illustration of molecules

School pupils help discover promising new tuberculosis drug boosters

School pupils helped develop and test promising new compounds that could improve the effectiveness of existing tuberculosis (TB) treatments as part of a unique research project.
A group of students in formal attire talking with a man in a hall.

Durham researchers recognised with Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon Prize

Researchers from our top-rated Chemistry and Biosciences Departments have been recognised as part of an international team awarded a prestigious 2026 Horizon Prize by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC).
NTD TEAM

Our research

We are a vibrant, research-led department with an international reputation for cutting-edge science.

Our research is consistently seen as internationally excellent in research assessments and was the best in the UK for impact that has arisen from that research in the last exercise.
Research and impact at Durham

Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, (EDI) is fundamental to a supportive, progressive and successful Department. The Chemistry Department provides an open and inclusive workplace and study culture where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are responsible for promoting best practice in everything we do.

Meet us and get involved

Our facilities and equipment

We provide services to our in-house researchers and students. We also work with many UK and overseas companies and other universities and research institutions.

We are a recognised centre of excellence in crystallography, attracting academic collaborations from all over the world due to our unique range of instrumentation. Our state-of-the art equipment for powder diffraction measurements and members of staff have considerable expertise in all aspects of this analytical technique.
Our world-leading facilities
Facilities at Durham University Chemistry department

Get in touch

Enquiries about Chemistry and our courses should be sent via the emails below:

Department of Chemistry
Durham University
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
United Kingdom

 

Telephone (UK): +44 (0191) 334 2076
Telephone (International): +44 191 334 2000

Questions about studying here?

Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.

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