Chemistry is a vibrant research-led department with an international reputation for its cutting-edge science, working on projects spanning organic, physical, inorganic, bioactive and computational chemistry, through to catalysis, nanoscience and materials.

Our Department hosts about 100 PhD and MSc students from all over the world who conduct their research and work alongside world leading academics in a dynamic and friendly community.

Current funded opportunities

Postgraduate projects undertaken in our Chemistry Department cover all of the traditional areas of Chemistry and other contemporary, often interdisciplinary topics. PhD projects are available each year that span all aspects of our Department's research activities.

To read more about our postgraduate opportunities, please click here.

Our Department also offers an annual scholarship for a Masters by Research in Chemistry: The Dr Anthony J Palmer Scholarship.

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

Durham Chemistry is home to the CDT in Soft Matter for Formulation and Industrial Innovation (SOFI2). We are partners in the CDT in Molecular Sciences for Medicine (MoSMed) and the CDT in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities (ReNU).

The Department has very close research links with many industrial partners and other universities in the UK and abroad, with leading scientists from around the world visiting and collaborating with us. The Department is extremely well-equipped, with modern research laboratories, extensive state-of-the-art instrumentation and world-class facilities. Its very strong research activity is underpinned by extremely enthusiastic and dedicated staff and students. The success of our graduate students is clear, with many of our ex-students holding academic, industrial and commercial positions throughout the world.