What are some of the best universities for Chemistry in the UK? The question bounces around in your head as you plan for your future.
You can’t help but worry that you might make a poor choice. After all, going to the wrong university tremendously impacts your career opportunities. For instance, 94% of interns receive job offers after they complete their work placements.
What if you end up studying at a university that offers poor opportunities for gaining work experience? That is why thousands of students apply to our Chemistry Summer Courses.
They know that learning from world-leading Oxbridge, Cambridge, and Ivy League tutors boosts their knowledge before university.
If you’re wondering what chemistry A-Level requirements are needed to study at one of these universities, then our guide will definitely help.
This article will inform you of the top ranking universities for chemistry. Each has its own way of helping you jumpstart your career. Which one will suit your personal goals to the T? Read on!
University of Oxford
The Guardian 2025 ranks the University of Oxford 2nd in the UK for chemistry.
It’s one of the top UK universities for chemistry because of its world-leading chemistry department. Chemistry students at Oxford enjoy excellent teaching and state-of-the-art laboratories where groundbreaking research occurs.
And groundbreaking indeed! Because the University raised millions by commercialising its high-quality works.
What are examples of ongoing research at Oxford? Medicinal chemistry, sustainable energy, computational chemistry, and synthesis and catalysis.
Oxford’s Chemistry course is unique because it’s not modular, and the 4th year is exclusive for research. There’s a core material that all students need to take. But each one can choose their specialities later in the course.
What about the job opportunities? Here’s great news for you!
For the 2nd part of the 4th year, Oxford Chemistry students work full-time with an official research group. Giving them the practical experience to succeed in their future careers. They can also choose to participate in work placements during their vacations.
Thanks to the Oxford University Careers Service! If you’re not looking to go to Oxford but are still wondering what career prospects chemistry can offer you, click the link.
As a result, 94% of Oxford Chemistry students work or enrol in further studies within 15 months after graduation. What is the average earning for those who are employed? £34,000.
University of Cambridge
Do you want to take Chemistry at the University of Cambridge? Then you’ll have to go through the Natural Sciences Tripos.
What is the Natural Sciences Tripos? It’s a framework Cambridge follows to teach sciences to their students. There are sixteen departments engaged in giving the students the necessary foundations in various Natural Sciences together with the history and philosophy of science. The Natural Sciences include astronomy, physics, geoscience, chemistry, and biology.
During the 3rd and 4th years, students can choose to give complete attention to Chemistry as their specialisation. So aren’t Cambridge Chemistry students disadvantaged because they don’t spend all their time studying Chemistry? Not at all. Do you know that since the Complete University Guide began in 2008, Cambridge has stayed in Top 1 for Chemistry in the UK?
Furthermore, Cambridge’s Graduate Outcomes Survey reports that 91% of Cambridge students worked or studied further within 15 months after graduation. The Complete University Guide 2025 ranked Cambridge Top 2 for graduate prospects in the UK.
Durham University
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Are you dreaming of becoming a scientist and helping humanity solve its problems? Durham University trains its Chemistry students to become problem solvers and future shapers. Do you know why Durham is one of the best universities for chemistry UK? Because the Guardian University Guide 2025 ranks it at 8 and The Complete University Guide 2025 ranks it Top 4 in the UK for Chemistry.
The Research Excellence Framework 2021 reports that 96% of Durham’s research outputs are excellent worldwide. Ensuring that Durham’s teaching is constantly updated with the latest findings in Chemistry.
Durham offers a range of Chemistry courses you can choose from, including BSc Chemistry, MChem Chemistry, MChem Chemistry (Industrial Route), and MChem Chemistry (International Route). Each course leads to a specific goal in mind. So Durham Chemistry students can pick which one aligns with their personal goals.
How is employability in Durham? Durham’s Chemistry degree prepares you for work in the industry, academia, or research. It also gives you a superb foundation for many careers, including information technology, business and finance, journalism, and consultancy.
Who are the recent employers of Durham Chemistry graduates? It’s a long list of names, but here are some: GSK, Procter & Gamble, and Akzo Nobel.
University of Edinburgh
At the University of Edinburgh, it’s not only subject mastery that matters. But also the personal growth of its students. The National Student Survey reports an outstanding student satisfaction. In addition, Edinburgh Chemistry students delight in the course’s flexibility in Years 1 and 2.
You have the freedom to access courses across the university, especially other engineering or science courses. What’s more, you can also transfer to alternative degrees when you want to. Giving you room to discover if Chemistry is really what you want.
There are several Chemistry degrees available for you at Edinburgh, such as BSc Chemistry, BSc Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, and BSc Chemical Physics. Are there Masters alternatives to these Bachelors courses? Yes! And you can change from Bachelor to Master, or vice-versa in your first 2 years.
If you choose any Mchem degrees (Masters in Chemistry), you only have one activity in your final year. The research project. You can perform it in Edinburgh, a chosen industry, or even overseas. Edinburgh has several partner universities worldwide you can work in.
Completing your research gives you extensive personal growth, academic experience, and greater employability. You can even earn a salary!
University of Lincoln
Why is the University of Lincoln one of the best universities for Chemistry UK? Because the Guardian University Guide 2025 ranks it at 30 for the subject. The National Student Survey 2024 includes it in the UK Top 30 for overall student satisfaction, academic support, and teaching. According to Discover Uni, students gave an exceptional 93% student satisfaction for Chemistry.
Lincoln’s School of Chemistry also offers Forensic Science courses in combination with Chemistry or by itself. For a better overview, here are the Chemistry courses available at the University of Lincoln: BSc Chemistry, BSc Chemistry for Drug Discovery and Development, BSc Chemistry with Education, BSc Chemistry with Mathematics, and BSc Forensic Chemistry. Each of these has its MChem (Masters in Chemistry) counterparts. The only one that doesn’t have a Masters Counterpart is the BSc in Forensic Science.
What Career opportunities are there for Lincoln Chemistry graduates? Jobs are available in science-related sectors such as petrochemicals, consumer and personal care products, pharmaceuticals and energy. Others include education, marketing, finance, management, journalism, and academic research.
Do you know that 95% of Lincoln Chemistry graduates went on to work or study further within 15 months after completing the course? Furthermore, those who were working received an average salary of £26,500.
St Andrews
The University of St Andrews aims to inspire future generations of Chemistry and Chemical Science graduates. How? By giving world-renowned training and education. What fuels its splendid teaching? Research.
St Andrews partnered with the University of Edinburgh to form the best Chemistry research school in Scotland – the EaStCHEM. Here’s an interesting fact, the Research Excellence Framework declares that 95% of the research papers the EaStCHEM produces are excellent in the global community. Marking St Andrews as one of the best universities for Chemistry UK.
What are the Chemistry courses available at St Andrews? Chemistry BSc, Chemical Sciences BSc, Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry BSc, Materials Chemistry BSc, and Sustainable Development BSc. Each course has options for MChem (Masters in Chemistry) except Chemical Sciences BSc.
The Chemistry and Chemical Science degrees at St Andrews prepare its students for several career opportunities, especially in the chemical and allied industries. Think pharmaceuticals, fuels, and fragrances.
Do you know that these are the most essential manufacturing industries to the UK’s economy? Its trade surpluses reach more than £4 billion a year. Thus, they constantly need chemists for research, development, sales, management, and marketing.
University of Bristol
THE Analysis of REF 2021 declares the University of Bristol no. 1 in the UK for Chemistry Research. No wonder some of the authors of the textbooks used worldwide for undergraduate chemistry include Bristol’s very own academic staff! Giving significant contribution to Bristol’s excellent teaching. The Guardian University Guide 2022 places Bristol among the Top 10 for its marvellous instruction.
What are the Chemistry degrees available at the University of Bristol? Chemistry, Chemical Physics, and Chemistry with Computing. You have the freedom to transfer courses as you’re learning what suits your personal strengths best. For the Masters in Chemistry courses, you have the option to study abroad or spend a year gaining industrial experience.
And what about the career prospects for Bristol Chemistry graduates? A whopping 92% begin working or studying in further education after completing their respective courses. Some even set up their own companies. What about the rest? Most spend the year after graduation travelling before committing to a full-time career.
According to High Fliers 2020, Bristol graduates are among the most sought-after by UK’s Top Employers. Many Chemical and Allied Industries companies recruit directly from Bristol’s School of Chemistry. Other career options are available in the public sector, banking, administration, and commercial firms.
Imperial College London
The Chemistry course at the Imperial College London focuses on physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry. There’s a particular emphasis placed on practical education that is up-to-date with the latest happenings in the industry.
What’s the main objective of Imperial’s Department of Chemistry? To produce the highest calibre chemists who will excel in chemical science careers.
How does the Department of Chemistry intend to train its Chemistry students? By giving them extensive exposure to laboratory work. Thereby developing the analytical, theoretical, and practical skills they need to succeed.
Do you want to take Chemistry at Imperial College London? By the time you graduate, you’ll be proficient in molecular modelling, measurement science, analytical chemistry, and Information Technology.
Where do the Imperial College London graduates go after completing their course? Many of them pursue a PhD degree. Those who choose to work take diverse roles in the industry, including quality control, marketing, industrial development, finance, and teaching.
Who are some of the employers of Imperial Chemistry graduates? Tesco, Ministry of Defence, KPMG, and Global Snack Company.
Are you in need of financial assistance? The Imperial Bursary is among the most generous you’ll find. It offers financial support for Home undergraduate students with a household income lower than £60,000 per year.
University of York
Perhaps you’ve had a glimpse of the University of York’s fantastic teaching through its “Exploring Everyday Chemistry” free online courses. For which they received the Royal Society of Chemistry Horizon prize!
Why is the University of York one of the best universities for Chemistry UK? Well, the National Student Survey ranks it high among the participating Russell Group schools for overall satisfaction in Chemistry. Also, the Royal Society of Chemistry recognises four of its staff members for “excellence of teaching”.
What are the types of Chemistry courses available at the University of York? Green Chemistry, Chemistry of the Atmosphere and Environment, and Medicinal Chemistry. If you take Masters in Chemistry, you have three choices for your 4th year – abroad, industry (you’ll get paid), or stay at York?
Do you want to know what it’s like to study Chemistry at York? For one, you’ll have the pleasure of a personal supervisor. They will look after your academic progress and ensure your personal welfare. York is dedicated to providing you with supportive learning through its teaching programme. You’ll have small-group workshops and tutorials to further your training.
Where do York Chemistry Graduates go? 48% proceed to further study, 25% take up careers in science, 5% work in Finance, 5% in Management, and 3% in IT. Those who take up scientific employment work as Analytical Chemists, Production Chemists, Quality Control Analysts, and Medical Representatives, to name a few.
Lancaster University
Lancaster University is one of the best universities for chemistry UK because of its teaching and student satisfaction. The Guardian University Guide 2025 ranked Lancaster 8th for Teaching Satisfaction. The Complete University Guide 2025 named it Top 15 for Student Satisfaction. And for Chemistry? 10th in the UK according to The Guardian University Guide 2025.
For the Chemistry Degrees at Lancaster, you can choose among BSc (Bachelors), Masters (MChem), and Masters with Study Abroad options. What’s distinctive about Lancaster’s Chemistry courses? Its modern approach. Traditionally, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry are taught separately. But with Lancaster they combine these subjects in logical stages.
Lancaster University is devoted to teaching its students work-based and life skills to help jumpstart their careers, especially if they choose to become chemists. Do you know that Lancaster offers paid work experience through their internship programme? Both full-time and part-time options are available.
Who are some of the employers for Lancaster Chemistry graduates? Pfizer, BP Oil Company, and Procter & Gamble. Career opportunities are not limited to chemical industries. Various career options are available in teaching, forensics, public health, and medicine.
Final Words on Choosing the Best University for You
There you have it! We hope you had fun reading the Best University for Chemistry UK. Remember to pin down your personal goals to determine which school suits you best.
Do you want to work at Pfizer or Procter & Gamble? Studying at Lancaster will increase your chances of getting in. If research matters most to you, St Andrews and Bristol have some of the most renowned researchers in the UK. And what about if you want to maximise your learning experience by studying at the Topmost schools? Do your best in applying for Oxford and Cambridge!
We at Immerse Education wish you the best of luck in whatever university you choose!