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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

We're proud to be a World Top 100 department with an extensive research base.

"It's incredible to watch our exceptional students develop as scientists and become highly engaged problem solvers ready to shape the future!"

Professor Jan Verlet, Head of Department

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Find out more about us
96% of our research outputs are world-leading or internationally excellent (REF 2021)
4th in the Complete University Guide 2025
9th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
8th in the Guardian University Guide 2025

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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Pioneering research to support digital innovation in pharmaceuticals

We along with Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) have secured funding as part of an Innovate UK grant to advance sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Research news
Digital tools help scientists to predict crystallisation outcomes

Women in chemistry: Q&A with Professor Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza

Dr Aurora J. Cruz-Cabeza is a Professor of Materials Chemistry in our department of Chemistry, in the field of molecular crystals and crystallisation.
Durham news
Prof Aurora Cruz of Chemistry department

Breakthrough drug for motor neurone disease shows promise in new study

A new drug called Ellorarxine is offering hope to those suffering from motor neurone disease (MND), according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Research news
Spiral motor neuron

Professor Paul Denny and team win prestigious MRC Outstanding Team Impact Prize

An international team of scientists led by Professor Paul Denny from our top-rated Biosciences and Chemistry departments has made significant strides in the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.
Durham news
Neglected tropical diseases network team members

Prof. A. Beeby granted access to the Utrecht Psalter for special research

Prof. A. Beeby granted access to the Utrecht Psalter for special research
Durham news
Profs Beeby and Gameson examine Utrecht Psalter via laser scanner

The global team on Neglected Tropical Diseases Wins the Durham Global SDG Award 2023

We are pleased to announce that the global consortium on Neglected Tropical Diseases led by Durham University  won the inaugural Durham Global SDG award. 
Research news
The image shows four scientist holding an award certificate

Professor Paul Denny and team announced as MRC Impact prize 2023 finalists in the Outstanding Team Impact category.

Professor Paul Denny and team announced as MRC Impact prize 2023 finalists in the Outstanding Team Impact category.
Research news
a picture of the sign outside our department
See all news

Pioneering research to support digital innovation in pharmaceuticals

We along with Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC) have secured funding as part of an Innovate UK grant to advance sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Digital tools help scientists to predict crystallisation outcomes

Breakthrough drug for motor neurone disease shows promise in new study

A new drug called Ellorarxine is offering hope to those suffering from motor neurone disease (MND), according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Spiral motor neuron

The global team on Neglected Tropical Diseases Wins the Durham Global SDG Award 2023

We are pleased to announce that the global consortium on Neglected Tropical Diseases led by Durham University  won the inaugural Durham Global SDG award. 
The image shows four scientist holding an award certificate

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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