If you’re thinking of studying chemistry at university, you might want to know which courses are the highest rated. Check out our guide to the best universities for chemistry, based on a number of key factors.
Updated: 25 Sept 2025When it comes to choosing where to study, there are quite a few different metrics that are worth considering. We’ve taken data from the Complete University Guide league tables and compiled a list of the top universities for chemistry, according to a variety of categories such as student satisfaction, job prospects, research quality, and many more. Whatever your reason for studying chemistry, you can use this guide to inform your course choices.
Swansea University Swansea University is one of the top universities in Wales, with a reputation for teaching excellence, a glorious seafront location, and more than 100 years of history. The university has two campuses in Swansea with three academic faculties offering a huge range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral and research degrees. Both campuses are within a short walk of the city centre, where students will find many attractions and amenities, including a lively and varied nightlife scene.
NEXT: Read what students think of chemistry at Swansea University.
University of Bristol The University of Bristol is ranked among the UK’s top universities and consistently achieves excellent rankings in national and global league tables. The university is located in the heart of Bristol, a city known for its friendly atmosphere, independent culture, innovative music scene and academic prowess. The university is a key part of Bristol city centre, and produces superb quality of research in a number of fields, including chemistry. The university has a large and active students’ union, with more than 400 clubs and societies for students to join, and plenty of activities to explore across town.
NEXT: Read what students think of chemistry at the University of Bristol.
University of St Andrews The University of St Andrews is one of the UK longest established universities, at more than 600 years old. Located on Scotland's east coast, it’s famous for its golfing heritage and top academic rankings. The university is close to completing a £1 billion campus investment scheme, which includes many world-leading facilities including an Advanced Research Centre. St Andrews is known for its research work in physics, chemistry, and marine science among other things.
NEXT: Read what students think of chemistry at the University of St Andrews.
University of Cambridge The University of Cambridge has a formidable academic reputation, based on centuries of educational heritage and a consistently exceptional standard of tuition, research, and global influence. Located in the historic city of Cambridge, a quintessential university town with a fantastic range of amenities and activities for students of all backgrounds. It has a particularly strong offering of STEM subjects and applied sciences, and its chemistry course is considered to be the best in England.
NEXT: Read what students think of chemistry at the University of Cambridge.
University of St Andrews The University of St Andrews is back once again, this time coming top of the charts for chemistry in Scotland.
NEXT: Read what students think of chemistry at the University of St Andrews.
Cardiff University
With over 20,000 students and 100 different nationalities represented, Cardiff University is definitely a good choice if you’re looking for a large and diverse uni. Located in the capital city of Wales, the uni benefits from good transport connections via Cardiff Station as well as everything a capital city has to offer. The city is relatively compact, so you won’t have trouble finding what you need within walking distance. On your walks, you’ll find a wide range of bars, pubs and clubs to keep you busy at night as well as museums, galleries and cinemas to entertain you during the day.
Queen’s University, Belfast Founded in 1845, Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities. The university is situated in central Belfast, and has superb access to this compact and historic city. Belfast offers a rich landscape of culture, music, art, and theatres with plenty of pubs and clubs, and a selection of top shopping opportunities. It’s also one of the more inexpensive places to live in the UK.
NEXT: Read what students think of chemistry at Queen’s University, Belfast.
University of Cambridge No surprises here. The University of Cambridge tops both the English and UK leagues tables for its chemistry degree course. Congratulations indeed!
NEXT: Read what students think of chemistry at the University of Cambridge.