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Best universities for chemistry

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. 

James Mould
by James Mould
Last Updated:
03 Jul 2024

When 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.

Best university for chemistry in student satisfaction


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.  

Read what students think of chemistry at Swansea University

Best university for chemistry in research quality 


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. 

Read what students think of chemistry at the University of Bristol.

Best university for chemistry in graduate outcomes


University of East Anglia UEA


Just on the outskirts of Norwich, the University of East Anglia offers students a chance to study with massively talented lecturers in a picturesque setting. Clearly they're doing something right, as chemistry students have found that their graduate outcomes after studying at the uni have been chart-topping! 

Read what students think of chemistry at the University of East Anglia UEA.

Best university for chemistry in England


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. 

Read what students think of chemistry at the University of Cambridge. 

Best university for chemistry in Scotland


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. 

Read what students think of chemistry at the University of St Andrews. 

Best university for chemistry in Wales 


Swansea University


Not only was Swansea top of student satisfaction for chemistry students, it was also top of all Welsh universities for those very same future chemists! 

Best university for chemistry in Northern Ireland


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. 

Read what students think of chemistry at Queen’s University, Belfast. 

Best university for chemistry overall 


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! 

Read what students think of chemistry at the University of Cambridge. 


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