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.

As a Research Postgraduate student at Durham, you will become part of a dynamic and friendly community, working alongside world leading academics.

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 e majority of those beginning postgraduate study in Durham work toward a PhD, which normally requires between 36 and 48 months of full-time study, depending on the programme. The degree is awarded based on the presentation and oral examination of a thesis.