If you’re interested in continuing your studies in chemistry once you finish secondary school, then naturally, you’re going to want to do it at the best universities in the UK. Thousands of ambitious students each year face the exciting challenge of selecting their ideal chemistry university, steering their journey in the direction of their desired career path. The university that you end up enrolling in for your chemistry course plays a major role in determining the learning experience you get throughout your time there, as well as the options available to you once you make it out on the other end.
| University ranking | University name | Overall score | Entry standards | Research quality | Graduate prospects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge | 100% | 100% | 93% | 94% |
| 2 | University of Oxford | 98% | 92% | 91% | 95% |
| 3 | University of St Andrews | 96% | 94% | 89% | 94% |
| 4 | Durham University | 95% | 85% | 85% | 92% |
| 5 | Imperial College London | 95% | 86% | 92% | 91% |
| 6 | University of Edinburgh | 94% | 82% | 89% | 95% |
| 7 | University of York | 94% | 75% | 90% | 90% |
| 8 | University of Bristol | 93% | 79% | 94% | 85% |
The bar is most definitely set high here in the UK, as it has earned its place as a global leader in chemistry education. The prestigious universities that you have at your disposal offer world-class facilities and groundbreaking research opportunities backed by centuries of academic excellence. Today, we’ve compiled the top universities for Chemistry according to the Complete University Guide’s 2025 chemistry rankings. This way, we can take a look at what has earned them such recognition and why they might be the best next step for your education!
University of Cambridge
There are few universities in the world that can hold a candle to the reputation that Cambridge has earned itself since its founding. It is one of the few institutions with such a strong reputation for excellence, which has made it a household name around the globe. It’s no wonder that the University leads the pack when it comes to the best universities for chemistry here in the UK.
If you are starting your education in chemistry, then you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that by studying here, you’d be making yourself one of the most desirable chemistry graduates in the eyes of employers. The reason having the name Cambridge down on your resume is so impressive is largely due to its department ranking number one in the United Kingdom and holds an impressive third position globally!
The university also has more than 50 academic staff members making up its chemistry faculty, who shape your learning experience. Location is often the deciding factor for students looking for a sustainable learning experience. Cambridge's central location creates countless chances to participate in one of the world's greatest intellectual communities. You won’t have to worry about your commute not being serviced by public transport or having to avoid any nasty potholes on those winter mornings.
University of Oxford
As we stated in the previous section, there are few institutions that can hold a candle to the learning experience offered at Cambridge. However, Oxford is perhaps the only university that finds itself on the same pedestal when it comes to providing quality chemistry courses. It’s really no wonder that the university houses one of the largest chemistry departments in the Western world.
The chemistry department ranks among global elite institutions with an impressive overall score of 93.5.
Students who are bright enough to make it through the competitive admissions process have the luxury of learning the subject they love in modern laboratories that are equipped with cutting-edge facilities. These are resources that students studying chemistry courses at Oxford lean on in developing their practical applications of the knowledge they develop in the lecture halls.
Through collaboration with industry and clinical partners, students are given the opportunity to explore ground applications of chemical sciences. And then there’s the reassurance the university offers graduates who quickly move straight into jobs once they wrap up their studies or continue their studies at the postgraduate level.
University of St Andrews
A little further north, the chemistry department at Scotland's oldest university is making waves in the academic world. The University of St Andrews is the third-ranked chemistry department in the UK and is right up there at the top of every aspiring chemistry student's shortlist of destinations.
The university is known for offering chemistry students the best of both worlds.
The faculty consists of world-leading academics who specialise in chemical education.
EaStCHEM also provides all the facilities and equipment you could dream of using over the course of your education and learning experience.
Employability is something that every student has at the top of their search criteria, and with an impressive graduate employment rate of over 95%, you can certainly see that St Andrews deserves the spot.
Durham University
Next up in the rankings is Durham University's Department of Chemistry, which sits in fourth place and is alone at the top of the UK research impact charts. It’s certainly a convenient spot to get to, which definitely makes a difference when it comes to the daily commute and your lifestyle while studying your preferred chemistry course. Students find themselves in the heart of the University Science site, a mere 10-minute stroll from Durham's city centre.
After all the hard work is out of the way and you’ve got your degree in hand, Durham’s strong industry connections make finding a job a much easier experience.
These connections also benefit successful applicant in gaining industry experience throughout their time studying chemistry through internships.
This practical approach helps students prepare for careers in various industries or advanced scientific research.
Imperial College London
If you’re looking for an institution that combines state-of-the-art chemistry education with world-class research, then Imperial College London's chemistry programs might stand out to you. As one of the world's top ten universities, your chemistry experience here will put you right at the centre of scientific progress and new findings.
The Department of Chemistry's impressive credentials include an overall score of 88.8 in global rankings.
ICL presents a great next step for those looking to get closer to their dream careers in chemistry. The department's stellar reputation is evident from its employer reputation score of 89 and an academic reputation score of 89.2. These scores make your degree mean a whole lot more, and you’ll find yourself landing interviews left, right and centre!
The mix of collaborative work and strong industry connections offered at ICL make it one of the best places for aspiring chemistry students to learn the subject. The university does a great job of helping graduates develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills that employers value worldwide.
University of Edinburgh
The School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh shines as a centre of excellence in chemical education. Students here excel in their careers, with Edinburgh leading the rankings for graduate-level employment and postgraduate study progression.
Edinburgh's education system is also renowned far and wide for the flexibility it provides chemistry students like yourself.
Students can shape their educational path and switch between Bachelors and Masters programmes.
To sweeten the deal, they also have the choice between first- and second-year entry.
An Edinburgh chemistry degree commands respect from employers and will help separate your future job applications from the pack, landing you more interviews as a result.
Its impressive employment success rate shows the real-world value of an Edinburgh chemistry education and its power to unlock career opportunities.
University of York
One option that has been climbing the ranks for the quality education it offers is The University of York's chemistry courses. This is one of the go-to options for students with a particular interest in the research side of things. Research here spans seven themes where students tackle real-life challenges in human health, green practices, and new chemical technologies.
However, its attraction extends far beyond just beyond academics. Career prospects for York Chemistry graduates are also more than promising, and the equipment and facilities are next to none. Modern equipment and analytical services give students hands-on experience that prepares them for real-life challenges. The department offers a vibrant research community that challenges chemical knowledge in atmospheric science, catalysis, materials, and sustainable chemistry. The extensive curricula across York’s chemistry courses prepare students for a successful career, be it in academia or in the lab!
University of Bristol
Ranking eighth among the top universities for chemistry in the UK is no small feat, especially among such elite competition. The University of Bristol's chemistry programs have cemented its position as one of the best universities to study a chemistry course of the top-tier education it offers aspiring students like yourself.
It offers a contemporary curriculum that looks to the future. It was just adopted back in 2020 and gives students more choices throughout their studies. After being introduced to the fundamental topics in year one, second-year students can customise one-third of their programme. This gives students the opportunity to steer their learning in the direction they want to take their career.
Then there are the facilities Bristol has to support the learning of its students. Chemistry students have two purpose-designed buildings in which the bulk of their modules will take place. This offers the opportunity to gain experience with industry-standard technology, something employers will always be looking out for. For starters, the buildings are some of the UK's best-equipped NMR facilities, featuring 12 solution-state NMR spectrometers. Then you could turn your attention to the electron and scanning probe microscopy facility that lets you perform atomic resolution, imaging and study elemental composition, something that even some of the mentions on this list fail to offer.
Deciding on the Best Chemistry Course for You
The reputation, learning experience and standard of teaching are going to be at the forefront of your decision when arriving at a great chemistry course to study; it's not the be-all and end-all. Picking the right place to study chemistry needs more than just looking at university rankings. Your choice will shape your academic life and future career, so take time to check out all your options. Your enjoyment, the fees and the proximity of a college are just some other factors that will determine what course is right for you.
Education is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re going to be studying at whatever university you decide on for a number of years, so it’s important that you’re happy with your decision. If you enjoy your student lifestyle and the course you end up studying, knuckling down and working through assignments won’t seem like as much of a chore.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
