BSc in Chemistry and Mathematics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Durham University

Program Overview

This degree is perfect for students who love both chemistry and mathematics and enjoy solving problems in creative ways. You’ll dive into the molecular world while strengthening your analytical skills, preparing you for a wide range of exciting careers or further study.

Curriculum structure:
Year 1: Your first year lays the groundwork in both subjects. In chemistry, you’ll explore Core Chemistry I (covering bonding, periodic trends, and kinetics) and gain hands-on experience in Practical Chemistry 1A. Meanwhile, in maths you’ll tackle Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Analysis, building the quantitative skills that will support your studies throughout the degree.

Year 2: In your second year, you’ll expand your understanding of chemistry with modules like Core Chemistry 2 (thermodynamics and spectroscopy), Properties of Molecules, and Practical Chemistry 2 – Measurement. On the mathematics side, you’ll deepen your knowledge with pure and applied topics and can choose optional modules like Probability or Statistics to tailor your learning.

Year 3: Your final year is more flexible, giving you the chance to specialize and take on an independent project. Chemistry options include Chemical Physics 3 and Core Chemistry 3, while mathematics offers modules like Partial Differential Equations, Differential Geometry, or Mathematical Biology. This year is all about bringing your skills together, exploring your interests, and preparing for your next steps after graduation.

Focus areas:
Hands-on chemistry, advanced mathematics, interdisciplinary research, independent projects

Learning outcomes:
You’ll develop strong laboratory, analytical, and computational skills, gain in-depth knowledge in both chemistry and mathematics, and be confident in tackling complex problems across scientific and quantitative contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
While this joint degree isn’t separately accredited, the chemistry department is research-led and its degrees are recognized for their academic and professional rigor.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Durham is consistently highly ranked globally, with graduates enjoying excellent employment prospects. For 2022‑23, 89% of Natural Sciences graduates were in work or further study, with 96% of those in highly skilled roles. QS ranks Durham in the world top 100, and it’s 5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Durham, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. You’ll get hands-on experience in both chemistry and mathematics, developing practical skills that you can apply in real-world situations. From conducting lab experiments to using computational tools and working on group projects, you’ll build confidence in your abilities while exploring your interests. The university’s Science Site is packed with specialist facilities, and you’ll have access to libraries, labs, and computing suites designed to support both independent and collaborative work. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:

Work in state-of-the-art chemistry labs, carrying out experiments in synthesis, spectroscopy, and measurement as part of your practical modules (e.g., Practical Chemistry 1A and 2).
Use computing suites and software to model data, solve mathematical problems, and explore simulations, bridging theory and application.
Engage in small-group tutorials and lab sessions, collaborating with classmates to analyze results and strengthen your technical skills.
Access Durham’s Bill Bryson Library and the Learning & Teaching Centre for quiet study, group projects, and research support.
Undertake an individual research or enterprise-style project in your final year, combining chemistry and mathematics to tackle real-world challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Durham with a Chemistry and Mathematics degree opens doors to a variety of exciting careers. You could work as a chemical data analyst, a mathematical modeler in industry, a research scientist, or even a quantitative consultant. Because this degree blends chemistry expertise with strong analytical and mathematical skills, you’ll stand out to employers looking for graduates who can tackle complex, interdisciplinary challenges:

Durham’s Careers & Enterprise Centre provides personalised support from day one — including one-on-one career guidance, CV and interview workshops, employer talks, and lifelong graduate support.
Around 87% of Durham graduates secure work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree, with a median starting salary of £34,000 for graduate-level roles.
Chemistry and mathematics graduates specifically enjoy excellent outcomes, with 89% moving into employment or further study within 15 months.
While the joint degree doesn’t carry a separate professional accreditation, the high-quality training in chemistry and mathematics provides a strong foundation for accredited career paths in science, analytics, and consulting.
Graduates often go on to work in pharmaceuticals, data science, finance, research & development, or continue their studies, making this degree highly versatile.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to keep studying, you could pursue a Master’s in areas such as applied mathematics, computational chemistry, chemical physics, or data science — and potentially a PhD. Durham actively supports students moving into postgraduate research, so there are plenty of opportunities to continue learning and specialise in your field.