What are the best universities for Chemistry?

Because it’s important in so many fields, a Chemistry degree from a top university could open up many job opportunities to you. Here are some of the best universities for Chemistry degrees in the UK and USA. 

The UK has a strong university system, home to traditional red brick universities and innovative young universities alike, many of which are highly ranked for Chemistry. International students interested in a US Chemistry degree have great options too, including well-ranked institutions with a fantastic reputation.

Finally, the University of York is another highly regarded British university, ranking 7th in the UK for Chemistry (Complete University Guide 2024).

The University’s Chemistry department has a comprehensive, modern set of laboratories, and conducts important research in the field. In fact, the Research Excellence Framework placed the department in the UK’s top 10 for research impact!

York is a famously scenic, historic city that’s very student-friendly. At the University, you could study Chemistry subjects like Chemistry, Biological and Medicinal Chemistry, Chemistry, Green Principles and Sustainable Processes and Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment.

On many degrees, you can also choose to spend a year in industry, or a year studying abroad. This is a fantastic opportunity to customise your degree and gain more practical and international experience, which employers will appreciate.

The University of Bristol, a prestigious Russell Group member, ranks 10th in the UK for Chemistry (Guardian University Guide 2023).

On Bristol’s beautiful campus, you can study Chemistry and Biochemistry at undergraduate or graduate level. Bristol Chemistry degrees are very customisable, giving you the option to pick a specialism, such as Biotechnology or Scientific Computing.

You’ll also have the option to spend an optional year working in industry during your degree, gaining vital work experience, or broaden your educational horizons by spending a year studying abroad.

The University of Bristol is also the UK’s 4th most-targeted university by top employers (High Fliers Research 2023), so a degree from here will help you stand out when you’re looking for a job.

The University of Glasgow also has a strong reputation for Chemistry, and ranks 15th in the UK for the subject (Complete University Guide 2024).

This Russell Group member offers a wide range of Chemistry degrees like Chemistry and Mathematics and Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at bachelor’s and master’s degree level.

Glasgow is the ideal destination if you enjoy a metropolitan lifestyle, as it’s based in Scotland’s largest destination. The University was also named Scottish University of the Year in 2022 (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023)!

The University of Liverpool is considered one of the best in the UK for Chemistry, and ranks 19th overall in the discipline (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023).

Liverpool also offers many related degrees, including Biochemistry, Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry. By choosing Liverpool, you’ll enjoy a lively city location, at the first official red brick university.

Also in the UK’s top 25 for Chemistry is the University of Nottingham, which ranks 22nd (Complete University Guide 2024). It’s also the 2nd most-targeted UK university by top employers (High Fliers 2023).

Like Bristol, Birmingham and Liverpool, it is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and has an extensive Chemistry department. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees such as Biochemistry and Genetics, Green and Sustainable Chemistry, and Industrial Physical Biochemistry.

The University of Nottingham is an excellent choice for international students — it was named International University of the Year in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2019.

Based in sunny Phoenix, Arizona State University is a great option for international students who want to study a Chemistry degree in the USA.

Students have access to world-class facilities including the best collection of electron microscopes and instruments for solid state analysis in the USA, and one of the best ultrafast laser facilities in the world.

Ranked in impressive 55th in the USA for the subject (U.S. News & World Report 2023), you can study degrees including Biochemistry, Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry at ASU.

ASU is also the #1 most innovative university in the USA (U.S. News & World Report, 2016-2022) and its major research goal in the field of chemistry is to develop molecular level solutions to major real-world societal problems, in areas such as energy, sustainability, diagnosis of disease, sensing and detection, and the environment.

If you would like to pursue a career in Chemistry, a degree from one of the best universities for Chemistry is a fantastic place to start.

Kaplan offers pathway courses to prepare you for degree study abroad. Why not explore the Chemistry degrees in the UK or find Chemistry degrees in the USA using our degree finder? You could go on to develop life-saving medicines, carry out important research, or even discover a new element to add to the periodic table!