Chemistry is one of the leading natural sciences, compulsory for classical and technical universities. The ranking of the best universities in Britain in the field of chemistry will help you choose a university to study chemistry abroad.

Chemistry as a science originated in the 9th century A.D., and by the 21st century has penetrated into all spheres of human existence. There are several main directions for the study of chemistry at the university:
- general chemistry
- Organic chemistry of natural compounds
- Medical chemistry
- Physical and synthetic organic chemistry
- Forensic chemistry (forensic science)
- Catalytic organic synthesis
- Molecular chemistry
- Computer chemistry.
Studying at a British university in chemical specialties brings the graduate to a high international level. This applies to both the quality of knowledge gained at the university and the prestige of a British diploma, as well as the ability to find a high-paying job.
The scientific traditions of Britain are known throughout the world: 8% of all scientific publications are published in this country. A prominent representative of the scientific community is the Royal Society of Chemistry, an association of researchers in the field of chemistry. The Royal Society is engaged in scientific research, publishes top chemical journals and collections, has branches in the United States and China.
Science today has ceased to be national: it is increasingly funded by international organizations, and research is acquiring an interethnic character. This opens up additional opportunities for students of British universities: they can get acquainted with the directions of chemical research and new trends in science in different countries.
The research potential of British universities in the field of chemistry is very high. Leading specialists in this industry work here, laboratories are equipped with the most modern equipment, including various digital technologies. Students work in scientific groups engaged in real research, from the first years they are involved in scientific research.
Best chemistry universities in Britain 2026 | Complete University Guide
| Rank | Institution |
|---|---|
| 1 | University of Cambridge |
| 2 | University of St Andrews |
| 3 | University of Oxford |
| 4 | Imperial College London |
| 5 | Durham University |
| 6 | University of York |
| 7 | The University of Edinburgh |
| 8 | University of Bristol |
| 9 | University of Liverpool |
| 10 | University of Strathclyde |
| 11 | University of Bath |
| 12 | University of Birmingham |
| 13 | Queen's University Belfast |
| 14 | University of Warwick |
| 15 | King's College London, University of London |
| 16 | University of Sussex |
| 17 | University of Southampton |
| 18 | University of Glasgow |
| 19 | University of Manchester |
| 20 | University of Plymouth |
| 21 | University of Sheffield |
| 22 | University of Nottingham |
| 23 | University of East Anglia UEA |
| 24 | Cardiff University |
| 25 | Loughborough University |
| 26 | Swansea University |
| 27 | University of Leeds |
| 28 | UCL (University College London) |
| 29 | University of Leicester |
| 30 | Keele University |
| 31 | Newcastle University |
| 32 | Queen Mary University of London |
| 33 | Lancaster University |
| 34 | Heriot-Watt University |
| 35 | University of Surrey |
| 36 | Manchester Metropolitan University |
| 37 | University of Lancashire |
| 38 | University of Lincoln |
| 39 | University of Aberdeen |
| 40 | University of Reading |
| 41 | Nottingham Trent University |
| 42 | Sheffield Hallam University |
| 43 | University of Huddersfield |
| 44 | University of Greenwich |
| 45 | University of Kent |
| 46 | University of Salford |
| 47 | Kingston University |
| 48 | University of Bradford |
| 49 | University of East London |
| 50 | De Montfort University |