Why tomorrow's vaccines will come with a pinch of sand
Technology to make vaccines stable in all temperatures by encasing them in silica – simple sand – is being developed by chemists at the University of Bath.
Department of Chemistry
We offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses and have a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and innovation.
Research with Impact
Our research is helping to change the world for the better. We work in partnership to help create a healthier, more sustainable and connected future for us all.
Research Excellence Framework 2021
99% of our submitted research activity was ranked as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2021).
Department of Chemistry research
Our research spans from fundamental chemistry to applications in catalysis, materials, healthcare and sustainable chemical technologies.
Study chemistry with us
Find out about our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, funding opportunities and how you can apply.
Undergraduate courses in chemistry
Learn more about our chemistry courses, including entry requirements and course structure.
MSc Drug Discovery
Gain knowledge and practical skills in drug discovery science from target identification through to getting a drug to market.
Postgraduate research degrees in chemistry
Find out about our PhD programmes, funding opportunities and how you can apply.
Doctoral training in sustainable & circular technologies
Doctoral training programme which places fundamental concepts of sustainability at the core of research, training and outreach in applied chemical sciences.
Study at our Electrochemistry Summer and Winter Schools
Our Summer and Winter Schools will help you develop your expertise in electrochemistry. Methods covered are relevant to academic and industrial research.
Chemistry PhD projects on FindaPhD.com
We offer projects across a broad range of chemistry disciplines.
Exploring your options
The third year for undergraduates is a crucial time. Whether you apply to go a placement, study abroad or stay on campus for research, it could be the start of a beautiful career.
Going on placement helped me decide to stay on for a PhD
PhD student and Bath graduate Anna Kinsella, realised staying on for a PhD would open the door for her choice of a career in Chemistry patents.
A window on the world
Chemistry student Max Robson maximised every opportunity during his year on placement at the Future Industries Institute in South Australia.
I'd always wanted to go on a study year abroad
MChem student Ella Shilliday had the time of her life and found her passion for real world chemistry on her study year abroad.
A fascination with chemistry
Bath graduate Dominic Macias stayed on campus for research in his third year rather than go on placement and was inspired to stay on for his PhD.
Finding a FinTech future
Chemistry student Elizabeth Robinson found her London-based placement triggered an interest in the rapidly growing area of FinTech: financial technology.
Splitting dinitrogen with light
Bath graduate Domenyk Turski was inspired to stay in academia after his third year undergraduate project showed the excitement of ground breaking research.
Our research and facilities
Our department is home to internationally recognised scientists, research teams and cross-disciplinary centres that deliver world-class collaborative research with a real impact on our society.
Department of Chemistry research
Our research spans from fundamental chemistry to applications in catalysis, materials, healthcare and sustainable chemical technologies.
Facilities available for chemistry students, researchers and industry
Explore our facilities available for teaching and research with expert support from University staff.
Centre for Sustainable & Circular Technologies
A multidisciplinary centre that brings together researchers with a strong interest in sustainability.
Working with the Faculty of Science
Benefit from world-leading experts and cutting-edge facilities. From consultancy to placements, see how you can work with our staff, students and researchers.
News
Our latest research news and press releases.
Study says ‘biodegradable’ teabags don’t readily degrade in the environment and can harm earthworms
Researchers say labelling should be improved to make clear teabags shouldn't be thrown away in domestic compost heaps.
University of Bath scientists develop new battery-free lactic acid sensor
Scientists at Bath, introduce a breakthrough carbon-based sensor for detecting lactic acid levels in saliva - avoiding the need for an electrical power source.
Bath part of £11M research collaboration to help cut carbon emissions of the chemical industry
The University of Bath is a key partner in a major UK government investment in research to improve the sustainability of chemical and polymer production.
Scientists develop biocompatible fluorescent spray that detects fingerprints in ten seconds
Bath researchers have helped produce a safer, more sustainable fingerprint detection spray that could be used on multiple types of surface.
The cutting-edge vaccine technology aiming to pandemic-proof the world
Bath spinout company EnsiliTech has been awarded a highly competitive government contract to develop the world's first thermally stable mRNA vaccine.
Scientists tackle difficult-to-recycle thermoset polymers
Scientists have discovered how to make thermosets like gels, rubbers and elastomers so they can be degraded and be re-formed without loss of function.
People, equality and diversity
We are committed to promoting equality and diversity, to make our department a pleasant place for all to work and study.
People in the Department of Chemistry
Find a member of staff in the department.
Department of Chemistry Athena SWAN commitment
We currently hold the Athena SWAN Silver Award for our commitment to equality and inclusivity.
Activities for schools
We inspire students of all ages with our school outreach activities.
Growing crystal gardens at Combe Down School
Scientists from the university helped primary pupils grow their own intricate crystal ‘gardens’ in a school workshop.
Inspire your students with our school outreach activities
We offer fun, hands-on educational chemistry activities. Learn how your school science students can benefit from our outreach programme.
Rankings
Some of our awards, accolades and league table rankings.
Top 10 for chemistry in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
About the Department of Chemistry
This successful, well-equipped and supportive department offers an exceptional environment for teaching, learning and research.
Contact us
Ask us more details about our courses and research, and keep up-to-date through social media.