# Chemistry
**Source**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/chemistry/
**Parent**: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/
Learn the science that drives the world around us, from designing new materials to keeping the air we breathe pure, from creating medicines to building efficient ways to generate energy.
At St Andrews, you will be prepared for a career in chemical-related industries such as fuels, pharmaceuticals and fragrances. You will also be able to concentrate on our key chemical specialities:
- materials chemistry
- medicinal chemistry
- molecular chemistry
- nanotechnology
- catalysis and surface science
## Undergraduate
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- ### Explore courses
## Postgraduate taught
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- ### Explore courses
## Postgraduate research
The School of Chemistry offers [PhD, MSc (Res) and MPhil programmes](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/prospective/pgr/). Research in chemistry is focused on five broad themes:
- [catalysis and synthesis](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/research/themes/catalysis-synthesis/)
- [energy, environmental and sustainable chemistry](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/research/themes/energy-environmental-sustainable/)
- [functional materials](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/research/themes/functional-materials/)
- [structural chemistry and chemical dynamics](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/research/themes/synthetic-chemistry-chemical-dynamics/)
- [chemistry biology interface](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/research/themes/chemistry-biology-interface/)
To apply, you should first identify and contact a potential supervisor you would like to work with in your intended research area. See [research staff by chemistry theme](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/research/themes/).
> “I think it is incredible to learn about the subject from leading experts in the field, and to have them help us along when we are in laboratories and lectures. We are given the tools to undertake projects on our own at a very early stage in our academic careers so by the time we graduate we will be skilled to enter industrial laboratories and pursue postgraduate research with ease.”
**Sarah** \
- New York, USA
## Awards
> ### [First in the UK for chemistry](https://www.thetimes.com/uk-university-rankings/league-table)
>
> The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
> ### [Second in the UK for chemistry](https://www.theguardian.com/education/ng-interactive/2025/sep/13/the-guardian-university-guide-2026-the-rankings)
>
> Guardian University Guide 2026
> ### [99% of research activity rated 3\* or 4\*](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/research/showcase/excellence/ref-2021/results/)
>
> Most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021)
## [School of Chemistry](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/chemistry/)
The School of Chemistry offers a diverse range of contemporary chemical study options alongside award-winning research in areas tackling sustainability, energy, and the effective management of societal resources.
## [School of Geography and Sustainable Development](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/geography-sustainable-development/)
The School of Geography and Sustainable Development studies the Earth’s systems with its landscapes, peoples, places and environments. Students interested in applying knowledge of chemistry to sustainable development may take up modules offered by this School.
## Studying in St Andrews
[Entry requirements](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/)
The University offers a variety of flexible entry options in order to allow all students, regardless of background or personal circumstances, to apply.
[Fees and funding](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/)
Scholarships and funding options are available at every level of study.
[Accommodation](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/accommodation/)
St Andrews has variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
## Visit St Andrews
If you’re interested in studying at St Andrews, join us at a visiting day or talk and tour to explore the town, find out about our courses and meet current students. You can also join us for one of our upcoming online events.
[Book a place](https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/meet-us/)