3 schools of chemistry leading the charge in tackling global challenges

Throughout history, advancements in chemistry have revolutionised industries and improved the quality of life. The Haber-Bosch process, developed in the early 20th century, allowed for the mass production of fertilisers, which dramatically increased food production and supported global population growth. In the medical field, Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin ushered in the era of antibiotics, saving countless lives from bacterial infections.

With climate change and public health crises on the rise, today’s challenges are no less daunting, and chemistry’s role is as crucial as ever. The best universities around the world are rising to the challenge by equipping and evolving today’s students into tomorrow’s world-bettering scientists. The following have the track records to prove their impact on these fronts:

There are over 50 members of academic staff carrying out world-leading research at UCL Chemistry. Source: University College London

University College London

Since its founding in 1826, University College London (UCL) has remained at the forefront of scientific discovery, with its Chemistry Department quickly earning a reputation for its innovative research and quality education. Today, it is the eighth-best chemistry department in Europe and fifth in the UK, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024 and part of the University of the Year 2024 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. Where better to gain the advanced knowledge, skills, and experience that’ll help you solve contemporary scientific challenges?

The department offers six Master of Science degrees, five of which are accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry: The MSc Applied Analytical Chemistry, MSc Chemical Research, MSc Materials for Energy and Environment, MSc Materials and Molecular Modelling, and the MSc Organic Chemistry: Drug Discovery. The MSc Chemical Sustainability is brand new and has yet to undergo accreditation.

What all six programmes have in common is their extensive hands-on research experience, making them ideal stepping stones toward a PhD. They also equip students with the research and critical thinking skills valuable in commercial environments, as well as the self-direction and independence required for professional development. Students have autonomy to tailor their journey through a range of modules — like the “transferable skills for scientists” module, which helps them hone professional skills. Support is available every step of the way and through a large network of postgraduate tutors, research supervisors, personal tutors, and student advisors.

Through these six programmes, the Chemistry Department aims to generate world-leading chemical research characterised by innovation, insight, and rigour. This vision is realised through the work of its distinguished researchers across the broad spectrum of chemical sciences. They play a crucial role in ensuring UCL Chemistry’s high teaching standards within its engaging and supportive environment. The department’s receipt of the Athena Swan Silver Award in 2020 is a testament to its emphasis on community spirit and inclusivity. Learn more about joining the UCL family located in central, historical Bloomsbury, right at the heart of the global city of London.

UC Berkeley has a thriving start-up culture from which chemistry students can benefit. Source: UC Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

Focused on advancing society through education and research, University of California (UC), Berkeley College of Chemistry includes departments of Chemistry — which produces leaders in analytical, inorganic, organic, nuclear, physical and theoretical chemistry — and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, housing premier research programmes in molecular thermodynamics, heterogeneous catalysis, electrochemical engineering, biochemical engineering, and separation processes. 

The US News and World Report named UC Berkeley as the number one university in the world for chemistry. The college is proud of being the home to many Nobel Laureates, including David W.C. MacMillan (2021) and Carolyn Bertozzi (2022), who are part of the faculty, as well as alumni Ahmed Zewail (Postdoc ’74), KurtWuthrich (Postdoc ’67), and Frances Arnold (PhD ’85). 

To follow in their footsteps, students can choose from six undergraduate degrees, which include a joint major in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science or Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and five graduate degrees. 

The BS in Chemistry provides fundamental knowledge in all major fields of chemistry, covering the general areas of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. It includes plenty of laboratory experience in inorganic and organic synthesis, analytical methods, physical chemical measurements, spectroscopy, biochemical engineering, and chemical methods in nuclear technology. 

There is also an online programme: Master of Molecular Science and Software Engineering, which teaches scientists to use computation and machine learning to solve real-world problems in the molecular sciences and beyond.  It’s taught fully online or partially online with two on-campus boot camps. This lets students balance work and life commitments while getting a Berkeley-quality education from anywhere in the world.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and modern laboratories, the Department of Chemistry at NUS provides an outstanding environment for education and research. Source: National University of Singapore

National University of Singapore

As Singapore’s flagship university and one of Asia’s premier institutions, the National University of Singapore (NUS) stands out for its global approach to education, research, and entrepreneurship, while emphasising Asian perspectives and expertise. Recognised as the best in Singapore and among the best in the Asia-Pacific, its Department of Chemistry is dedicated to highlighting the importance of chemistry in modern life and inspiring students and the public to deepen their understanding of this vital field.

This is achieved through a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills. Throughout, they learn alongside world-class scientists who adopt a multidisciplinary approach to research to address global challenges and improve lives. They are actively engaged in emerging areas of chemical sciences, including advanced materials, catalysis and synthesis, chemical biology, energy and environmental chemistry, and sustainable chemistry.

The insights they gain in laboratories never fail to captivate students in classrooms. The department’s fully-funded four-year PhD programme involves rigorous research under faculty supervision, culminating in an original thesis. 

The two-year MSc by Research programme, which is self-financed, also requires students to produce an original research thesis under faculty guidance. NUS also offers two graduate coursework programmes leading to an MSc in Chemical Sciences and an MSc in Industrial Chemistry — the latter in collaboration with TUM Asia.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International