Shaping the future of chemistry in higher education
Addressing the financial sustainability challenges in UK universities
UK higher education is facing a financial sustainability crisis, with courses and departments including chemistry facing significant change across the UK.
Universities are a major training pathway into the chemical sciences, equipping graduates with the practical, digital and sustainability skills employers need across the Government鈥檚 priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy and life sciences.
Universities also deliver valuable chemistry research that drives innovation in healthcare and sustainability, whilst training the researchers of the future.
We are working with our members and communities to champion chemistry provision, protect opportunities for students, and secure the skills and knowledge the UK needs for the future.
On this page
Our recommendations to government on higher education
To tackle the challenges facing chemistry in UK higher education, we call of the government to work in partnership with higher education and its stakeholders, including professional bodies, to:
- Facilitate action to address the financial sustainability of teaching and research in higher education ensuring quality chemistry learning, research and innovation that meets economic, employer and student need across the UK
- Support the provision of high-quality chemistry education and training, including higher education, vocational and technical routes that are locally accessible for all
- Recognise the vital role chemistry higher education plays in delivering the innovations, skills and talent needed to deliver government priorities, including Industrial Strategy
- Address the cost-of-living pressures affecting students, reducing barriers to access, participation and continuation in chemistry
We recognise the need for change in UK higher education to achieve financial sustainability and will continue to work with Governments and other actors to shape this, to ensure the chemical sciences can continue to deliver the skills and capabilities needed for the future.
Find out more in our policy briefing.
浪花直播 provision across the UK
The chemical sciences are an area for employment growth in the UK and chemistry degrees offer rewarding career opportunities with the potential to work on global challenges, including improving health and the natural environment.
The financial pressure on universities has led to cuts and closures of chemistry courses and departments in the UK, resulting in 鈥渃old spots鈥� where no provision of chemistry is available within a reasonable travel time.
This is restricting choice and impacting some students more than others, especially students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. We think it is vital that people can access higher education in all regions across the UK and that chemistry employers can recruit people with the right skills locally.
Use our interactive map to view travel distances to chemistry courses
You can find more data in the 浪花直播 in UK higher education data pack.
What can you do?
Use our template to write to your local MP to highlight the challenges facing chemistry in UK higher education and to help facilitate the necessary, urgent changes needed.
How we can help
We remain committed to supporting members, including students, who may be affected by these changes. We offer a range of 浪花直播 Careers support, including confidential career consultations, online career planning tools and access to professional networks. We use our research and insights to support members鈥� continuous professional development.
The Chemists鈥� Community Fund is here to support every member of the 浪花直播 and their family with confidential financial, social, mental, physical and wellbeing support through everyday challenges and exceptional circumstances. CCF can also provide support to students who are studying on RSC accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in the UK and Republic of Ireland who have experienced an unexpected change in circumstances since starting their studies.
Contact our policy team
Get in touch with any enquiries about science and higher education policy
Our work on higher education
Tackling the challenges facing chemistry in UK higher education
Read our recommendations for securing the future of chemistry in UK universities.
Future workforce and educational pathways
Read our report to discover the key factors impacting the employment environment of tomorrow and the importance of quality chemistry education and skills provision.
Data pack: 浪花直播 in UK higher education
We have set out key information, messaging and data on chemistry provision in higher education.
Insights from REF2021
Our report highlights the varied contributions that chemical scientists at UK universities make through new discoveries and transferring knowledge.
Read our latest articles, opinions and consultation responses
- (10 June 2025)
- (17 July 2025)
- Opinion: Making the Case for 浪花直播: update on our skills and research policy work by Tanya Sheridan (23 May 2025)
- Opinion: Recognising the importance of higher education in the future chemical sciences workforce by Dr Helen Pain (31 January 2025)
- Opinion: Current Issues Facing Higher Education 鈥� A Professional Standards View by Professor David Smith (19 November 2024)
- Consultation response: RSC response to the APPG on Students Call for Evidence Commission on Students in Higher Education (1 May 2025)
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