Top ten rankings for Chemistry and Earth Sciences in Guardian University Guide

Subjects in the University’s new School of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences have been ranked in their respective top tens in the Guardian University Guide 2027.

Leicester has secured top national rankings in the Guardian University Guide 2027, placing 2nd in the UK for Chemistry and 8th in the UK for Earth Sciences. A total of seven subjects at Leicester were ranked in their top ten.

The annual rankings evaluate UK universities on metrics directly tied to the student experience - including student satisfaction with teaching, assessment feedback, academic support in achieving a good degree, course completion and graduate career prospects. 

Commenting on the performance of Chemistry and Earth Sciences, Dr Alex Pulis, Associate Professor of Organic Chemistry and Deputy Head of School of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences, said: "Securing 2nd place, again, for Chemistry and 8th for Earth Sciences in the UK is a fantastic achievement that reflects our commitment to academic excellence, high-quality teaching, and transformative research. 

“Across all subjects, our focus is on providing an inspiring, hands-on learning environment that equips students to tackle pressing real-world challenges, from future-proofing materials production and use, to understanding and diagnosing disease, to predicting environmental change. These results are a testament to the hard work of our technical and support staff, postgraduate community, and the exceptional talent of our students." 

Launched this academic year, the School of Chemical, Earth and Environmental Sciences (CEES) brings together teaching and research in Chemistry and Geography, Geology and the Environment to create a hub for cross-discipline collaboration within the University’s College of Science and Engineering.

Ranking 2nd nationwide, Chemistry delivered standout scores across graduate career prospects, continuation and student satisfaction with constructive academic feedback. The guide also highlighted Leicester's exceptional improvement in value-added score, which measures how effectively departments support students in achieving a good degree classification (a first or 2:1), based on their entry qualifications. 

Dr Sandy Kilpatrick, Lecturer in Inorganic Chemistry and Admissions Tutor, said: "To be ranked 2nd in the UK for Chemistry is a fantastic achievement for our staff and students. What I think is particularly important for prospective students is that this is not just about a ranking. It reflects the teaching, support and practical experience they will actually encounter during their degree. Students here get a rigorous grounding in chemistry, a wealth of time in the laboratory and the chance to engage with cutting-edge research. 

“I would encourage anyone considering Chemistry, as well as Physical Geography, Geology and Environmental Sciences, to come along to an Open Day and talk to our students and staff about what studying here is really like."

Securing 8th place in the UK, Leicester’s Earth and Environmental Sciences programmes performed exceptionally well student satisfaction with both teaching and feedback. The ranking reflects Leicester's strong dedication to overall student experience and continuation rates.

Professor Dave Holwell, Professor of Sustainable Mineral Resources and Deputy Director of Research, said: "Ranking 8th in the UK for Earth Sciences reinforces Leicester's standing as a premier destination for studying Geology and Environmental Science. From exploring critical raw materials vital for the clean energy transition to investigating dynamic planetary processes, our courses give students the tools to solve complex global issues while opening direct pathways into high-demand industries. The Earth Sciences ranking also reflected Leicester's strengths in field-based learning, laboratory analysis and industry-relevant training. Students benefit from opportunities to study topics ranging from environmental change and natural hazards to critical minerals and sustainable resource management"

Unlike traditional research-focused rankings, the Guardian University Guide's emphasis on value-added teaching, personal tutor contact, and 15-month graduate outcomes highlights Leicester’s success in converting student ambition into tangible professional results. 

• More information about studying Chemistry, Earth or Environmental Sciences at the University of Leicester
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