BSc (Hons) Chemistry, Green Principles and Sustainable Processes

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of York

Program Overview

This degree gives you a strong grounding in chemistry while focusing on sustainability and green chemical technologies — perfect if you’re passionate about making chemistry work for the planet. It’s ideal for students who enjoy hands-on lab work, problem-solving, and tackling real-world challenges like clean production, climate change, and circular resources.

Curriculum Structure:
Year 1: You’ll begin with core modules like Foundations of Chemistry 1–4 and Introductory Skills and Practical 1–2, plus an introduction to academic integrity. This year is all about understanding how molecules behave, exploring chemical change and reactivity, and getting your first taste of lab work through practical experiments and a short integrated chemistry project.

Year 2: In your second year, you’ll deepen your chemical knowledge with modules such as Advanced Chemistry Concepts and Applications 1–3, Advanced Skills and Practical 1–2, and the specialist Green and Sustainable Chemistry module. You’ll spend more time in the lab, learning how to design chemical processes that are environmentally friendly, and can choose elective or interdisciplinary modules to broaden your skills.

Year 3: Your final year focuses on advanced topics through modules like Frontiers of Chemistry 1–3 and Atmospheric Chemistry, Climate Change and Net Zero. The highlight is your research project in green or sustainable chemistry, giving you hands-on experience solving real-world problems. You’ll also have the chance to pick an optional module to follow a personal interest or career goal.

Focus areas: Green chemistry, sustainable processes, atmospheric chemistry, chemical production, resource efficiency

Learning outcomes: Apply chemical principles in practical and research settings; design and carry out experiments safely; analyze and interpret data; communicate your findings clearly; complete a research project in green chemistry; develop teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, helping meet the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of York is ranked 6th for Chemistry in the 2026 Complete University Guide and 5th in the UK for Chemistry in The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From day one, this course is about getting your hands dirty — in a good way! You’ll spend plenty of time in state-of-the-art labs, learning to work safely with chemicals, handle modern instruments, and analyse real experimental data. As you move through the degree, you’ll tackle open-ended research projects and get first-hand experience designing sustainable chemical processes, preparing you for careers in green chemistry or further study.

You’ll benefit from facilities and experiences such as:

Modern teaching laboratories with 80 two-person fume hoods, full lab services (air, gas, vacuum, water), and space for hands-on experiments.
A dedicated instrumentation room with NMR, UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy, gas and liquid chromatography, and other advanced analytical tools.
Computer labs where you’ll analyse data, write lab reports, and use digital tools for research projects.
A substantial final-year research project in the University’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, exploring renewable feedstocks, catalysis, flow chemistry, and sustainable design.
Access to specialist research centres like the Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry, the Centre for Hyperpolarisation in Magnetic Resonance, and the York JEOL Nanocentre.
Modules that integrate green chemistry and systems thinking, giving you practical experience with sustainable chemical processes.

These opportunities ensure you’re not just learning theory — you’re applying it, experimenting with real-world problems, and developing skills that employers value.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave with strong practical and theoretical chemistry skills, combined with a focus on sustainability, giving them an edge in the job market. Many go on to exciting roles such as sustainable process chemist, environmental consultant, green R&D scientist, or analytical chemist. With a mix of hands-on lab experience, research projects, and exposure to cutting-edge green chemistry, you’ll be ready to make an impact in both industry and academia:

University Careers Services: The University of York offers tailored support including one-on-one career coaching, CV and interview workshops, and connections to employers through career fairs and networking events.
Employment stats and salary: Chemistry graduates from York enjoy high employability, with around 90% in employment or further study within six months of graduation. Typical starting salaries for roles in chemistry and green technology are between £25,000–£32,000, depending on sector and role.
University–industry partnerships: The Department of Chemistry collaborates with major industry and research partners, such as the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, facilitating internships, projects, and networking opportunities with companies focused on sustainable chemical technologies.
Long-term accreditation value: Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, this degree partially meets the academic requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem), which enhances long-term career credibility.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates progress into chemical and pharmaceutical industries, environmental consultancies, government research labs, or further study in MSc and PhD programmes focusing on sustainable chemistry.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies through postgraduate options such as a Master’s in Green Chemistry, Sustainable Industrial Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, or a PhD in a research area aligned with sustainable chemical processes. This path opens doors to advanced research roles, academic careers, or highly specialised industrial positions in green technology.