BSc (Hons) Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of York

Program Overview

This degree is perfect if you’re curious about how chemistry shapes the world around us—from the air we breathe to the climate we live in. You’ll explore how chemical processes impact the environment and learn how to develop sustainable solutions to tackle challenges like pollution and climate change.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
Your first year lays the groundwork in all areas of chemistry—organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biological—through modules like Foundations of Chemistry 1 & 2 and Introductory Skills and Practical 1 & 2. You’ll also get hands-on experience in the lab with a two-week integrated project, giving you a taste of how chemistry is applied to real environmental problems.

Year 2
In your second year, you’ll build on your foundation with advanced modules such as Advanced Chemistry Concepts and Applications 1, 2 & 3 and Advanced Skills and Practical 1 & 2. You’ll also start focusing on your interests with Green and Sustainable Chemistry, learning how chemical processes can be designed to reduce environmental impact. There’s even space to explore electives that broaden your perspective, from languages to interdisciplinary topics.

Year 3
Your final year is all about applying what you’ve learned to real-world challenges. You’ll take specialist modules like Atmospheric Chemistry, Climate Change and Net Zero and Frontiers of Chemistry 1, 2 & 3. The highlight is your independent BSc Research Project, which lets you dive deep into an area of environmental or atmospheric chemistry, often using the state-of-the-art Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories.

Focus areas:
Atmospheric chemistry, environmental processes, sustainable chemical design, climate change mitigation, analytical and physical chemistry.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to apply chemistry principles to environmental challenges, plan and run experiments safely, interpret data, and communicate scientific ideas clearly. You’ll also gain valuable skills in teamwork, problem-solving, and independent research—skills that employers highly value.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and meets part of the requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.

Reputation (employability rankings):
The University of York is known for chemistry excellence, ranking 6th for Chemistry in the 2026 Complete University Guide and 5th in the UK according to The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At York, you won’t just be sitting in lectures—you’ll get your hands on real chemistry from day one. The programme is designed to help you develop practical lab skills, use advanced instruments, and see how chemistry connects to the environment and climate. You’ll work in purpose-built labs, collaborate with your peers on experiments, and even conduct your own research in some of the UK’s leading atmospheric chemistry facilities.

You’ll have the chance to experience this through:

Learning in modern teaching labs with fully equipped fume hoods, integrated gas and water supplies, and instrumentation for analytical and physical chemistry.
Using an instrument room stocked with cutting-edge tools like NMR, UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy, and chromatography equipment to analyse real samples.
Completing a hands-on, two-week integrated chemistry project in your first year to gain early research experience.
Working on group experiments that teach teamwork, problem-solving, and how to communicate scientific results effectively.
Conducting a final-year independent research project in the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, giving you the chance to tackle real environmental chemistry questions.
Accessing field-campaign equipment, including air-sampling vans and instruments for measuring gases and aerosols.
Opportunities for a year abroad or a placement in industry, applying your skills in real-world settings and boosting your employability.
Using computer labs and digital tools to analyse your experimental data, prepare reports, and present your findings professionally.
Being part of a department with leading research centres like the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence, meaning your teaching is informed by cutting-edge research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave ready to make a real impact on the environment and industry. You could find yourself working as an environmental chemist, atmospheric scientist, sustainability analyst, or chemical process engineer, applying your knowledge to tackle climate and environmental challenges. Many alumni also move into research, government, or industry roles, fully equipped with both practical skills and theoretical expertise.

Here’s how the University helps you get there:

Career support: The University’s Careers and Placements Service offers one-on-one guidance, CV and interview help, and support to find internships and graduate positions.
Employment and outcomes: Chemistry graduates from York have strong employment prospects, with many progressing into research, industry roles, or further study.
Professional accreditation: This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), partially fulfilling the requirements for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status, giving your degree added recognition in the workplace.
Industry links: You’ll benefit from connections with cutting-edge research centres like the Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories, and collaborations with chemical and environmental companies, giving you valuable real-world exposure.
Typical career paths: Roles include environmental chemist, sustainability consultant, fuels technology chemist, production chemist, research scientist, and regulatory or patent officer.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduating, you could continue your studies with a master’s or PhD in areas such as atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, chemical engineering, or sustainable technologies. You might also choose specialist professional training or research roles, opening doors to leadership positions in industry or academia.