Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment

Chemistry underpins our ability to understand and address the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. The composition of the atmosphere, the chemistry of climate change, the fate of pollutants in air and water, and the design of more sustainable materials and processes are all fundamentally chemical questions. Chemistry, the Atmosphere and the Environment at the University of York is a degree that takes both the scientific rigour of a chemistry education and the pressing real-world problems of environmental sustainability seriously, developing graduates who can contribute to the solutions the world needs.

At York, one of the UK's leading chemistry departments with a strong research tradition in atmospheric chemistry and green chemistry, this three-year full-time programme gives you a thorough grounding in physical, organic and inorganic chemistry alongside a specialist focus on atmospheric chemistry, environmental chemistry, and sustainable processes. You will study the chemical composition of the atmosphere, how pollutants are formed and degraded, the chemistry of climate forcing agents, and how chemical processes can be redesigned to reduce environmental impact. Laboratory and analytical skills are central to the programme, and a sandwich year gives you the opportunity to gain professional experience in an industrial, research, or environmental organisation before your final year.

Work placement is also integrated throughout.

Graduates work in environmental consultancy, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, government agencies, environmental monitoring, sustainability roles in industry, and research. The combination of sound chemistry and environmental specialisation is particularly valued in organisations addressing climate change, air quality, water treatment, and the transition to sustainable chemistry. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate research in atmospheric chemistry, environmental science, or green chemistry.