Learn how the natural environment functions to evaluate the impact of human activities across the globe.
Year of entry: 2019
F143
Y50
4 years full-time (plus optional placement year)
£9,250 per year (2018/19)
£21,330 per year (2019/20)
Get to know us better and find out what studying and living in York is really like.
Book nowChemistry is often referred to as the 'central science' as it covers topics as diverse as quantum mechanics and the study of atomic particles, to the molecular nature of biological systems and the Human genome project.
Environmental change raises important concerns over the future well-being of our planet. Although it is apparent that some changes result at least in part from human activities, it is equally clear that natural variations also play a major role.
This course will give you the opportunity to learn about the chemical basis of the environment and to understand our impact upon it.
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, assuring the quality of our teaching. This course meets the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem) status.
My favourite thing this term has been the MChem Mini-Project, which is carried out in labs. We’re looking for ways to be greener and kind to our Earth and make our processes more sustainable, with the focus on food waste. My partner and I are currently finding what we can get out of pomegranates.Elspeth, 3rd Year student, MChem Chemistry. Read more on Elspeth's blog.
Spend a year working on a research project at one of our partner universities in countries all over the world.
Tailor your course to your interests with our wide range of option modules.
Each year you'll take a range of core modules which balance a good understanding of the basic principles of chemistry with specialist modules which focus on atmospheric and environmental processes. There are plenty of opportunities to see the exciting contributions chemistry can make in the modern world.
We aim to break down the artificial barriers between different branches of chemistry, helping you to understand chemistry as a unified discipline with common underlying principles.
Our chemistry courses are designed to be flexible, so you can transfer between MChem and BSc courses at any time during the first two years. The title of your final degree will depend on the modules you take from Year 2 onwards.
You'll spend Year 4 at an overseas university. On top of this there are opportunities to take part in International Study Centres and Summer Schools or apply for funding to help with independent summer projects.
You will take a set of core modules, each of which integrates the major areas of Chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical, theoretical, analytical and biological.
The Autumn term introduces themes of structure and bonding, and chemical change and reactivity, with practical courses complementing the lectures.
The Spring and Summer terms are divided into two interdisciplinary modules that introduce key chemical principles in the areas of spectroscopic analysis, bonding and chemical change, and chemical reactivity and mechanisms.
You will carry out experiments in analytical and physical chemistry, and a two-week integrated chemistry project as an introduction to research.
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
This module covers some of the essential skills and knowledge which will help you to study independently and produce work of a high academic standard which is vital for success at York.
This module will:
A significant proportion of your second year is made up of core Chemistry modules and practical work which is common to all our Chemistry courses. Your specialist module Dynamic Earth introduces the chemical foundations of a range of natural processes.
You will continue your studies through a series of core modules in advanced inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The specialist module Atmospheric Chemistry looks at the chemical and physical processes important in controlling the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere.
You will also choose two option modules, to complement your core learning or branch out into new areas of chemistry.
Choose one of the following option modules:
Choose one of the following option modules:
You'll spend your final year working on a research project at one of our overseas partner universities.
You will have a personal supervisor at your host institution, and regular contact - including a visit - from a supervisor at York.
You will carry out a research project with a focus on atmospheric and environmental chemistry. Recent projects have investigated:
Taught component (20 credits)
Alongside your project work you will have a taught component which varies according to the university you attend. For example, you could take Advanced Chemistry, an open learning module exploring topics at the frontiers of science, based on cutting edge research carried out at York and taught in collaboration with experts who are closely involved.
Please note, modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff.
Every course at York has been designed to provide clear and ambitious learning outcomes. These learning outcomes give you an understanding of what you will be able to do at the end of the course. We develop each course by designing modules that grow your abilities towards the learning outcomes and help you to explain what you can offer to employers. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
I found the events run by ChemSoc, my course society, a really great place to bond with my fellow chemists. Having the connection to the other year groups meant there were always people to turn to for advice and help if we needed it. I found it really united us and gave me so much confidence!Giuseppina, 2nd Year student, MChem Chemistry. Read more on Giuseppina's blog.
The fees and funding figures below are based on data from 2018 entry. If you take a year abroad or year in industry you'll pay a reduced rate of fees for that year.
| UK/EU | International |
|---|---|
| £9,250 | £21,330 |
UK/EU or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK, EU or international student.
For more information about tuition fees, any reduced fees for study abroad and work placement years, scholarships, tuition fee loans, maintenance loans and living costs see undergraduate fees and funding.
We offer a number of scholarships to help cover tuition fees and living costs.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
“Students from all backgrounds achieve consistently outstanding outcomes”
The TEF Panel, Office for Students, June 2018
Our Gold Teaching Excellence Framework award demonstrates our commitment to the delivery of consistently outstanding teaching and learning for our students.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace. Find out more about our approach to teaching and learning.
Lectures range from the traditional 'chalk and talk' to the use of digital presentations. Where possible we include demonstrations and encourage audience participation through chemical quizzes and voting.
The size of lectures varies from 200 students to as few as 5 for some option modules. All teaching is done by our academic staff - many of whom are at the forefront of their fields and will discuss the latest developments in their area.
Tutorials are our smallest group teaching sessions and are usually one hour in length. Up to five students join a college tutor who is a specialist in the subject. Tutorials develop a wide range of skills including:
Tutorials help to reinforce topics covered in lectures, and offer an opportunity to discuss aspects of the subject which interest you and ask about any problems encountered in your reading.
Up to 25 chemists in the same teaching college are divided into small groups to work through problem sheets, usually over one or two hours.
Practical chemistry complements your theoretical studies and constitutes most of the continuously-assessed parts of your degree.
A wide variety of experiments are carried out, from the synthesis of target compounds to a crime-scene investigation using forensic methodology. You will gain experience in handling and interpreting experimental data, and discover how principles taught in lectures can be put to use.
As the course progresses, you have an increasing range of choice in the experiments you do. In the summer term of the first year you will do the 'Chemistry of a Night Out' practical where you will plan and carry out experiments as part of a team.
As a guide, students on this course typically spend their time as follows:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures and seminars | 456 hours | 480 hours | 396 hours | 0 hours |
| Placement | 0 hours | 0 hours | 0 hours | 1104 hours |
The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.
The rest of your time on the course will be spent on independent study. This may include preparation for lectures and seminars, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours will vary from person to person. In UK higher education the expectation is that full-time students will spend 1200 hours a year learning.
You will be based in the Department of Chemistry on Campus West. Your teaching will mostly take place in the Department, with some classroom sessions elsewhere on Campus West.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You'll be assessed in a number of different ways, depending on the modules you study. Forms of assessment include:
We pride ourselves on delivering useful written and verbal feedback to all of our students. Whenever you complete an assessment, you will receive feedback on its good and bad points, and guidance on how you can improve further.
You'll also receive feedback on assignments which don't count towards your final grade, helping you to understand your strengths and identify areas for improvement.
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written exams | 70% | 70% | 64% | 8% |
| Coursework | 13% | 15% | 19% | 47% |
| Practical exams | 17% | 15% | 17% | 45% |
The figures above are based on data from 2016/17.
National Student Survey 2018
Guardian University Guide 2019 and Times Good University Guide 2019
Although the majority of our graduates progress to become scientists, the analytical and transferable skills which constitute part of our degrees are recognised as suitable training for a wide range of careers.
About 40 graduates per year stay in the Department or join other universities to work for higher degrees. Most are involved in collaborative research projects, many with chemical companies.
York is a fantastic place to study chemistry and we consistently place highly in league tables.Josie, 2nd Year student, MChem Chemistry with a Year Abroad
| Qualification | Typical offer |
|---|---|
| A levels | Offers are typically based on three subjects at A level, one of which must be Chemistry.
We accept the following A levels as science/mathematics:
We do not accept General Studies. We may also make offers based on UCAS Tariff points, for example, if you are taking two subjects at A level (one of which would have to be Chemistry) and two AS level subjects. |
| GCSEs | If you're planning to spend your final year in Europe you should have a GCSE in a relevant language at grade 5/6 (B). |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | Access courses are offered by local further education (FE) colleges, and most can be completed in one year, or over two years on a part-time or evening-only basis. You will need to make sure that the particular Access course you are considering is appropriate, and syllabuses must contain a significant portion of chemistry and mathematics. The Access tutors at your College would be able to confirm that this is the case. Applications will be considered on an individual basis. |
| BTEC | BTEC National Extended Diploma with DDD in relevant units, and an additional A level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry. |
| Cambridge Pre-U | Pass the diploma in principal subjects with:
|
| European Baccalaureate | 80% overall, including a minimum grade of 85% in Chemistry |
| International Baccalaureate |
|
| Irish leaving Certificate | H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H3 - H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including Chemistry and a second science/mathematics |
| Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers | AA/AB at Advanced Higher level, including A in Chemistry and another science/mathematics and AAAAA/AAAAB at Higher level in a suitable range of subjects |
| Other qualifications |
Find out more about our Widening Participation Initiative: Exploring Everyday Chemistry
If English is not your native language you must provide evidence of your English language ability:
See more detailed information on the University's English language requirements.
To apply to York, you will need to complete an online application via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
We consider all applications on their own merits so the exact nature of offers can vary to match individual cases. For example, offers will be influenced by:
If you're based in the UK we will require you to visit the Department before making you an offer.
We offer a range of campus accommodation to suit you and your budget, from economy to deluxe.
Explore campus and city life and hear what our current students have to say about living here.
Lively, full of culture and beautiful, York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK.
