Learn how the natural environment functions and undertake independent research to evaluate the impact human activities.
Year of entry: 2027/28
Show year of entry: 2026/27
The future of chemistry lies in automation, machine learning and computer-aided design of molecules and materials.
You'll learn how to integrate practical chemistry knowledge and skills with digital tools which open a new frontier in chemical discovery. Become an adaptable chemist through research-led practical and classroom sessions. You'll graduate ready to work in a range of sectors that thrive on innovation, including technology, medicine and research.
Master's level: This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. This course meets the academic criteria for Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Our lecturers are often experts in their field. They teach the knowledge that they use on a daily basis, which gives significance to what we are learning. It gives you lots of different ideas about the research you could go on to do.
Each year, you’ll study a carefully designed mix of core and specialist modules, taking you from fundamental principles to the forefront of modern chemical research. The course emphasises the application of chemistry in a global context, equipping you with the knowledge to contribute to “chemistry for the public good.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories, with sustainability embedded throughout the curriculum. Alongside scientific knowledge, you’ll develop key skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving through a strong focus on small-group teaching.
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.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be well prepared for a range of future pathways, including postgraduate study, careers in industry, teaching, and other graduate roles.
You will study six core modules:
In addition to the above you will also need to complete our online Academic Integrity module.
You will study six core modules:
You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.
You will study six core modules:
You may be able to replace one option module with an elective module, studying a complementary subject, a language or an interdisciplinary topic.
You'll spend your final year working on a research project in one of our laboratories. You will have access to the state-of-the-art instrumentation that our department has to offer.
You will carry out a research project with a focus on applying digital methods to chemical problems. You'll learn principles and techniques of advanced chemistry which you'll be able to draw on in your future career. Recent projects have investigated:
Photochemistry and Ultrafast Kinetics of Manganese
Jason Lynam
Development and decision analysis of original QSPR modelling software for comparative molecular property prediction
Alan Lewis
Identifying structural errors in the Protein Databank using computational methods
Jon Agirre
2D SABRE on a benchtop NMR spectrometer for mixture analysis
Meghan Halse
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
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.
The fees and funding information here is for students starting in the 2026/27 academic year.
If you take a year abroad or year in industry you'll pay a reduced rate of fees for that year.
The UK government has announced its intention to increase tuition fees from £9,790 to £10,050 for the 2027/8 academic year. We expect this to apply to new UK (home) undergraduate students starting their studies in September 2027.
The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
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'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2026/27 throughout the year.
Just four UK universities are rated Gold for teaching and top ten for research* in the latest national assessment exercises.
* Awarded joint 10th in the Times Higher Education ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
You’ll study and learn with academics who are active researchers, experts in their field and have a passion for their subjects. 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 20 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.
The chemistry concepts you learn in lectures will help you build practical laboratory and professional skills. Throughout the course, most of your work will be assessed continuously rather than through final exams. You will develop skills that are valuable for careers in chemistry, research, and other jobs that involve data analysis, IT, and problem-solving.
In the laboratory, you will learn how to make and analyse chemical compounds, take accurate measurements, and work safely. You will also attend computer-based sessions where you will learn skills such as carrying out risk assessments, using software to process and analyse data, finding information in chemistry databases, coding, and writing scientific reports.
During the first two years, you will gradually build your laboratory skills, starting with basic techniques and progressing to more advanced research methods. You will also take part in group research projects, where you will use these skills to solve real research problems with guidance from staff.
In the later years of the degree, especially in the final year of a BSc or the final two years of an MChem, you will spend much more time on original research projects. These projects allow you to specialise in areas of chemistry that interest you and match the department's research strengths.
In your first year, you can expect:
| Lectures | 9-10 hours per week |
|---|---|
| Tutorials | 1 hour per week |
| Workshops | 2-3 hours per week |
| Practicals | 6 hours per week |
These figures are representative of a typical week. Your contact hours will vary throughout the year due to your module choices, non-compulsory classes, exam periods and changes to scheduled activities.
Outside your timetabled hours, you'll study independently. This may include preparation for classes, follow-up work, wider reading, practice completion of assessment tasks, or revision.
In the UK, full-time students are expected to spend 1,200 hours a year learning. That's about 40 hours of classes and independent study each week during semesters. Everyone learns at a different rate, so the number of hours you spend on independent study will be different to other students on your course.
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 - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can use the fast and frequent bus service. Take a campus tour.
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.
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.
Turn ambition into achievement with our expert guidance and connections. From your first day here to life after graduation, we'll help you find your career advantage.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
Get in touch if you have any questions
