MSc Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology

Discover how green chemistry can help with the industrial challenges faced by increasing demand for sustainable products and processes

Year of entry: 2025 (September)

Length

1 year full-time

 

Department

Department of Chemistry

 

Start date

September 2025 (semester 

New ideas and innovations are essential to meeting industry and society's growing needs for green chemistry and clean technology.

The first course of its kind to be accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, this taught Masters is designed to equip you with key skills in green chemistry and green chemical technology. You'll study industrial and commercial applications through interaction with industry experts, and gain an awareness of the problems they face.

As part of the Department of Chemistry at York, you will join our friendly and welcoming community. You'll benefit from high-quality teaching by expert staff, who are engaged in world-leading research in many areas of chemistry. 

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

7th for Chemistry

in the UK according to the Complete University Guide 2024

 

Led by academic experts

The Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence is internationally-recognised for its pioneering research

Learn more

 

Industrial application

Opportunities to work with industry experts and external collaborators on an extended research project

The mix of chemistry, its application to industry, with the challenge of sustainability appealed to my interests and I found it very engaging throughout. There is such a wide range of projects on offer, with innovative and exciting chemistry taking place. 

Sarah, MSc Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology

Course content

This MSc is a one-year full-time course consisting of taught modules and a substantial independent research project. You will be taught by academic experts within the Department of Chemistry as well as external experts from other academic institutions and industry.

You will learn about the key principles of green chemistry and the importance of clean and sustainable technology. The course will develop and enhance your transferable skills as well as those skills required for careers in a range of industries. For example, you’ll learn a variety of chemical research techniques and how to apply them; you’ll learn about the importance of protecting intellectual property and commercialising new inventions; you’ll learn how to carry out independent research.

As a student on the MSc in Green Chemistry, you will discover the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to solving problems and to modern scientific and technological research. You'll develop skills which will equip you for a range of chemical and non-chemical careers in research, process development, environmental services, manufacturing, law, consultancy and government. Our graduates have progressed to a range of different careers, and this programme can also provide you with the necessary foundations for your chosen career path.

ModulesCore modules

Principles and Systems Thinking in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Applications of Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Communication, Education and Public Understanding of Green and Sustainable Chemistry
The Business Case for Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Research Skills and Methodologies
Green and Sustainable Chemistry Research Project (MSc)

Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.

Research project

For your research project you'll choose from a range of research areas. Projects are supervised by an academic member of staff, and may also involve collaboration with industry. MSC projects are usually associated with larger research projects that are currently taking place within the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence.

Projects can vary each year, but examples of recent MSc students' research includes:

https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/manage/programmes/module-catalogue/module/CHE00042M/2023-24

Biorenewable Chemistries for agricultural active ingredients and formulations
Pd nanocatalysts on Starbons for pharmaceutically relevant synthesis
Green solvents for allylation reactions
Investigation of coffee oil as a replacement for palm oil in food and cosmetic applications
Exploitation of unavoidable food supply chain waste for the production of materials and higher-value chemicals
Microwave assisted degradation of alginate for wider applications

You will produce a substantial written report and deliver an oral presentation on your individual research project.

The York approach

Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.