About us

Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/about/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/environment-geography/study/undergraduate/

Creating a world we want to live in, together.

Our community of passionate researchers, educators and students is dedicated to tackling the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Our values guide our teaching, research and community:

We're inclusive and embrace diversity.
We make a positive difference.
We strive for environmental sustainability.
We're a friendly and helpful community.
We're curious and always learning.

At York, we're not just studying the environment, we're actively shaping a sustainable future. Our facilities and connections across academia, policy and business enable us to design, develop and create solutions that help both people and the planet thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Join us on this exciting journey as we prepare the next generation of environmental leaders, equipped with the skills, confidence and knowledge to solve the biggest challenges facing our world today.

Through our solutions-based teaching and research we are contributing towards ensuring we have a healthy and flourishing planet that is inclusive, just and regenerative. We equip future change-makers, understand the complexities and solutions to environmental challenges, and drive the vital changes in society needed to achieve a more sustainable future.

Claire Hughes, Head of Department

2nd in the Russell Group

for 'Learning resources' among universities included for Environmental Sciences in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS).

5th in the UK

for 'Learning resources' among universities included for Environmental Sciences in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS).

=2nd for our departmental research impact

according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results (2021).

Our facilities

Our laboratory is particularly geared towards environmental work with a focus on the environmental chemistry of water, soil and air as well as ecology and environmental biology. It also services geography/geology practicals.

We have an instrumental analytical chemistry laboratory for environmental analysis of soils, water and air samples. Our preparation laboratory is designed for the storage, preparation and extraction of environmental samples for analysis.

Students on certain modules also have access to a fourth dedicated student research laboratory and to the government laboratories within the York-based Food and Environment Research Agency.

Explore more of our courses

Equality and diversity

We believe that diversity drives innovation and excellence. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all staff and students can thrive, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances.

We're proud to hold an Athena Swan Silver award, recognising our ongoing efforts to advance gender equality in higher education and research. We're also committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of our fieldtrips.

Our mission is to create not just a sustainable environment, but also a more equitable and inclusive society.

Learn more about our commitment to equality