Natural Sciences

All around us the world faces complex problems that increasingly require scientists to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in the search for solutions.

When facing issues such as climate change, supporting the health of our ageing population, and developing new materials or technologies, governments and organisations from every sector need graduates that can effectively communicate expert insights from a range of scientific disciplines to develop effective solutions.

Natural Science pathways

You have flexibility to choose from a number of study pathways, including:

• Chemistry and Physics

• Chemistry and Bioscience

• Chemistry and Mathematics

• Chemistry and Geography

• Chemistry and Materials

• Bioscience and Mathematics

• Bioscience and Materials

• Bioscience and Physics

• Mathematics and Physics

• Mathematics and Geography

• Geography and Materials

• Geography and Physics

• Materials and Physics

Each pathway combination has required subjects at A-level or equivalent. Please see our pathway subject requirements for more details. After application, we will contact you to determine your preferred pathway combinations.

Undergraduate final year interdisciplinary project

You will be taught by academic staff who are internationally renowned experts in their respective fields and active in interdisciplinary research. You will be mentored to work independently and across the disciplines, conducting your own research project.

Postgraduate final year extended interdisciplinary research project

The MSci concludes with a major research project and advanced level training in your chosen subject, giving you a solid grounding to continue a career in research or to go onto study a PhD.

Placement year options

MSci Natural Sciences carries the option of a placement year. By choosing to spend a year on placement, you will be adding value to your degree by gaining hands-on industry experience in a real work setting.

On completion of your placement, you will not only be going back to study having advanced your knowledge of the area you are interested in and picked up transferable interpersonal skills, you will have gained experience to help you stand out from the crowd in the competitive graduate market.

What's the difference between MSci and BSc?

The Natural Sciences BSc (Hons) degree course equips you for employment in scientific and other sectors, while our MSci course will prepare you for research work in industry or PhD research.

The MSci provides more in-depth/complex teaching of the subject as the course progresses. You can upgrade to the MSci version of the course providing that you meet certain attainment throughout the degree.

Course Modules

For a full list of areas studied, see the 'What You'll Study' section of the course page on our website.

Depending on the nature of the material, some modules are assessed by a mixture of coursework and examination.

Some modules may be assessed for example, by 25% coursework and 75% examination, whilst other modules are assessed by 100% coursework or 100% by examination. Coursework is based on a variety of tasks including individual essays, projects, laboratory work, contribution in tutorials, group work and presentations.