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Natural Sciences (Research)

2 Study options · PostgraduateMain Site

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2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

This PhD offers an academic training route for graduates seeking to perform leading fundamental and technologically relevant research that transcends the traditional discipline boundaries by linking one or more other disciplines with chemistry. Options may include biology, computation, ecology, engineering, environment, medicine and physics.

A substantial amount of research addresses research questions that fall between the boundaries of traditional disciplines. Real-world problems require a multi-disciplinary approach, and research expertise at the interfaces of these disciplines is essential to delivering impactful solutions. A Natural Sciences PhD will capture and give expression to such research training.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • PhD • Full-time • 36 Months
  • PhD • Part-time • 48 Months

Start dates

  • 01/10/2026

Open days

Chat to student ambassadors

Discover what it's like to study Natural Sciences at Lancaster University: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.

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  • Gail

    Lancaster University
    Mathematics and Statistics
    Hi! 🌟 I'm Gail! I'm currently studying for my PhD in Computer Science within the SCC department at Lancaster University, but my academic journey began with an MSci in Mathematics and Computer Science! Please feel free to message about absolutely any queries you may have, such as with academia itself, or just general university life queries! I would be more than happy to help. :)

  • Aimée Olivia

    Lancaster University
    Zoology
    Hi, my name is Aimée and I come from Switzerland. I am a fourth year Zoology student with an interest genetics, and using it to conserve the species of our planet. I chose to study at Lancaster after falling in love with the campus on an open day. Last year I completed a placement year working in the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's WildGenes genetics laboratory. At university one of my favourite things to do is discover new coffee shops around Lancaster with my friends. Besides this I can usually be found in Waterstones buying yet another book or at home playing my latest Nintendo Switch obsession!

  • Krish

    Lancaster University
    Accounting and Finance
    Hi, I’m a penultimate year BSc Hons Accounting and Finance (Industry) student at Lancaster University. I’m from Mumbai, but have been brought up in Dubai, UAE. I like spending my time playing Cricket and listening to bollywood music.

  • Josh

    Lancaster University
    Data, Computing and Communications
    Hey, I'm Josh, a fourth year MSc Cyber Security student at Lancaster University. I am originally from Greater Manchester. I have many passions alongside my degree, such as dance and music. I work as a Student Ambassador Leader for the university.

  • Kathryn

    Lancaster University
    Environmental and Earth Sciences
    Hello! I'm Kathryn and I am an Environmental Science PhD student. I also did a BSc in Environmental Science at Lancaster University. I am researching the chemistry of halogens in the troposphere.

  • Finley

    Lancaster University
    Management and Business
    I studied Business, Maths, and Computer Science at A-level at my local sixth form and achieved grades of ABC. These grades were enough to get me accepted into my first choice, Lancaster University, to study accounting and finance. However I realised during my first year that Accounting and Finance wasn’t the right course for me, and I decided to move to business management, where I really enjoyed the entrepreneurship module so decided to go into 2nd year on the Business Management (entrepreneurship) course. The current career path I am exploring is business consulting; I feel it suits my personality well and it is a well established industry. During my free time, I regularly go to the gym, and play football with my friends.

  • Ella

    Lancaster University
    Data, Computing and Communications
    Hi, I'm Ella, a 4th year MSci Computer Science student. I love walks on the beach, ice cream, elephants, our rescue Dog Loki and annoying my siblings (we're triplets!). I completed my third year project on Mitigating Gender and Racial Bias in children, creating an educational game and am undertaking a placement with Burlington Stone in Cumbria developing software for their stone production! I'm not entirely sure what I want to do on completion of my degree but I'm interested in HCI and Computing For Good so hopefully along those lines and put my degree to good use. Please get in touch with any questions you have!

  • Emily

    Lancaster University
    Environmental and Earth Sciences
    Hi I’m Emily! I’m in my third year studying Earth and Environmental Science, with the hopes of becoming a volcanologist in the future. I’d swapped from studying Geography in my first year, so am able to answer questions on either degree. I’ve loved living on campus and in town, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about the uni or Lancaster in general :) I’m also on the study abroad scheme so can answer any enquiries about this.

  • Crystal

    Lancaster University
    Mathematics and Statistics
    Hi! I'm Crystal, a second-year MSci Computer Science and Mathematics student with a special interest in Data Science and ML. When I started university, I wasn’t entirely sure about my future career path. However, through various opportunities at university, I’ve developed a strong passion for data science and I now feel much more confident about the direction I want to take in my career. Often spotted around campus carrying badminton rackets because nothing beats badminton after a long day for stress-relief... On my off days I explore places nearby Lancaster, play games with my friends and try out new recipes. Whenever I get homesick, I make Malaysian chicken curry (and it's perfect for winter). Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you have, whether it's about doing a joint degree, life at Lancaster, or even to talk about any data science/coding projects! I'm interested to hear what you think.

  • Davina

    Lancaster University
    Data, Computing and Communications
    I’m a 3rd year Computer Science student and Student Ambassador Leader at Lancaster University. I’m from North London but I’m originally from Nigeria. I love weight lifting, crochet and I play the bass guitar!

  • Ailiya

    Lancaster University
    Business Analytics
    As an international student from Taiwan, a small island with a rich cultural heritage, I’m excited to bring a global perspective to my role as a university buddy ambassador. Currently pursuing my studies in business, I aim to become a business analyst within the financial sector, driven by my interest in data and strategic decision-making. Beyond academics, I’m passionate about staying active with badminton and yoga training, and I find creative expression through fine art painting. Traveling is another passion of mine, and I love exploring new places and cultures, which has greatly enriched my own university journey. As a buddy ambassador, I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences and insights, supporting new students in their transition, and helping them thrive both academically and personally.

  • Annika

    Lancaster University
    Engineering
    Im currently studying Nuclear Engineering and in my second year. Im an international student and used to live in Dubai and South Africa. Im very interested in Nuclear Fusion and uses for nuclear in the medical field.
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