Natural Sciences

Natural sciences is a degree programme that allows you to study more than one science subject for the duration of your degree. In your first year, you will study three subjects, building a strong foundation and experiencing what these are like at university, before selecting the two that most interest you to continue to degree level. Our flexible structure allows you to develop core knowledge and skills in each of your subjects while exploring your interests, preparing you for further study or careers in those fields.

Global challenges like energy, sustainability, and health require solutions that go beyond a single discipline. There is a growing demand for individuals who can integrate knowledge across fields, take a broader perspective, and bridge disciplinary gaps. Our core modules are designed to cultivate these abilities, learning to approach problems from multiple angles, connect ideas, and communicate effectively across disciplines. This equips you with the skills needed to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems, making you highly attractive to employers.

Find out more about the subjects you can study.

What you will study
You will study modules from each of the subjects in their chosen stream, gaining comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge. You will learn alongside students from single-subject degrees, so the quality of the teaching and the depth of study is the same, but you have a broader scope across multiple disciplines.

Course-specific modules from the first to the third year are designed to foster a strong cohort identity and guide your academic development, encouraging you to understand theories and ideas from different areas of science and explore how they work together. A highlight of the course is the synoptic project, where you work on a collaborative group project with students from other streams. You will bring your individual expertise to the project and find new ways to apply the knowledge from your learning in previous years.

Why choose this course?

• Tailor your degree - flexibility to choose subjects and modules that match your academic interests and career goals.

• Enhance your degree – Nottingham provides a range of opportunities to enrich your studies like studying abroad, work placements, or a year in computer science to expand your skills and boost your employability.

• Become an interdisciplinary scientist - Natural Sciences modules enhance your interdisciplinarity while strengthening key skills like communication, teamwork, and problem solving, preparing you to tackle complex challenges and excel in diverse fields.

• Broad horizons – Natural Sciences graduates possess strong knowledge, practical skills, technical proficiency, and adaptability, preparing them for a range of careers in clinical science, environmental fields, pharmaceuticals, energy, and more.

• Strong community – connect with students across years and the alumni network. Actively engage in the course community through roles in representation, mentoring, and the student society, while gaining valuable skills and experience.

• Degree quality – accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences; recognised as ‘offering outstanding interdisciplinary science education’.

• Research-led teaching - Nottingham’s research beacons use interdisciplinary approaches to tackle global challenges. This research directly informs your studies, with academics bringing the latest developments into the classroom.