BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences 

With this route, you could study the same three subjects each year. You could also build on your first-year studies in one or two subjects and then combine advanced modules in these subjects with a new subject(s) in your second year.

You could then study two or three subjects in your third year, all of which you must also have studied in earlier years. With this route, you would graduate with a BSc (Hons) degree in Natural Sciences with your main subjects studied listed on the degree certificate.

At the end of Year 2, the BSc allows you the option of transferring onto either “with Year Abroad” or “with Placement” pathway.  Note that these options are competitive and so applicants cannot apply for these pathways through UCAS.

Year 1

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than four, which give you a good progression into your second-year subjects. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject.

For instance, students who want to do the BSc Joint Honours degree in:

• Biology and Earth Sciences must do four core modules, which leaves them free to choose any two optional modules from any subject on offer.
• Economics and Mathematics must do five core modules from these subjects leaving them one free module from any subject.

To find out the number of core modules for each subject you are advised to look at the Natural Sciences webpages as a guide.

BSc Natural Sciences students often take two modules from three subjects, although other combinations are possible, this combination would normally allow progression with any or all three of these subjects. The design of the course is constrained by the entry requirements and limits of the University’s academic timetable which is published five months before the start of the academic year.

Year 2

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three, which gives you reasonable progression into your third-year subjects. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject.

For instance, students following the BSc Joint Honours degree in:

• Mathematics and Physics must do five core modules leaving them free to choose another module from these subjects to achieve an equal balance.
• Biology and Psychology must do six core modules.

Students who are taking the BSc in Natural Sciences have considerable freedom which is only limited by progression and the academic timetable, so in this scenario, they do not need to adhere to the strict Joint Honours rules. They must build on one or two subjects studied in their first year, but also have the option of starting a new subject by taking a first-year module in their second year.

Year 3

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three. You can specialise by taking up to five modules in one subject. Students may also take a second-year module during this year.

For example, students following the BSc Joint Honours degree in:

• Chemistry and Earth Sciences must do two core modules in Chemistry and at least two modules from Earth Sciences with the remaining modules from these subjects, which could be none, one or two.
• Business and Computer Science must do at least two modules from each subject with the remaining modules from these subjects.

Students taking the BSc in Natural Sciences have continued freedom and are required to take a capstone module. They combine modules in subjects already studied to a higher level. The main subjects studied will be listed on the degree certificate having studied at least 50% science subjects in Years 2 and 3.

Placement Year

You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.