Natural Sciences

Methods of learning will vary according to subject choice but are likely to include a blend of lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. Using the latest resources, practical sessions provide hands-on experience of the type of work performed by professionals in the various disciplines.

We place great emphasis on high-quality small-group teaching. The small-group format and guidance from your academic advisor help get more out of your studies.

As you progress to the final year there's an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research, including a major project, as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life.

Assessment

All subjects are assessed by examinations, but there may be some element of continuous assessment in modules. Assessment is designed to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your critical thinking and determine your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.

In your final year, you will also complete a project which is assessed by a combination of report and presentations. You will be expected to think independently and take greater control of the direction of study.

Provisional subject preferences must be declared in decreasing in order of interest (see here for further details of appropriate abbreviations). Using the first two subject preferences the offer is then augmented with specific grades as outlined above.

All applicants taking A levels will need three A levels with at least one Science (Biology; Human Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics; Physics.) The standard offer is A*AA and you will need specific A level grades to study:

• Biology: A in either Biology or Chemistry.
• Chemistry: A*A in any order in Chemistry and Mathematics.
• Computer Science: A in Mathematics.
• Economics: A in Mathematics.
• Mathematics: Either A*A in any order in Maths and Further Maths at A level or A* in Maths plus A in AS Further Maths for students unable to take A2 Further Maths.
• Physics: A*A in any order in Maths and Physics.
• We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking A levels as part of our offer.

All applicants wishing to study Psychology will need to have achieved Grade 5 (or grade B) in Mathematics at GCSE, or equivalent.

Contextual offer – AAB/A*AC.

All applicants taking the International Baccalaureate will need a score of 38 points overall including either 766 or 666 at the Higher Level with at least one of these in a Science (Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches); Physics.) You will need specific Higher Level grades to study:

• Biology: 6 in either Biology or Chemistry.
• Chemistry: 76 in any order in Chemistry and Mathematics.
• Computer Science: 6 in Mathematics.
• Economics: 6 in Mathematics.
• Mathematics: 7 in Mathematics.
• Physics: 76 in any order in Mathematics and Physics.
• If the augmented offer includes a 7 at the Higher Level in any subject, then the offer will be 766 at the Higher Level, otherwise, it will be 666 at the Higher Level.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.
• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study. 
• There is no advantage in applying for both MSci and BSc degrees.
• Entry requirements are the same for both  MSci and BSc degrees.
• We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer.
• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Entry requirements are the same for both Natural Sciences programmes.

We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications 

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Full Time Fees

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only; fees for subsequent years will be confirmed not less than 3 months before the start of the academic year to which the increase is intended to apply and will be published on the Finance webpages.

In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of;

1. 6%, or,
2. the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Graduates acquire a valuable range of subject-specific skills across disciplines with the capacity to make creative connections. They are highly employable in a diverse range of careers and sectors.

Natural Sciences graduates have the academic knowledge, flexibility and technical skills to take on roles including consulting, accounting, banking and investment, research, software engineer, data scientist, international development, and government.

Real-world challenges often require multidisciplinary solutions. Our Natural Sciences degrees allow students to combine either traditional Joint-Honours degrees or transcend traditional subject boundaries, bringing together a range of ideas and disciplinary perspectives.

You can study for a BSc or MSci. Both qualifications allow you to design your own degree, majoring in at least one science subject: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology; with the possibility of studying a second science discipline, Anthropology, Business, Economics, Education, Geography, Philosophy or Sport & Exercise Sciences.

Focus on two subjects from the outset, or choose a broader range of modules across three or four subjects. These highly flexible courses include the opportunity to undertake a year abroad or a placement year, to develop additional skills and enjoy new experiences.

Natural Sciences is a challenging and rewarding choice for science students who wish to study more than one subject.

Rankings

• 90% of courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2024

• 50th in the World for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2024

• Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2024

• Natural Sciences: 2nd in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Facilities

You will have access to a wide range of facilities across multiple departments. Facilities will depend on the subject specialism but include laboratories, libraries, project spaces, lecture theatres, study and networking spaces as well as shared social spaces.

You will also benefit from excellent IT facilities including Learn Ultra, Durham’s virtual learning environment. You will have access to up to 1.6 million printed books, 25,000 eJournals and over 850,000 eBooks in the main library. Most departments are close to the historic centre of Durham which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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