About Natural Sciences
Natural Sciences students are taught by leading scientists across eight schools who are working towards solutions to today’s global problems.
Natural Sciences has been designed as a flexible, tailored degree that aligns with your academic interests and career goals, enabling you to pursue your chosen disciplines to an advanced level and prepare for careers or further study in those fields. You'll benefit from research-led teaching on a programme accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences for its outstanding interdisciplinary education.
You begin studying three subjects in your first year from 21 available combinations of subjects that we call streams and gradually specialise over the course of your degree. Subjects available on Natural Sciences are:
| Archaeology |
Earth Science |
| Biology |
Ecosystems & Environment |
| Cancer Sciences |
Mathematics |
| Chemistry |
Physics |
| Computer Science (intercalated year) |
Psychology
|
Available Streams
- Archaeology-Biology-Chemistry
- Archaeology-Biology-Earth Science
- Archaeology-Earth Science-Chemistry
- Biology-Archaeology-Ecosystems & Environment
- Biology-Chemistry-Maths
- Biology-Physics-Maths
- Cancer Sciences-Biology-Chemistry
- Cancer Sciences-Biology-Psychology
- Chemistry-Earth Science-Maths
- Chemistry-Physics-Maths
- Ecosystems & Environment-Biology-Chemistry
- Ecosystems & Environment-Earth Science-Archaeology
- Earth Science-Biology-Chemistry
- Earth Science-Ecosystems & Environment-Biology
- Earth Science-Ecosystems & Environment-Chemistry
- Maths-Earth Science-Biology
- Maths-Psychology-Chemistry
- Physics-Earth Science-Maths
- Physics-Psychology-Maths
- Psychology-Biology-Chemistry
- Psychology-Biology-Maths
How does the course work?
Natural Sciences offers you the opportunity to study three subjects within a single, multidisciplinary degree. Each year, you'll take 40 credits from each of your subjects, developing both theoretical understanding and practical skills. You’ll study alongside students on single-subject degrees, ensuring the same academic depth, while benefiting from a broader, disciplinary perspective.
In your first year - you study 40-credits of each of the subjects in your stream alongside a module to develop your academic and transferable skills.
In your second year, you’ll choose two of your first-year subjects to continue, studying 40 credits in each at a deeper level. You’ll have opportunities to choose optional modules that align with your interests, building the knowledge needed for more advanced study. This year also strengthens your laboratory and problem-solving skills through practical work, alongside a Natural Sciences module focused on data analysis and experimental design.
In your third year, you continue with your two chosen subjects, taking a further 40 credits in each. You have greater freedom to specialise and develop expertise in the areas of your disciplines that support your research interests, or career goals. Alongside this, you will take an interdisciplinary project module, working collaboratively to connect ideas across scientific disciplines through a group research project.
If you pursue the MSci pathway, your fourth year focuses on a major research project, usually within one discipline but sometimes spanning multiple areas. You’ll also select advanced optional modules from one or both of your third-year subjects.
Optional Block
In your second and third years, you take a 20-credit optional block that lets you tailor your studies to your interests and future plans. Some options are required for later modules or research projects, while others give you the flexibility to explore new areas, including continuing your third subject or choosing free-choice courses outside the programme, such as languages or business, to enhance your skills.
Interdisciplinary Journey
Core Natural Sciences modules from the first to third year support your development as an interdisciplinary scientist. These modules help build a strong cohort identity and foster your ability to connect ideas across scientific disciplines. In Year 1, you’ll focus on essential skills for succeeding as a science student. In Year 2, Science and Society: Data and Bias explores who participates in science, who is excluded, and how science is communicated, enhancing your data analysis, critical thinking, and societal awareness.
A highlight of the course is the Year 3 synoptic project, a collaborative group project with students from other streams. You'll contribute your subject expertise and apply your learning in new, integrative ways.
Natural Sciences Programmes available:
Programmes which are not available to apply to directly are transferred to during your second year.