Program Overview

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Natural Sciences

The four-year MSci is a cross-disciplinary research-focused degree that takes your study to a higher level. By combining sciences with subjects from across the wider university you can tailor your qualification to your specific interests and career goals.

Start Dates

• September 2026
• September 2025

Degree Type

MSci

Course Length

4 years full-time

Location

Durham City

UCAS Code

FGC0

Typical Offers

• A Level: A*AA
• International Baccalaureate: 38

Course Details

The MSci in Natural Sciences is one of our most flexible science courses. This challenging and rewarding four-year degree is ideal if your interests span multiple areas including at least one science. It offers the opportunity to build on your existing interests, explore new subjects and add a research element to your studies.

While following a similar structure to the BSc in the first three years, the MSci gives you the opportunity to study more advanced modules in the final year, to specialise in greater depth and to undertake a project.

Studying across disciplines, you’ll build knowledge and skills that you can put to use in a wide range of industries, both in the sciences and across a wider range of professions. The MSci provides a natural springboard to a career in academia or research.

MSci Joint Honours Degrees

The MSci Joint Honours degrees are available in the following combinations:

• Biology and Chemistry
• Biology and Physics
• Chemistry and Mathematics
• Chemistry and Physics

This route allows you to study two preferred subjects in all four years of study (in the first year there may be the opportunity to take modules in a third subject). You will graduate with a MSci Honours degree in two named subjects.

MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences

MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences allows you to self-build a degree from a range of subjects. At least one subject must be from:

• Group A: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics

where you specialise in at least one of the subjects in your final year. You may also select subjects from:

• Group B: Biology, Psychology, Anthropology, Business, Economics, Geography, Philosophy, Sport and Education

which may be taken in the first three years, but not Year 4.

Both degrees routes offer the opportunity to transfer onto the ‘with Placement’ pathway after Year 2 or 3, extending your studies from four years to five.

Year 1

You can study a minimum of two subjects and no more than four, this provides a solid foundation for second year study. You can choose to specialise by taking up to four modules in one Group A subject (listed above).

Year 2

Striking a balance between breadth and depth you can study either two or three subjects in your second year. As in Year 1, you can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group A.

Year 3

You can choose either two or three subjects. It is possible to specialise in greater depth by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group A. You can also opt to take a second-year module during this year.

Year 4

The final year includes a research project designed to consolidate your learning. In addition, you will take a selection of taught modules. Module availability can change, but those available to current MSci Joint Honours students are:

• Biology and Chemistry: Bioactive Chemistry 4; Biomolecular Analysis
• Biology and Physics: Atomic and Optical Physics; Biological Imaging; Theoretical Physics 4
• Chemistry and Mathematics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Modules from the Level 4 Mathematics list
• Chemistry and Physics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Atomic and Optical Physics; Theoretical Physics 4

Learning

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.

Entry Requirements

• A level offer: A*AA
• International Baccalaureate: 38

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 at A level is required in either Biology or Chemistry
• Chemistry: A*A at A level is required in Chemistry and Mathematics (either way round)
• Computer Science: A at A level is required in Mathematics
• Economics: A at A level is required in Mathematics
• Mathematics: AA at A level in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (either way round) is required, or A in Mathematics and A at AS Further Mathematics for students unable to take A Level Further Mathematics
• Physics: A*A at A level is required in Physics and Mathematics (either way round)

Fees and Funding

The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.

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 expected to rise throughout the programme of study.

Career Opportunities

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.

Department Information

Take a Joint-Honours degree or design your own bespoke qualification that allows you to combine subjects beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.

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

• 3rd in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2025

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.

Facilities

You will have access to a wide range of facilities across multiple departments. Most departments are close to the historic centre of Durham which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.