| UCAS code | FGC0 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Natural Sciences |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: AAA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: AAC |
| UCAS code | FGC1 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Discipline | Natural Sciences |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A levels: AAA |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: AAC |
Overview
- A true Natural Sciences programme specially designed to let you work across all the sciences without pathways or boundaries
- Study at the frontiers of knowledge and take an active part in research - many of our students are publishing their work as early as year 2
- Be part of a close community of highly skilled and recognised scientists
- Contribute to our understanding of critical global issues, such as climate change, ageing society, food security and urbanisation
- Encourages you to follow your interests and develop your own ideas as an independent scientist and researcher
3rd in the UK for Natural Sciences
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Study across Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics
Spend time at a university abroad as part of your degree
Varied and exciting career options
Our students go on to excel in a huge variety of roles after graduating, including studying for a PhD.
Accreditations
This programme is accredited to meet the educational requirements of the Society of Natural Sciences (SocNatSci).
I chose the Natural Sciences course because of its versatility. I loved all sciences and couldn’t decide which to choose before uni, so this course allowed me to do my favourite aspects of them all.
It’s also great as the future of sciences is multidisciplinary so this course allows you to become a scientist that is able to possess skills across many disciplines. My favourite thing about studying in Exeter is the support network. The course leaders are so supportive and are always available to help you no matter how small the issue. That goes for the students too, the course is small so you get to know everyone really well, and this leads to an amazing community.
Ellie
Studying Natural Sciences MSci at the University of Exeter
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | AAA | A in Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Further Mathematics and A in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics |
| IB | 36/666 | HL6 in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches) and HL6 in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics (Applicants with Mathematics SL7 plus HL6 in two from Physics, Chemistry or Biology will also be considered) |
| BTEC | DDD | Applicants studying a BTEC Extended Diploma are also required to achieve grade A at A' Level in Mathematics and grade A at A' Level in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics |
| GCSE | 4 or C | Grade 4/C in GCSE English language |
| Access to HE | 30 L3 credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade | 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in an acceptable Mathematics subject area and 15 L3 credits at Distinction Grade in either a Biology, Chemistry or Physics subject area |
| T-Level | T-Levels not accepted | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: AAC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
International Foundation programmes
Preparation for entry to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree:
Course content
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Your first year will be made up of four modules through which you’ll be introduced to interdisciplinary research, ideas and philosophy which form the basis of Natural Sciences. You’ll explore experimental science in the lab where you’ll complete a series of experiments that complement your lectures.
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NSC1002 | Mathematics and Computing: Integrative Tools for Natural Sciences | 30 |
| NSC1003 | Foundations in Natural Science | 60 |
| NSC1004 | Experimental Science | 15 |
| NSC1005 | Frontiers in Science 1 | 15 |
As you move in to your second year a wide range of optional modules from across physics, biology, maths and natural sciences will be available, giving you a great amount of freedom to follow your interests. You’ll also design, build and run an extended experiment as part of ‘Frontiers of Science 2’.
Up to 30 credits may be taken from other relevant University modules, for which you have the necessary pre-requisites, and with agreement with your Personal Tutor.
30 credits of compulsory modules, at least 60 credits of optional modules and up to 30 credits of elective modules.
You must select at least four optional modules from the list below. The remaining 30 credits will usually also be taken from the list below. However, exceptionally, up to 30 credits may instead be taken from other relevant University modules, for which you have the necessary pre-requisites, and with agreement with your Personal Tuto or Natural Sciences leadership team.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NSC2001 | Frontiers in Science 2 | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NatSci BSc-MSci Stage 2 optional modules 2023-4 | ||
| BIO2076 | Ecology and Environment | 15 |
| BIO2085 | Structure and Reactivity of Organic Compounds II | 15 |
| BIO2088 | Advanced Cell Biology | 15 |
| BIO2090 | Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry | 15 |
| BIO2091 | Bioinorganic Chemistry | 15 |
| BIO2092 | Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics | 15 |
| MTH2003 | Differential Equations | 15 |
| MTH2004 | Vector Calculus and Applications | 15 |
| NSC2002 | Physical Chemistry | 15 |
| NSC2003 | Introduction to Numerics and Simulation for Scientists | 15 |
| PHY2021 | Electromagnetism I | 15 |
| PHY2022 | Quantum Mechanics I | 15 |
| PHY2023 | Thermal Physics | 15 |
| PHY2024 | Condensed Matter I | 15 |
| PHY2029 | The Physics of Living Systems | 15 |
| PHY2030 | Observing the Universe | 15 |
Your third year includes two major projects. The Research Project will see you working on current research being undertaken by one of the University’s research groups and will form the first part of a two-part 90 credit project, extended over years three and four. The Group Project will involve working as a team with other third year students to complete a project of your choosing. Group projects typically involve a piece of scientific research, but could also be related to outreach, widening participation or work aimed at encouraging greater gender equality within the sciences. In addition to these projects you will choose three optional modules. An indicative list is provided below but this list is not exhaustive and you are encouraged to look at the range of modules on offer across the University.
During your third year, you can choose to take a Semester Abroad (60 credits), instead of the Group Project (30 credits) and two of the elective 15 credit modules.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
You must select 60 credits of optional and elective modules at least 30 of which must be at level 6. You may select up to 30 credits from the Stage 2 (level 5) optional module list (see above) assuming you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module. You may also take other relevant University modules for which you have the necessary pre-requisites, and with agreement with your Personal Tutor. An indicative list of optional modules is provided below but this list is not exhaustive and you are encouraged to look at the range of modules on offer across the University.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NSC3002 | MSci Research Project 1 | 30 |
| NSC3003 | Group Project | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NatSci BSc-MSci Stage 3 optional modules 2023-4 | ||
| BIO3037 | Ecology of Environmental Change | 15 |
| BIO3041 | Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry | 15 |
| BIO3073 | Specialist Topics in Chemical Sciences | 15 |
| BIO3077 | Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology | 15 |
| BIO3089 | Organic Synthesis and Drug Design | 15 |
| BIO3092 | Bioinformatics | 15 |
| MTH3006 | Mathematical Biology and Ecology | 15 |
| MTH3007 | Fluid Dynamics | 15 |
| MTH3019 | Mathematics: History and Culture | 15 |
| MTH3030 | Mathematics of Climate Change | 15 |
| MTH3047 | Mathematics for Environment and Sustainability | 15 |
| NSC3007 | Macromolecular and Supramolecular Chemistry | 15 |
| NSC3010 | Principles and Applications of Molecular Statistics | 15 |
| NSC3009 | Aerosols, Clouds and Climate | 15 |
| PHY3052 | Nuclear and High Energy Particle Physics | 15 |
| PHY3061 | The Biophysics of Cells and Tissues | 15 |
| PHY3067 | Energy and the Environment | 15 |
In your final year you’ll work in pairs and continue to work on the research project you started in Year 3. For the remaining duration of the project you’ll become a member of the research group, gaining a valuable insight into scientific research, but will also have an opportunity to make a real contribution to this research. In addition to this project you will have the freedom to choose 60 credits worth of optional modules. An indicative list is provided below but this list is not exhaustive and you are encouraged to look at the range of modules on offer across the University.
60 credits of compulsory modules and 60 credits of optional or elective modules (including NSCM002)
Elective modules may be taken from other relevant Masters level (level 7) University modules for which you have the necessary pre-requisites, and with agreement with your Personal Tutor. You must select a total of 120 credits at Masters level (level 7). An indicative list of optional modules is provided below but this list is not exhaustive and you are encouraged to look at the range of modules on offer across the University.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NSCM001 | MSci Research Project 2 | 60 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| NatSci MSci Stage 4 optional modules 2023-4 | ||
| BIOM514 | Secondary Metabolites | 15 |
| BIOM528 | Advanced Topics in Biological Sciences | 15 |
| MTHM018 | Dynamical Systems and Chaos | 15 |
| MTHM019 | Fluid Dynamics of Atmospheres and Oceans | 15 |
| MTHM025 | The Climate Change | 15 |
| MTHM030 | Waves, Instabilities and Turbulence | 15 |
| MTHM031 | Magnetic Fields and Fluid Flows | 15 |
| NSCM002 | MSci Research Project 2 Extension | 15 |
| NSCM005 | Mathematical Modelling in Biology and Medicine | 15 |
| NSCM006 | Advanced Topics in Natural Sciences Chemistry I | 15 |
| NSCM007 | Advanced Topics in Natural Sciences Chemistry II | 15 |
| PHYM002 | Quantum Mechanics II | 15 |
| PHYM003 | Condensed Matter II | 15 |
| PHYM008 | Physical Methods in Biology and Medicine | 15 |
| PHYM012 | Solar and Extra-Solar Planets and Their Atmospheres | 15 |
| BIOM555 | Bioimaging | 15 |
Course variants
UCAS code: FGC1
Our MSci Natural Sciences degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a semester abroad, during your third year, at one of our world-class partner universities.
While abroad you’ll get the chance to study specialist material particular to your host university. Destinations may vary and we encourage you to view our study abroad webpages for up to date information.
Does it count towards my degree?
Yes, Your semester abroad counts towards 60 credits of your third year, with your mark being calculated at Exeter. This is taken instead of the Group Project (30 credits) and two of the elective 15 credit modules.
How do I apply?
You can apply for this programme through UCAS using the code at the top of this page. You can also transfer to the ‘with International Study’ programme from MSci Natural Sciences during your first year.
Fees
Tuition fees for 2024 entry
UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £29,700 per year
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Learning and teaching
Our Natural Sciences degree will place you at the heart of a community of internationally respected scientists, who are exploring some of the most important developments of the future, and whose enthusiasm for research is matched by their passion for teaching. We believe every student benefits from being part of a research-inspired culture and being taught by experts – you will discuss the very latest ideas in seminars and tutorials.
You will learn through practical work, problem-solving, project work, team work and research projects - key qualities for success for the rest of your degree and your future career. Working through examples, solving problems and developing your mathematical and analytical skills are a vital part of being a scientist, so coursework forms a component of most modules. Modules will have a reading list that might consist of chapters from textbooks and research articles from journals.
Excellent student-to-staff ratios, small group tutorials and accessible staff will mean you’re well supported throughout your degree. In all years you will be offered personal tutoring in small groups with an academic who you will see every week.
You will be expected to undertake independent and self-motivated study as part of your degree and should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time. We will support you in learning to work independently and becoming a scientific thinker – these skills are not easy to acquire but we will be on-hand to guide you throughout the programme.
Assessment
You will be assessed in all years through a variety of means. These will include coursework, exams, written reports or presentations amongst others. You must pass your first year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification and the assessment will not disadvantage students who did not study all subjects at A level.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Law
- Social Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
Your future
Our aim is to teach a syllabus that you will find intellectually challenging, rewarding and stimulating. In addition, to help you develop as a scientist so that you can make a real contribution to the exciting research taking place at the University of Exeter and to important scientific developments long after your graduation.
Many employers look for graduates with a background in a broad based multidisciplinary science degree, as it allows them to tackle problems holistically.
This course will help you to develop a wide range of key skills for employment and further study such as analytical problem solving, teamwork, and organising and communicating information.
Graduates of this degree are highly employable and have found positions working in a wide variety of related roles including laboratory-based positions, industry, law, business, management, teaching and government.
Career Paths
The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Natural Sciences but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:
- Academic Researcher Auditor
- Bioinformatics Research Assistant
- Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Adviser
- Research and Development Scientist
- Risk Culture Business Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Trainee Operational Meteorologist
