Natural Sciences BSc, MNatSc

Course overview

The need for scientists to tackle a variety of complex problems by bringing together the ideas of different disciplines has grown significantly in recent years.

Often, the challenges we face globally in areas such as sustainability, energy, material resources, and advancements in medicine need an interdisciplinary approach in order to gain a deeper understanding from multiple angles and ultimately provide solutions for the future. That’s why natural sciences graduates are highly sought after by an array of industries to bring their wide range of knowledge and skills to deliver invaluable insight into the issues of today.

Studying natural sciences at Leeds gives you the opportunity to branch out across scientific disciplines, learning the fundamental concepts of each, whilst tailoring the course to the areas that interest you the most. You’ll also be taught by expert academics, with the unique opportunity to get involved in active, real-world research happening across the University.

Here at Leeds, our courses are professionally accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences, giving you the industry recognised qualification needed to pursue a career in this sector.

You’ll also have access to specialist facilities right here on campus, alongside exciting opportunities like studying abroad and industrial work placements, to ensure you have the best grounding to head out into your professional career.

Why study at Leeds:

• This course is accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences.
• This is a fully flexible degree where you can study multiple disciplines in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics and physics.
• Our interdisciplinary research centres like the Priestley International Centre for Climate, Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics, the Centre for HealthTech Innovation and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research produce globally-renowned research that feeds directly into your course, shaping what you learn with the latest thinking.
• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers at the forefront of science who specialise in a variety of disciplines.
• Access our specialist facilities and laboratories that are fully equipped with the latest technology and research-grade equipment to provide a creative and stimulating learning environment.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our industrial work placement opportunities. Our close industry links have given previous students the chance to work at — and build professional relationships with — major organisations such as Unilever, Syngenta and Phillips 66.
• Gain invaluable life experience and advance your personal development with our exciting study abroad programmes, spanning across universities worldwide.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining the Natural Sciences Society where you can meet more of your peers, enjoy social events and attend careers events.

Related courses

Want to give your CV that competitive edge? Take a look at our degrees that include an industrial placement or study abroad year, giving you the opportunity to build key professional and personal skills that could set you apart in the jobs market when you graduate.

• Natural Sciences (with Industrial Experience) MNatSc, BSc
• Natural Sciences (International) MNatSc, BSc

Benefits of an integrated Masters

Learn more about what an integrated Masters is and how it can benefit your studies and boost your career.

Accreditation

Society for Natural Sciences

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

This course is accredited by the Society of Natural Sciences.

This integrated Masters degree (MNatSc, BSc) is accredited as providing students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in core science subjects, while also enhancing the interdisciplinary and transferable skills recognised by employers and professional organisations.

Course details

On this course, the concepts and language of multiple sciences are taught to you from the beginning. You’ll build solid foundations in three science subjects, coming to specialise in two subjects in your final year.

Our subject pathways cover a range of disciplines, providing a highly flexible course structure that you can tailor to fit your interests.

Throughout your time in Leeds, you'll be given guidance and support from academic staff to help plan your studies and subject choices to build a coherent degree programme tailored to your particular talents and interests.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course Structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read Natural Sciences MNatSci, BSc in the course catalogue.

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll initially study three subjects. You’ll study 30 credits of each of your three subjects, enabling you to work across more than one science discipline. Specific pathways within each subject area are described below.

All natural sciences students also take a 20-credit core module that covers key practical skills in an interdisciplinary context. This module will establish the interdisciplinary ethos behind your degree programme whilst also developing your experience of experimental design and proficiency in the presentation and analysis of scientific data to prepare you for further study and research throughout your university education and beyond.

Compulsory module

Practical Skills for Natural Scientists – 20 credits

This module provides a foundation in the practical and analytical skills required for further study in all branches of the natural sciences. You’ll conduct experiments across partner Schools, giving you the opportunity to build essential skills. You’ll also gain an insight into ethics, data analysis, mathematical and digital skills through computer-based workshops.

Optional modules

For year 1, you’ll take modules from three of the following subjects:

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Food Science and Nutrition
• Mathematics
• Physics.

Please note: Modules listed below are indicative of typical options. If you don’t have mathematics as one of your three subjects and do not have a B or above in mathematics A level, you’ll be required to take the following module:

• Maths for Scientists – 10 credits

If you don’t have mathematics as one of your three subjects and do have a B or above in mathematics A level, you’ll be required to take the following modules

• Mathematical Methods for Natural Scientists – 10 credits

Biochemistry

• The Molecules of Life – 10 credits
• Genes to Proteins – 20 credits

Biology

• The Diversity of Life – 10 credits
• Introduction to Genetics – 10 credits
• Exploring Whole Organism Biology in the Lab and Field – 10 credits

Chemistry

• Introduction to Modern Chemistry – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Fundamental Organic Chemistry for Biology and Synthesis – 10 credits
• Chemistry of the Material World – 10 credits

Environmental Science

Optional modules:

• Earth – 10 credits
• Water – 10 credits
• Atmosphere – 10 credits
• Weather – 10 credits
• Ecology – 10 credits

Food Science and Nutrition

• Introduction to Human Nutrition – 10 credits
• Food Safety and Preservation – 20 credits

Mathematics

• Core Mathematics – 40 credits

Physics

If you want to study physics, you’ll have to also choose mathematics as one of your three subjects.

• Core Physics 1 – 30 credits

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll specialise in two of the three subjects taken in your first year.

You'll take a minimum of 40 credits in each subject, with an additional 20 credits available for you to choose from a wide range of science options. This enables you to either study your two subjects with equal weightings, to study two subjects with a major/minor split, or to study up to 20 credits of another related science.

Fieldwork opportunities may be available in years 2 and 3 if you’re specialising in environment or biology.

Compulsory module

Interdisciplinary Skills and Programming for Natural Scientists – 20 credits

This module enhances your awareness of interdisciplinary science and the skills and professional benefits from having interdisciplinary science training. You’ll develop skills in scientific programming, scientific literacy, scientific writing for a general audience and scientific and professional ethics. Careers planning and professional development training will equip you with the ability to reflect on the skills gained and – with a focus on the flexibility and breadth of choice across disciplines within the Natural Sciences programme – help you plan your next steps into your professional career.

Optional modules

You’ll choose two subjects from your year 1 subject choices. Please note: Modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Biochemistry

• Biochemistry 1 – 20 credits
• Biochemistry for Natural Scientists – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Introduction to Drug Design – 10 credits
• Medical Immunology – 10 credits
• Chemotherapy – 10 credits
• Cell Biology of Disease – 10 credits

Biology

Optional modules:

• Skills in Experimental Design and Analysis – 20 credits
• How Plants Live – 20 credits
• Animal Physiology – 20 credits
• Population, Community and Conservation Ecology – 20 credits
• Evolution, Adaptation and Animal Behaviour – 20 credits
• Urban Ecology Field Course – 20 credits
• Human Populations – 10 credits
• Parasitology – 10 credits
• Human Genetics – 10 credits
• Introduction to Bioinformatics – 10 credits
• Sustainable Food Production – 10 credits

Chemistry

For year 2, you’ll take modules from one of the following subject pathways:

• Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry

Organic and Biological Chemistry pathway

• Structural and Quantitative Analysis and Synthetic Laboratory – 20 credits
• Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Introduction to Drug Design – 10 credits
• Chemistry of Materials: What They Are and How We Know – 10 credits
• Organometallics: From Bonding to Catalysis – 10 credits
• Specialisms in Chemical Science – 10 credits
• Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics – 10 credits
• Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change – 20 credits

Inorganic and Materials Chemistry pathway

• Structural and Quantitative Analysis and Synthetic Laboratory – 20 credits
• Chemistry of Materials: What They Are and How We Know – 10 credits
• Organometallics: From Bonding to Catalysis – 10 credits

Optional modules:

• Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics – 10 credits
• Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change – 20 credits
• Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life – 20 credits
• Specialisms in Chemical Science – 10 credits
• Introduction to Drug Design – 10 credits

Physical Chemistry pathway

• Chemical Specialisms, Physical and Analytical Laboratory – 20 credits
• Molecules, Energy, Quanta and Change – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Chemistry of Materials: What They Are and How We Know – 10 credits
• Organometallics: From Bonding to Catalysis – 10 credits
• Molecular Signatures: Spectroscopy and Chromatography – 10 credits
• Organic Chemistry: Structure, Reactions and the Science of Life – 20 credits
• Introduction to Drug Design – 10 credits

Environmental Science

• Environmental Measurements – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Meteorology – 10 credits
• Introductory Oceanography – 10 credits
• Climate Change: Science and Impacts – 10 credits
• Contaminated Environments – 20 credits
• Palaeoecology, Palaeobiology and Evolution – 10 credits
• Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics – 10 credits
• Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales – 10 credits
• Managing Biodiversity – 10 credits
• GIS for Geoscientists – 10 credits

Food Science and Nutrition

For year 2, you’ll take modules from one of the following subject pathways:

• Food Science
• Nutrition
• Food Science and Nutrition

Food Science pathway

• Introduction to Food Product Development – 10 credits
• Advanced Food Biochemistry – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Food Processing – 20 credits
• Food Analysis – 10 credits
• Advanced Food Safety and Quality Assurance – 20 credits

Nutrition pathway

Optional modules:

• Nutrition Across the Lifespan – 20 credits
• Human Biochemistry and Molecular Nutrition – 20 credits
• Food Allergy and Food Intolerance – 10 credits
• Nutritional Epidemiology – 20 credits

Food Science and Nutrition pathway

• Introduction to Food Product Development – 10 credits
• Advanced Food Biochemistry – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Food Processing – 20 credits
• Nutrition Across the Lifespan – 20 credits
• Food Allergy and Food Intolerance – 10 credits
• Food Analysis – 10 credits
• Advanced Food Safety and Quality Assurance – 20 credits

Mathematics

For year 2, you’ll take modules from one of the following subject pathways:

• Applied Mathematics
• Pure Mathematics
• Pure and Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics pathway

• Vector Calculus and Partial Differential Equations – 20 credits
• Mathematical Modelling – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Optimisation – 10 credits
• Calculus of Variations – 10 credits

Pure Mathematics pathway

• Further Linear Algebra and Discrete Mathematics – 20 credits
• Introduction to Logic – 10 credits
• Rings and Polynomials – 10 credits
• Optional modules:
• Optimisation – 10 credits
• Calculus of Variations – 10 credits

Pure and Applied Mathematics pathway

• Further Linear Algebra and Discrete Mathematics – 20 credits
• Vector Calculus and Partial Differential Equations – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Introduction to Logic – 10 credits
• Mathematical Modelling – 20 credits

Physics

• Core Physics 2: Statistical Mechanics & Condensed Matter – 20 credits
• Experimental and Computational Physics – 20 credits

Optional module:

• Core Physics 2: Quantum Physics – 20 credits

Year 3

In your third year, you'll continue to study the two subjects you have chosen to focus on in your second year.

You'll take a total of 100 credits of science modules, which will include at least 40 credits of each of your two subjects from a wide range of options available to suit your interests. You may choose to study your two subjects equally, or as a major/minor split.

Your training as an interdisciplinary scientist will be supported through a 20-credit project module taken by all natural sciences students. This module will develop your digital, research and communication skills, whilst also advancing your awareness of scientific careers in interdisciplinary environments. You'll be given opportunities to investigate an area of current scientific research in the natural sciences.

Compulsory module

Researching Global Grand Challenges in the Natural Sciences – 20 credits

Science does not take place in a vacuum, and so during this module in natural sciences you’ll have the opportunity to integrate and apply learning from other modules to benefit society and develop your global cultural awareness. You'll engage with global challenges identified with colleagues from our major science research centres and/or external partners.

Optional modules

You’ll continue to study your two subject choices from year 2. Please note: Modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Biochemistry

Optional modules:

• Advanced Topics in Molecular and Cellular Biology – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Structural Biology – 20 credits
• Advanced Skills in Biochemistry – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Microbiology 2 – 20 credits
• Cancer Biology – 20 credits

Biology

Optional modules:

• Plant Growth and Resources and Food Security – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Ecology – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Animal Behaviour – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Human Genetics – 20 credits
• Applied Genetics – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Conservation Science – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Evolution – 20 credits
• Plant Development – 20 credits
• Advanced Topics in Animal Science – 20 credits
• South Africa Field Course – 20 credits
• Animal Societies – 10 credits
• Evolution and Population Genetics – 10 credits
• Animal Development – 10 credits

Chemistry

For year 3, you’ll take modules from the same pathway you chose in year 2.

• Organic and Biological Chemistry
• Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry

Organic and Biological Chemistry pathway

Optional modules:

• Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry – 30 credits
• Advanced Chemistry Laboratory for Natural Scientists – 10 credits
• Advanced Chemistry Laboratory for Natural Scientists – 20 credits
• Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry – 20 credits
• Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry – 20 credits
• Medicinal Chemistry of Drug Development – 10 credits
• Quantum Mechanics and Bonding – 10 credits

Inorganic and Materials Chemistry pathway

Optional modules:

• Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry – 20 credits
• Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry – 30 credits
• Advanced Chemistry Laboratory for Natural Scientists – 10 credits
• Advanced Chemistry Laboratory for Natural Scientists – 20 credits
• Quantum Mechanics and Bonding – 10 credits
• Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry – 20 credits
• Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry – 30 credits
• Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry – 20 credits
• Medicinal Chemistry of Drug Development – 10 credits

Physical Chemistry pathway

Optional modules:

• Topics in Physical, Theoretical and Environmental Chemistry – 30 credits
• Advanced Chemistry Laboratory for Natural Scientists – 10 credits
• Advanced Chemistry Laboratory for Natural Scientists – 20 credits
• Topics in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry – 20 credits
• Topics in Organic, Bioorganic and Interdisciplinary Chemistry – 20 credits
• Medicinal Chemistry of Drug Development – 10 credits

Environmental Science

Optional modules:

• Observing Weather and Climate: Advanced Field Skills – 20 credits
• Earth System Science: Biogeochemical Cycles – 10 credits
• Dynamics of Weather Systems – 10 credits
• Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes – 10 credits
• Inverse Theory – 10 credits
• Ice in the Earth System – 10 credits
• Oceanography in the Earth System – 10 credits
• Earth Observations from Space – 10 credits
• Groundwater – 10 credits
• Atmospheric Pollution: Causes, Impact and Regulation – 10 credits
• Atmospheric Physics – 10 credits
• Practical Weather Forecasting – 10 credits
• Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System – 10 credits

Food Science and Nutrition

For year 3, you’ll continue on the same pathway you chose in year 2:

• Food Science
• Nutrition
• Food Science and Nutrition

Food Science pathway

Optional modules:

• How Ingredients Interact in Food – 20 credits
• Food Biotechnology – 10 credits
• Food Science and Nutrition: Recent Revelations and Disputes – 10 credits
• Digital Tools for Food Solutions – 10 credits
• Functional Foods – 10 credits
• Food Product Development: Interdisciplinary Team Project – 20 credits

Nutrition pathway

Optional modules:

• Nutrition Policy – 20 credits
• Food and Cancer – 10 credits
• Nutrition and Health – 10 credits
• Diet and Cardiovascular Health – 10 credits
• Functional Foods – 10 credits

Food Science and Nutrition pathway

Optional modules:

• How Ingredients Interact in Food – 20 credits
• Food Biotechnology – 10 credits
• Food Science and Nutrition: Recent Revelations and Disputes – 10 credits
• Diet and Cardiovascular Health – 10 credits
• Nutrition and Health – 10 credits
• Functional Foods – 10 credits
• Food Product Development: Interdisciplinary Team Project – 20 credits

Mathematics

For year 3, you’ll continue on the same pathway you chose in year 2:

• Applied Mathematics
• Pure Mathematics
• Pure and Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics pathway

• Methods of Applied Mathematics – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Entropy and Quantum Mechanics – 20 credits
• Fluid Dynamics – 20 credits
• Mathematical Biology – 20 credits
• Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Chaos – 20 credits

Pure Mathematics pathway

• Groups and Symmetry – 20 credits

Optional modules:

• Graph Theory and Combinatorics – 20 credits
• Proof and Computation – 20 credits
• Numbers and Codes – 20 credits

Pure and Applied Mathematics pathway

Optional modules:

• Methods of Applied Mathematics – 20 credits
• Groups and Symmetry – 20 credits
• Graph Theory and Combinatorics – 20 credits
• Entropy and Quantum Mechanics – 20 credits
• Fluid Dynamics – 20 credits
• Proof and Computation – 20 credits
• Numbers and Codes – 20 credits
• Mathematical Biology – 20 credits
• Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Chaos – 20 credits

Physics

Optional modules:

• Advanced Topics – 40 credits
• Advanced Techniques in Physics (Joint Honours) – 20 credits
• Computer Simulations – 20 credits
• Magnetism in Condensed Matter – 20 credits
• Group Innovation Project – 20 credits
• Quantum Photonics – 20 credits
• Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics – 20 credits

Year 4

Compulsory modules

Research Project

In your final year, you’ll take a major research project in one of your disciplines or an interdisciplinary project joint between two schools. The project is your chance to showcase the broad range of skills you’ve developed and apply your knowledge gained throughout the course to a real-world topic.

Optional modules

You’ll continue to study your two subject choices from year 3. Please note: Modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

Biochemistry

Optional modules:

• High-Throughput Technologies – 15 credits
• Advanced Immunology – 15 credits
• Advanced Biomolecular Technologies – 15 credits
• Medical Diagnostics – 15 credits
• Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer – 15 credits

Biology

Optional modules:

• Community Ecology – 15 credits
• Advanced Statistics – 15 credits
• Introduction to GIS Skills for Ecologists – 15 credits
• Population Dynamics – 15 credits
• African Field Ecology – 15 credits
• Topics in Plant Science – 15 credits
• Infectious and Non-infectious Disease – 15 credits
• Global Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture – 15 credits
• Crop Production in a Changing Environment – 15 credits
• Sustainable Diets and Protein Production – 15 credits
• Conservation Decision Science – 15 credits
• Equitable Sustainability – 15 credits
• Crop Science and Plant Biotechnology – 15 credits
• Circular Approaches to Sustainable Agri-Food Systems – 15 credits
• Agri-Environmental Monitoring, Economics and Policy – 15 credits

Chemistry

Optional modules:

• Advanced Topics in Chemistry – 15 credits
• Advanced Topics in Chemistry – 30 credits
• Advanced Topics in Chemistry – 45 credits

Environmental Science

Optional modules:

• Observing Weather and Climate: Advanced Field Skills – 15 credits
• Climate and Environmental Policy and Governance – 15 credits
• Oceanography in the Earth System – 15 credits
• Dynamics of Weather Systems – 15 credits
• Weather, Climate and Air Quality – 30 credits
• Biogeochemical Cycles of the Earth System – 15 credits
• Ice in the Earth System – 15 credits
• Advanced Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics – 15 credits
• Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System – 15 credits

Food Science and Nutrition

For year 4, you’ll continue on the same pathway you chose in year 3:

• Food Science
• Nutrition
• Food Science and Nutrition

Food Science pathway

Optional modules

• Colloid Science – 15 credits
• Food Biotechnology – 15 credits
• Food Science and Nutrition: Recent Revelations and Disputes – 15 credits
• Nutrition Across the Lifespan – 15 credits
• Food Chemistry and Biochemistry – 15 credits
• Food Systems and Sustainability – 15 credits
• Advanced Food Biotechnology – 15 credits
• Food Processing – 15 credits
• Digital Tools for Food Solutions – 15 credits
• Nutrition and Health – 15 credits

Nutrition pathway

Optional modules:

• Nutrition Across the Lifespan – 15 credits
• Human Biochemistry and Molecular Nutrition – 15 credits
• Nutrition Policy – 15 credits
• Food Biotechnology – 15 credits
• Food Science and Nutrition Research: Recent Revelations and Disputes – 15 credits
• Nutrition and Health – 15 credits
• Epidemiology and Dietary Research Methods – 15 credits
• Food Systems and Sustainability – 15 credits
• Sustainable Food Consumption – 15 credits
• Advanced Food Biotechnology – 15 credits
• Health Promotion: Applications of Theory and Practice – 15 credits

Food Science and Nutrition pathway

Optional modules:

• Colloid Science – 15 credits
• Nutrition Policy – 15 credits
• Food Biotechnology – 15 credits
• Food Science and Nutrition Research: Recent Revelations and Disputes – 15 credits
• Nutrition Across the Lifespan – 15 credits
• Food Chemistry and Biochemistry – 15 credits
• Health Promotion: Applications of Theory and Practice – 15 credits
• Food Systems and Sustainability – 15 credits
• Advanced Food Biotechnology – 15 credits
• Food Processing – 15 credits
• Epidemiology and Dietary Research Methods – 15 credits
• Digital Tools for Food Solutions – 15 credits
• Nutrition and Health – 15 credits

Mathematics

For year 4, you’ll continue on the same pathway you chose in year 3:

• Applied Mathematics
• Pure Mathematics
• Pure and Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics pathway

Optional modules:

• Evolutionary Dynamics – 15 credits
• Advanced Mathematical Methods – 15 credits
• Astrophysical and Geophysical Fluids – 15 credits
• Environmental and Industrial Flows – 15 credits
• Hamiltonian Systems and Solutions – 15 credits

Pure Mathematics pathway

Optional modules:

• Models and Sets – 15 credits
• Algebras and Representations – 15 credits
• Topology – 15 credits

Pure and Applied Mathematics pathway

Optional modules:

• Evolutionary Dynamics – 15 credits
• Advanced Mathematical Methods – 15 credits
• Astrophysical and Geophysical Fluids – 15 credits
• Environmental and Industrial Flows – 15 credits
• Hamiltonian Systems and Solutions – 15 credits
• Models and Sets – 15 credits
• Algebras and Representations – 15 credits
• Topology – 15 credits

Physics

Optional modules:

• Soft Matter Physics: Liquid Crystals – 15 credits
• Quantum Many-Body Physics – 15 credits
• Advanced Bionanophysics Research – 15 credits
• Superconductivity – 15 credits
• Soft Matter Physics: Polymers, Colloids and Glasses – 15 credits
• Quantum Field Theory – 15 credits
• Quantum Information Science and Technology – 15 credits
• General Relativity – 15 credits
• Current Research Topics in Physics – 15 credits
• Advanced Physics in Schools – 15 credits
• Physics of Biological Systems – 15 credits
• Nanomagnetism – 15 credits
• Group Sustainable Innovation Project – 15 credits

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either work in a one-year industrial placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Learning and teaching

As a natural sciences student at Leeds, we ensure that you benefit from a wide range of teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, small group tutorials, and practical work.

Laboratory classes and project work allow you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real-life situations. Together, they will equip you with in-depth knowledge, key practical skills and transferable skills that will help you secure a graduate job. Our close links with industry also mean that you have direct contact with industry and potential employers from an early stage in your course.

You’ll be assigned a personal tutor to guide you through your studies, and you'll receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course, but are in years 2, 3, or 4. They’ll help you when you arrive at University and throughout your first year. You’ll meet your peer mentors during your first week for a social activity.

Taster lectures

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Transition metal chemistry: controlling nanosized metallo-cages
• How Do Reactions Behave in Very Cold Environments? A Journey from Earth to Deep Space
• Playing with Infinity ∞ Two Famous Infinite Series
• What does it mean to be round?
• Hierarchical biomechanics: approaches for understanding materials & mechanics across lengthscales
• The design of healthier food

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Most modules are assessed by more than one component. Components can include examinations, assignments, written reports, presentations and oral discussions throughout the programme, which will build up your skills in these areas.

The majority of subject combinations will require you to write a dissertation as part of your degree, however, assessments may vary between modules with some requiring additional practical lab work, fieldwork or other data-driven projects.

In your final year, alongside assessed theory modules, you’ll perform a major research project under the guidance of a member of academic staff, which will contribute to the final mark you’re awarded.

Entry requirements

A-level: A*AA including sciences relating to pathway.

Your A-level subject combination must enable the study of 3 subjects in year 1. See table below for details of which A-level is required to study which subject on the course.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: GCSE: English Language grade C (4) and Mathematics grade B (6) or above, or an appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification and International Project Qualification: Whilst we recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, we do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: AAB including sciences relating to pathway and pass Access to Leeds.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any one component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £32,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

The University will provide you with personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and a lab coat, and laboratory notebooks you’ll need to undertake laboratory work. You’ll also have access to a vast supply of books, academic journals and periodicals from the university libraries however you may wish to purchase some books that are recommended on the course.

This course requires work using a range of relevant software which is provided by the university. We also use a blended learning model where you’ll need to access course materials and video conferences using a computer or mobile device (e.g. laptop, tablet, smartphone).

You’ll have access to the extensive IT facilities on campus including 24/7 computer clusters with everything you need to complete your work however you may wish to purchase your own computer.

Depending on your chosen sciences, optional field courses may be available and could require payment of travel and accommodation.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Chemistry
Faculty of Biological Sciences
School of Mathematics
School of Physics and Astronomy
School of Earth and Environment
School of Food Science and Nutrition

Contact us

School of Chemistry Undergraduate Admissions

Email: chmadmis@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements, so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You'll be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more about Study abroad.

Work placements

A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our natural sciences students have recently completed:

• Crystallography Group Industrial Placement, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
• Laboratory Technician, Phillips 66
• Trainee Geologist, Leap Environmental
• Formulation student based at Unilever R&D Leeds, Unilever
• Energy Analyst, Arcus FM
• Industrial Trainee in Formulation Chemistry, Syngenta
• Chemistry Annual Placement, Tata Steel
• Supply Chain and Procurement Assistant, The Meatless Farm Co.
• Audit, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Find out more about Industrial placements.