Natural Sciences BSc

Course overview

In recent years, the demand for scientists to tackle a variety of complex problems by bringing together the ideas of different disciplines has grown exponentially. Often, the challenges we face globally in areas such as sustainability in 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 what interests 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 Schools.

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 world-class research and 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:

• Take advantage of the world-leading research across our interdisciplinary research centres including Priestley International Centre for Climate, Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, Leeds Institute for Data Analytics and Bragg Centre for Materials Research which provide innovative R&D projects that impact a variety of industrial sectors.
• Experience expertise teaching delivered by a programme team made up of academics and researchers at the forefront of the industry who specialise in a variety of scientific disciplines.
• Put theory into practice, with access to 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.
• Tailor your degree to complement your interests with a fully flexible course made up of extensive optional modules that can be designed to suit your career aspirations.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our paid 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.

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Accreditation

Society for Natural Sciences

Accreditation ensures that a set of attributes and skills in core science subjects are achieved by students, and the degree programmes will be recognised by employers and professional organisations in that it provides and develops theoretical knowledge and practical skills in science subjects, while also enhancing interdisciplinary and transferable skills.

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.

The available subject options are biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics, and physics.

You can also undertake Discovery modules to broaden your academic experience and enhance your employability.

We offer two degree options: the MNatSc, BSc, a four-year Integrated Masters degree programme, and the BSc programme, which is a three-year course.

Years 1 and 2

You’ll initially study three subjects, from a choice of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics, and physics. This will enable you to work across more than one science discipline, specialising in two of these in year two.

In your second year, you’ll study one core module in interdisciplinary skills for natural scientists which will help advance your skills in research, scientific writing, scientific and professional ethics, personal development and planning. The rest of your modules are completely flexible, with many options available to suit your interests.

You can either study two subjects with equal weightings, or study two subjects with a major/minor split. You also have the option to study up to 20 credits of your third science or from discovery modules, such as a language or business course.

Year 3

You’ll study two sciences. You can choose to study the two subjects equally or as a major/minor split. You can also undertake discovery modules in your third year.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

To advance your skill set and boost your experience, you can apply to take up an industrial placement or study abroad at one of the many universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Our Natural Sciences programme is very flexible, meaning you can tailor the modules to your interests in accordance with the structure of the course outlined above. Learn more about how the course works.

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.

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

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 2 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Year 3 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

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 allows you to gain first-hand experience investigating and applying material from your lectures and tutorials to real life work 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 will receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme. Peer mentors are students who are on your course, but are in Years two or three. 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.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

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 are 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: 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 an alternative 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 alternative 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.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

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: £9,250 (per year)

International: £27,500 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will remain capped at £9,250 for 2023/24 and 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 international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 and 2024/25 are available on individual course pages.

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.

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 about additional costs.

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.

Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

This course is taught by

School of Chemistry

Contact us

School of Chemistry Undergraduate Admissions

Email: admissions@chem.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities available to you as a natural sciences graduate are extensive across numerous industries, with the potential to take you all over the world.

The natural sciences programmes here at Leeds have also been professionally accredited by the Society of Natural Sciences (SNS) and University of Leeds students are among the top five most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2022, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

For many graduates the natural progression is into postgraduate study, to further develop their research skills and subject knowledge. However, there are also many opportunities to immediately take up employment if you choose to the three-year Bachelor’s course.

Qualifying with a degree in natural sciences from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Finance
• Environment
• Food and drink
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Technology
• Education
• Healthcare
• Scientific research and development
• Legal

The breadth of subject knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, problem-solving, research, communication and IT skills you’ll develop on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our natural sciences graduates have obtained:

• DC Analyst, Barnett Waddingham
• Actuarial Trainee, Lloyds Banking Group
• Data Scientist, Expedia Group
• Data Product Consultant, Kubrick Group
• Information Officer in the Data Liaison Team, NHS Digital
• R&D Scientist: Genotyping and cloning research technician, Tropic Biosciences
• Financial Services Insurance Audit Graduate, KPMG UK
• Analyst, J.P. Morgan
• Actuarial Analyst, Lane Clark & Peacock

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.

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 will 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.

Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

This programme offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year.

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.

The optional study abroad year will extend your studies by 12 months.

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

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

The graduate recruitment market is highly competitive so it’s important that you stand out. An industrial placement could be the opportunity you need to impress potential employers 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
• All placements are salaried
• 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 will 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 work experience on the Careers website.

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