(Full time) 2023 start
Natural Sciences BSc, MNatSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
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 (SNS), 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
Graduate with an SNS accredited degree from a university ranked in the Top 100 in the world, QS World University Rankings 2022.
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.
Accreditation
This degree is accredited by the Society of Natural Sciences (SNS).
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.
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Course content
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 one and two
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 three
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.
(Optional) One-year 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. Both of these options will extend your degree by 12 months and take place between the second and third year. You then return to Leeds to complete your final year.
Year four (MNatSc)
If you choose the MNatSc, BSc programme, you’ll study two sciences and undertake a major research project in year four, where you’ll have full use of our research laboratories. The project can be based solely in one scientific area or you could do an interdisciplinary project, building on your knowledge of two sciences. You’ll work collaboratively with your supervisors throughout the project, who’ll be experts in your particular research area.
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.
Modules
Year 1
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- The Molecules of Life 10 credits
- Integrated Skills in Biosciences 1 20 credits
- Research and Study Skills Level 1 - Joint Honours 5 credits
- Introduction to Cell Biology: from Molecules to Cells and Tissues 10 credits
- The Diversity of Life 10 credits
- Applied Biology and Agriculture 10 credits
- Introduction to Genetics 10 credits
- Practical Genetics 10 credits
- Introduction to Pharmacology 10 credits
- Chemistry 1: Bonding and Behaviour 20 credits
- Chemistry 2A: Energy and Structure 15 credits
- Chemistry 2B: structure and transformation 15 credits
- Chemistry: The Interdisciplinary Science 10 credits
- Practical Chemistry for Natural Scientists 5 credits
- The Basis of Life 20 credits
- Key Industrial Processing Operations for Food 20 credits
- Principles of Human Physiology and Nutrition 20 credits
- Calculus and Mathematical Analysis 10 credits
- Numbers and Vectors 10 credits
- Introductory Linear Algebra 10 credits
- Modelling with Differential Equations 10 credits
- Introductory Mathematics for Natural Scientists 5 credits
- Stars and Galaxies 10 credits
- Planets and the Search for Life 10 credits
- Laboratory 1a (Joint Honours) 5 credits
- Quantum Mechanics and Electricity (Joint Honours) 15 credits
- Vibrations and Thermal Physics (Joint Honours) 20 credits
- Maths 1- Scalars and Vectors 10 credits
- Maths 2- Multivariable Calculus 10 credits
- Introduction to Nanotechnology 10 credits
- Ecology 10 credits
- Atmosphere 10 credits
- Weather 10 credits
- Water 10 credits
- Earth 10 credits
Year 2
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Genetic Engineering 10 credits
- Genes and Genomes 20 credits
- Biological Membranes and Cell Signalling 10 credits
- Human Diseases 10 credits
- Integrated Skills for Biosciences 2 20 credits
- Parasitology 10 credits
- Animal Nutrition and Metabolism 20 credits
- Population and Community Ecology 20 credits
- How Plants Work 10 credits
- Human Populations 10 credits
- Experimental Design and Analysis 10 credits
- Introduction to Bioinformatics 10 credits
- Animal Behaviour 10 credits
- Organismal Evolution 10 credits
- Sustainable Food Production 10 credits
- Animal Developmental Biology 10 credits
- Animal Physiology 10 credits
- Human Genetics 10 credits
- Terrestrial Ecology and Behaviour Field Course 10 credits
- Chemotherapy 10 credits
- Structure and Synthesis of Materials 10 credits
- Organic Chemistry: Conformation, Configuration & Reactivity 10 credits
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics 10 credits
- Structure and Spectroscopy 10 credits
- Organometallic Compounds and their Applications 10 credits
- Introduction to Drug Design 10 credits
- Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Pericyclic, Heterocyclic and Bioorganic Chemistry 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics and Bonding 10 credits
- Analytical and Applied Chemistry 10 credits
- Laboratory Work 2b 10 credits
- Molecules Controlling Sensory and Nutritional Properties 20 credits
- Food Processing: From Farm to Shop 10 credits
- Food Colloids: Formulation of Creamy, Fatty and Bubbly Foods 20 credits
- Microbiological and Chemical Food Safety 20 credits
- Food Analysis 10 credits
- Food and the Allergic Reaction 10 credits
- Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease 20 credits
- Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease 10 credits
- Introduction to Food Product Development 10 credits
- Food Quality Assurance 10 credits
- Principles of Research: Diet in Populations 10 credits
- Physiology II - Integration Between Physiology and Nutrition 10 credits
- Real Analysis 15 credits
- Logic 10 credits
- Logic with Computation 15 credits
- Geometry of Curves and Surfaces 10 credits
- Further Linear Algebra 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics with Computation 15 credits
- Vector Calculus 15 credits
- Linear Differential Equations and Transforms 15 credits
- Nonlinear Differential Equations 10 credits
- Numerical Analysis 10 credits
- Numerical Analysis with Computation 15 credits
- Fluid Dynamics 1 10 credits
- Introduction to Optimisation 10 credits
- Calculus of Variations 10 credits
- Probability and Statistics for Scientists 15 credits
- Cell Biology of Disease 10 credits
- Molecular Virology 10 credits
- Medical Bacteriology 10 credits
- Medical Immunology 10 credits
- Medical Virology 10 credits
- Introduction to Scientific Programming 10 credits
- Interdisciplinary Skills for Natural Scientists 10 credits
- Experimental Physics (For NatSci & Joint Honours) 10 credits
- Physics 3- Fields and Energy 25 credits
- Physics 4- Quantum and Nuclear Physics 25 credits
- Electromagnetism (Joint Honours) 15 credits
- Quantum Mechanics (Joint Honours) 15 credits
- Maths 3- Matrices and Operators 10 credits
- Maths 4- Transforms and Partial Differential Equations 10 credits
- Chemistry of the Earth 10 credits
- Meteorology 10 credits
- Introductory Oceanography 10 credits
- Palaeoecology, Palaeobiology and Evolution 10 credits
- Climate Change: Science and Impacts 10 credits
- Climate Change: Society and Human Dimensions 10 credits
- Contaminated Environments 20 credits
- Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics 10 credits
- Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales 10 credits
- Atmospheric Physics 10 credits
- Introduction to Geophysics 10 credits
- GIS for Geoscientists 10 credits
- Environmental Policy and Governance 10 credits
- Managing Biodiversity 10 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Advanced Topics in Biochemistry I 20 credits
- Laboratory/Literature/Computing Research Project 40 credits
- Advanced Topics in Biochemistry 2 20 credits
- Advanced Topics in Biochemistry 3 20 credits
- Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 1 20 credits
- Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 2 20 credits
- Advanced Topics for Biological Sciences 3 20 credits
- Biotechnology Research Project 20 credits
- Research Project 20 credits
- Applied Animal Science 10 credits
- Applied Genetics 20 credits
- Social Insect Biology 10 credits
- Advanced Topics in Ecology 20 credits
- Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death 20 credits
- Advanced Topics in Human Genetics 20 credits
- Plant Growth, Resources and Food Security 20 credits
- Applied Plant Science 10 credits
- Advanced Topics in Evolution 20 credits
- Evolution and Population Genetics 10 credits
- Advanced Topics in Conservation Science 20 credits
- Animal Developmental Biology 10 credits
- Plant Developmental Biology 10 credits
- Animal Nutrition Science 20 credits
- Biology Integrated Research Projects 40 credits
- Structure and Synthesis of Materials 10 credits
- Organic Chemistry: Conformation, Configuration & Reactivity 10 credits
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics 10 credits
- Organometallic Compounds and their Applications 10 credits
- Introduction to Drug Design 10 credits
- Organic Chemistry: Introduction to Pericyclic, Heterocyclic and Bioorganic Chemistry 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics and Bonding 10 credits
- Analytical and Applied Chemistry 10 credits
- Advanced Organometallics and Catalysis 10 credits
- Chemical Bonding and Reactivity 10 credits
- The Medicinal Chemistry of Drug Development 10 credits
- Organic Synthesis 10 credits
- Atmospheric Chemistry 10 credits
- Properties and Applications of Materials 10 credits
- Chemistry at the Molecular Level 10 credits
- Reactivity in Organic Chemistry - Principles and Applications 10 credits
- Supramolecular and Macromolecular Chemistry 10 credits
- Literature-based Project Work 10 credits
- Ethical Issues in Chemistry 10 credits
- Laboratory-based Project Work 2M 20 credits
- Chemistry into Schools 20 credits
- Laboratory Work 2M 20 credits
- Combinatorial Optimisation 10 credits
- Graph Algorithms and Complexity Theory 10 credits
- Food Processing: From Farm to Shop 10 credits
- Innovation and Design Principles for Foods 10 credits
- Functionality and Interactions of Components in Food Products 10 credits
- How Ingredients Interact in Foods 20 credits
- Critical Appraisal of Scientific Literature 10 credits
- Food Science and Nutrition Research: Recent Revelations and Disputes 10 credits
- Critical Appraisal of Scientific Literature 20 credits
- Functional Foods 10 credits
- Food and Cancer 10 credits
- Food Product Development - Team Project 30 credits
- Real Analysis 15 credits
- Logic 10 credits
- Logic with Computation 15 credits
- Geometry of Curves and Surfaces 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics 10 credits
- Discrete Mathematics with Computation 15 credits
- Linear Differential Equations and Transforms 15 credits
- Nonlinear Differential Equations 10 credits
- Numerical Analysis 10 credits
- Numerical Analysis with Computation 15 credits
- Fluid Dynamics 1 10 credits
- Calculus of Variations 10 credits
- Statistical Methods 10 credits
- Introduction to Markov Processes 10 credits
- Survival Analysis 10 credits
- Mathematics into Schools 10 credits
- Project in Mathematics 20 credits
- Calculus in the Complex Plane 15 credits
- Graph Theory 15 credits
- Proof and Computation 15 credits
- Differential Geometry 15 credits
- Combinatorics 15 credits
- Hamiltonian Systems 15 credits
- Mathematical Methods 15 credits
- Linear and Non-Linear Waves 15 credits
- Hydrodynamic Stability 15 credits
- Quantum Mechanics 15 credits
- Nonlinear Dynamics 15 credits
- Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations 15 credits
- Introduction to Entropy in the Physical World 15 credits
- Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
- Modern Numerical Methods 15 credits
- Mathematical Biology 15 credits
- Evolutionary Modelling 15 credits
- Fluid Dynamics 2 15 credits
- Statistical Theory 15 credits
- Generalised Linear Models 10 credits
- Cosmology 15 credits
- Photonics 15 credits
- Joint Honours (Science): Project 20 credits
- Molecular Simulation: Theory and Practice 15 credits
- Star and Planet Formation 15 credits
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics 15 credits
- Quantum Photonics 15 credits
- Quantum Matter 15 credits
- Magnetism in Condensed Matter 15 credits
- Statistical Mechanics 15 credits
- Advanced Mechanics 15 credits
- Bionanophysics 1 15 credits
- Theoretical Elementary Particle Physics 15 credits
- Physics in Schools 15 credits
- Advanced Lab (MNatSci) 20 credits
- Chemistry of the Earth 10 credits
- Meteorology 10 credits
- Introductory Oceanography 10 credits
- Palaeoecology, Palaeobiology and Evolution 10 credits
- Climate Change: Society and Human Dimensions 10 credits
- Contaminated Environments 20 credits
- Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics 10 credits
- Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales 10 credits
- Atmospheric Physics 10 credits
- Introduction to Geophysics 10 credits
- GIS for Geoscientists 10 credits
- Managing Biodiversity 10 credits
- Earth System Science: Biogeochemical Cycles 10 credits
- Dynamics of Weather Systems 10 credits
- Earth Observations from Space 10 credits
- Inverse Theory 10 credits
- Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes 10 credits
- Atmospheric Pollution: Causes, Impact and Regulation 10 credits
- Ice in the Earth System 10 credits
- Oceanography in the Earth System 10 credits
- Strategic Energy Issues 10 credits
- Practical Weather Forecasting 10 credits
- Advanced Environmental Science Field and Research Skills 20 credits
Year 4
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Bioimaging 10 credits
- Topics in Plant Science 10 credits
- Infectious & Non-infectious Diseases 10 credits
- Practical Bioinformatics 10 credits
- High-Throughput Technologies 15 credits
- Biopharmaceutical Drug Discovery and Non-clinical testing 20 credits
- Plant Biotechnology 10 credits
- Bioscience MSc Research Project 60 credits
- Community Ecology 15 credits
- Conservation Genetics 15 credits
- Advanced Statistics 10 credits
- Introduction to GIS Skills for Ecologists 10 credits
- Population Dynamics 10 credits
- Laboratory-based Project Work 4M 40 credits
- Laboratory-based Project Work 6M 60 credits
- Advanced Topics in Chemistry (40 Credit) 40 credits
- Advanced Topics in Chemistry (30 Credit) 30 credits
- Advanced Topics in Chemistry (20 Credit) 20 credits
- Graph Theory: Structure and Algorithms 15 credits
- Physical Aspects of Food 10 credits
- Functionality and Interactions of Components in Food Products 10 credits
- Research Project 60 credits
- Food Biotechnology 10 credits
- Food Science and Nutrition Research: Recent Revelations and Disputes 10 credits
- Diet and Cardiovascular Health 10 credits
- Impacts of Food Processing on Nutritional Quality 10 credits
- Food Diagnostics and Next- Generation Biosensors 10 credits
- Functional Foods 10 credits
- Nutrition: Policy and Practice 20 credits
- Obesity and Personalised Nutrition in the 21st Century 10 credits
- Sensory Science 20 credits
- Applied Nutritional Epidemiology 10 credits
- Nutrition Through the Lifecourse 20 credits
- Assignment in Mathematics (40cr) 40 credits
- Advanced Proof and Computation 20 credits
- Advanced Differential Geometry 20 credits
- Advanced Coding Theory 20 credits
- Advanced Hamiltonian Systems 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Methods 20 credits
- Advanced Linear and Nonlinear Waves 20 credits
- Advanced Hydrodynamic Stability 20 credits
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics 20 credits
- Advanced Nonlinear Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Entropy in the Physical World 20 credits
- Advanced Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Modern Numerical Methods 20 credits
- Advanced Mathematical Biology 20 credits
- Advanced Evolutionary Modelling 20 credits
- Linear Regression, Robustness and Smoothing 20 credits
- Multivariate and Cluster Analysis 15 credits
- Time Series and Spectral Analysis 15 credits
- Bayesian Statistics and Causality 15 credits
- Generalised Linear and Additive Models 15 credits
- Statistics and DNA 15 credits
- Big Data and Rare and Common Disorders 15 credits
- Interdisciplinary Research Project 60 credits
- Research Project 60 credits
- Soft Matter Physics: Liquid Crystals 15 credits
- Winds, Bubbles and Explosions 15 credits
- Bionanophysics 2: Advanced Bionanophysics Research 15 credits
- Superconductivity 15 credits
- Soft Matter Physics: Polymers, Colloids and Glasses 15 credits
- Quantum Field Theory 15 credits
- General Relativity 15 credits
- Quantum Information Science and Technology 15 credits
- Current Research Topics in Physics 15 credits
- Advanced Environmental Science Field and Research Skills 15 credits
- Biogeochemical Cycles of the Earth System 15 credits
- Environmental Research Project 45 credits
- Ice in the Earth System 15 credits
- Oceanography in the Earth System 15 credits
- Past Global Environmental Systems 15 credits
- Inverse Theory 10 credits
- Weather, Climate and Air Quality 30 credits
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, three or four. 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.
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
Hierarchical biomechanics: approaches for understanding materials & mechanics across lengthscales
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, fees and applying
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.
| Subject | Required A-level |
| Biology | Biology |
| Biochemistry | Chemistry or Biology |
| Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Environmental Science | Any two science subjects |
| Food Science and Nutrition | Any two science subjects |
| Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Physics | Physics and Mathematics |
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 Grade C (4), if a Mathematics A Level equivalent is not required then a minimum Grade B (6) in GCSE Mathematics is required. Equivalent English language qualifications are accepted. 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.
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Access to HE Diploma
Contact the Admissions Tutor to discuss if the course content provides required foundation for desired pathway. Pathways involving mathematics will require mathematics A-Level Grade A
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BTEC
Contact the Admissions Tutor to discuss if the course content provides required foundation for desired pathway. Pathways involving Mathematics will require Mathematics A-Level Grade A
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Cambridge Pre-U
D2 D2 M2 in 3 principal subjects, which must enable the study of 3 subjects in year 1
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International Baccalaureate
36 points overall including Higher Level 6 in the subjects which enable the study of 3 subjects in year 1
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
H1 H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 - The subject combination must enable the study of 3 subjects in year 1
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
Suitable combinations of Scottish Higher and Advanced Highers are acceptable, though Chemistry must be presented at Advanced Higher level.Typically AA at Advanced Higher Level and AAABB at Higher Level
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.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. 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 2023
Fees
UK: To be confirmed
International: To be confirmed
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
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.
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.
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.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.
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. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.
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)
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