(Full time) 2020 start
Natural Sciences BSc, MNatSc
Overview
Society has an urgent demand for scientists who can tackle complex problems by bringing together the ideas of different disciplines. Our Natural Sciences course will prepare you to take on the scientific challenges of future decades.
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. By developing your knowledge of multiple subjects side by side, you’ll acquire a unique perspective on how the ideas and tools of science link together in our understanding of the natural world.
The available subject options are biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics, and physics.
Within the programmes structure you have the opportunity to tailor the scientific components of your degree and their individual weightings to create a course that builds you into the scientist you want to be.
Enhancing your degree
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.
There are opportunities to gain industrial experience on a placement year or to study abroad for a year. Both schemes add an additional year to your course.
Course content
You’ll initially study three subjects, from a choice of biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental science, food science and nutrition, mathematics, and physics, specialising in two of these in year 2.
Your second year is very flexible. 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.
In your third year, 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.
In the fourth year (if studying MNatSc), you’ll study two sciences and undertake a major research project, which you’ll undertake in 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.
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
- Tutorials (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
- Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry 10 credits
- Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry 10 credits
- Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry 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
- 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
- Natural Hazards 10 credits
- Ecology 10 credits
- Atmosphere 10 credits
- Weather 10 credits
- Water 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
- Animals as Pests 10 credits
- Animal Developmental Biology 10 credits
- Animal Physiology: from Ants to Whales 10 credits
- Human Genetics 10 credits
- Terrestrial Ecology and Behaviour Field Course 10 credits
- Chemotherapy 10 credits
- Introduction to Toxicology 10 credits
- Structure and Synthesis of Materials 10 credits
- Introduction to Organic Synthesis 10 credits
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics 10 credits
- Structure and Spectroscopy 10 credits
- Introduction to Drug Design 10 credits
- Organic Structure and Mechanism 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy 10 credits
- Organometallic and f-block Chemistry 10 credits
- Equilibrium and Analysis: from Ions to Proteins 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
- Computational Mathematics 10 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
- Physics Laboratory 3- Experimental Physics (A) 10 credits
- Physics Laboratory 4- Experimental Physics (B) 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
- Water Quality 10 credits
- Energy Transitions: Technologies, Markets and Policy 10 credits
- Contaminated Land Studies: Integrating Business Skills and Science in Consultancy 10 credits
- Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales 10 credits
- Introduction to Geophysics 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
- Extended Research Project Preparation 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
- Epigenetics 20 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
- Comparative Genomics 10 credits
- Biology Integrated Research Projects 40 credits
- Introduction to Organic Synthesis 10 credits
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics 10 credits
- Introduction to Drug Design 10 credits
- Organic Structure and Mechanism 10 credits
- Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy 10 credits
- Organometallic and f-block 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
- Chromatography and Analytical Separation 10 credits
- Properties and Applications of Materials 10 credits
- Big Data, Big Science 10 credits
- Chemistry at the Molecular Level 10 credits
- Reactivity in Organic Chemistry - Principles and Applications 10 credits
- Soft Matter: Self-Assembling and Polymeric Materials 10 credits
- Fundamental Supramolecular Chemistry 10 credits
- Literature-based Project Work 10 credits
- Chemistry: Making an Impact 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 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
- 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
- Statistical Modelling 10 credits
- Introduction to Markov Processes 10 credits
- Survival Analysis 10 credits
- Mathematics into Schools 10 credits
- Computational Mathematics 10 credits
- Project in Mathematics 20 credits
- History of Mathematics 15 credits
- Calculus in the Complex Plane 15 credits
- Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
- Graph Theory 15 credits
- Proof and Computation 15 credits
- Differential Geometry 15 credits
- Models and Sets 15 credits
- Combinatorics 15 credits
- Coding Theory 15 credits
- Transformation Geometry 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
- Dynamical Systems 15 credits
- Nonlinear Dynamics 15 credits
- Analytic Solutions of Partial Differential Equations 15 credits
- Introduction to Entropy in the Physical World 15 credits
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
- Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 15 credits
- Numerical Methods 10 credits
- Modern Numerical Methods 15 credits
- Discrete Systems and Integrability 15 credits
- Relativity and Cosmology 15 credits
- Mathematical Biology 15 credits
- Evolutionary Modelling 15 credits
- Fluid Dynamics 2 15 credits
- Statistical Theory 15 credits
- Generalised Linear Models 10 credits
- Medical Image Analysis 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
- Water Quality 10 credits
- Atmospheric Pollution from Local to Global Scales 10 credits
- Introduction to Geophysics 10 credits
- Managing Biodiversity 10 credits
- Earth System Science: Biogeochemical Cycles 10 credits
- Earth Observations from Space 10 credits
- Atmospheric Science Field Skills 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
- Advanced Fieldwork: Principles of Environmental Ecology 10 credits
- Practical Weather Forecasting 10 credits
- Frontiers in Environmental Research 10 credits
- Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System 10 credits
Discovery modules
- Group Industrial Project 15 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
- Plant Biotechnology 10 credits
- High-throughput Technologies 10 credits
- Medical Diagnostics 10 credits
- Treatment of Infectious Disease and Cancer 10 credits
- Advanced Biomolecular Technologies 20 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 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
- Philosophy of Logic and Mathematics 20 credits
- Advanced Proof and Computation 20 credits
- Advanced Differential Geometry 20 credits
- Advanced Models and Sets 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 Dynamical Systems 20 credits
- Advanced Nonlinear Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Entropy in the Physical World 20 credits
- Advanced Geophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics 20 credits
- Advanced Modern Numerical Methods 20 credits
- Advanced Discrete Systems and Integrability 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
- Interdisciplinary Research Project 60 credits
- Research Project 40 credits
- Research Project 60 credits
- Soft Matter Physics: Liquid Crystals 15 credits
- Quantum Many-Body Physics 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 Transport in Nanostructures 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
- Physics of Biological Systems 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
- Weather, Climate and Air Quality 30 credits
- Research Frontiers and Environmental Fieldwork 15 credits
- Terrestrial Biosphere in the Earth System 15 credits
Broadening your academic horizons
At Leeds we want you to benefit from the depth and breadth of the University's expertise, to prepare you for success in an ever-changing and challenging world. This course gives you the opportunity to broaden your learning by studying discovery modules. Find out more on the 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.
These different methods of teaching, together with the continuous support of our teaching staff, enable you to effectively apply what you have learnt through a series of exams, coursework, and continuous assessment. This means that you graduate with the correct mix of knowledge and transferable skills for a successful future career, whatever you choose to do.
Assessment
Throughout years one to three, many modules have a component of continually-assessed work which makes up 10-20% of the final mark. The other 80-90% comes from an examination. We also assess through written reports, presentations and oral discussions throughout the programme, which builds up your skills in these areas. Some subject combinations will require you to write a dissertation as part of your degree, whilst others will require you to carry out laboratory practical work which is continually assessed.
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.
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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 D3 D3 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 Highers (Leaving Certificate)
H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 H1 - The subject combination must enable the study of 3 subjects in year 1
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAA at Advanced Higher level. Subjects must enable the study of 3 subjects in year 1.
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.
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.
After you apply we will assess your application based on the information on your UCAS form. On the basis of this information we will decide whether to invite you to one of our informal interview days which, for UK based applicants, are an essential part of the admissions process.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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.
Applicant days
Suitable applicants will be invited to an applicant day, for which we strongly encourage attendance, as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course. During the day you’ll have an informal interview with an academic member of staff, to check that it’s the right course for you and your career plans, have your questions answered and find out more about studying at Leeds.
It is our policy not to make an offer without an interview for Natural Sciences. If you are unable to attend, a telephone or Skype interview may be arranged. For further information, read our admissions policy.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Policy
Fees
UK/EU: See fees section below
International: £23,750 (per year)
Tuition fees for 2020 entry
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 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 and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.
The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course. The UK government has not confirmed the situation for future years, so keep checking our website for updates.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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.
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's planned exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
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.
Scholarships
The School of Chemistry awards a range of scholarships.
Career opportunities
As a Natural Sciences graduate, you’ll be ideally positioned to pursue a research career in your chosen scientific or mathematical field. Your experience of how different scientific disciplines interact will offer insight into the development of new knowledge and its applications.
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 in research or in an area such as consultancy, teaching, or other science-related fields, where your multidisciplinary skills will be in high demand.
The breadth of subject knowledge, research skills and practical experience that you will gain whilst studying Natural Sciences will open the door to a wide range of employment opportunities. Whether advancing knowledge in a research role or leading economic, environmental, social or political change in a professional capacity, you’ll not only shape your own future but that of many others.
Throughout your studies we will provide all the advice, support and guidance you need to find a career that suits you. Visit our employability pages to find out more.
Careers support
Throughout your degree course we will make sure that you have the support and opportunity to develop the skills and experience you’ll need to make the most of your career choices. The students’ union also provides volunteering opportunities which can help you in your personal development.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
Spending a year living and studying in another country is a unique experience. Unlike the passing tourist, you have the chance to totally immerse yourself in another culture. You will gain unforgettable experiences and memories that you will draw upon in your working and personal life for years to come. In addition to this, the proven ability to live and work in an international context is an asset that employers actively seek.
During your year abroad, you’ll study natural sciences at your host institution.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
The industrial placement (“Year in Industry”) scheme provides you with the opportunity to experience salaried work before you graduate. Employers actively seek graduates who already have work experience and it can make all the difference in interviews. In addition, the opportunity to work every day with scientists who are experts in their field is an incredible opportunity to enhance your knowledge.
An industrial placement will boost your self-confidence, not only in your chosen subject area, but in the marketplace generally. You will be able to choose from a range of industries in which to work. In previous years, students have worked at many prestigious companies.
During your industrial placement you’ll have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.
If you are not sure right now whether or not an industrial placement is right for you, don't worry - you will not have to start applying for placements until the beginning of your second year.