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It allows you to study a combination of scientific disciplines - like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, environmental science and more, before specialising later on. It’s a flexible and intellectually rich course that’s ideal for students who are curious, broad-minded and passionate about understanding how different areas of science connect.
Natural Sciences is designed for people who don’t see science as being divided into boxes. It’s for students who want to explore multiple areas before focusing, or who want to work in interdisciplinary fields like climate science, materials research, biotechnology or space science.
What Is Natural Sciences Like at University?
Natural Sciences isn’t a single subject — it’s a structure that allows you to combine subjects in a way that suits your interests and goals. You usually start by picking two or three sciences in your first year, then narrow your focus in later years. Some courses also include computing, philosophy of science or social science modules.
You’ll gain a strong grounding in scientific principles across disciplines while developing the analytical, practical and problem-solving skills needed in research and applied science. It’s a challenging course but also one that offers a lot of freedom and intellectual satisfaction.
What Will You Study?
It depends on the university and your choices, but most Natural Sciences degrees include:
First-year modules in two or more science subjects
You might combine physics and chemistry, biology and earth science, or maths and environmental science — the combinations are wide-ranging
Core skills modules
These may include maths for scientists, scientific computing, research methods or lab work across multiple disciplines
Second and third-year specialisation
You’ll gradually narrow your focus to one or two main subjects, building depth in areas like molecular biology, theoretical physics, geophysics, synthetic chemistry or biochemistry
Optional interdisciplinary topics
Some courses let you study things like climate systems, neuroscience, nanoscience, scientific modelling or sustainability science
Final-year project or dissertation
You’ll usually complete an independent research project in your area of specialisation, sometimes working with a research group or lab
How Long Does It Take and What Are the Options?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, a Natural Sciences degree is typically three years for a BSc or four years for an MSci or MNatSci integrated master’s degree. In Scotland, a standard BSc lasts four years, or five for the integrated master’s.
Some courses include a year abroad or a year in industry. Certain universities, like Cambridge and Durham, are particularly known for their Natural Sciences programmes, but other institutions also offer excellent and flexible science degrees under different names like Liberal Arts and Sciences, Interdisciplinary Science or Combined Honours in Science.
How Will You Be Taught and Assessed?
Teaching is usually a mix of lectures, practicals, lab sessions, problem classes, tutorials and group work. You’ll be taught by experts from multiple departments, and your assessments might include exams, lab reports, coursework, presentations and a final project.
Since you’re studying more than one discipline at first, time management and organisation are important. You’ll be expected to learn across different teaching styles and scientific approaches.
What A Levels or Subjects Do You Need?
Entry requirements depend on the subjects you want to study, but typically include:
Mathematics – essential for physics, chemistry and many parts of the course
Further Mathematics – helpful for physical sciences or theoretical work
Chemistry – often required or preferred, especially if you plan to study chemistry or biochemistry
Physics – important for physics or physical geography options
Biology – needed for biological and environmental sciences
Universities will usually ask for at least two science or maths A levels. Some courses may allow you to start a subject you haven’t studied before, but others expect prior knowledge.
What Skills Will You Develop?
Natural Sciences develops a wide range of scientific and transferable skills. You’ll gain:
Strong analytical and critical thinking
Problem solving and logical reasoning
Practical laboratory and fieldwork experience
Cross-disciplinary communication
Mathematical and data analysis skills
Scientific writing and presentation abilities
You’ll also learn how to connect ideas across disciplines, a skill that’s increasingly valued in research and industry.
What Can You Do With a Natural Sciences Degree?
The career options are wide. Some graduates go into scientific research, while others move into industry, tech, data science or policy. Your choices will depend partly on what subjects you specialise in, but common paths include:
Scientific research or lab-based roles
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
Environmental consultancy and climate science
Engineering, materials science or energy
Data science and software development
Science communication and education
Policy and government advisory roles
Graduate entry into medicine, teaching, or patent law
Some students pursue postgraduate study in a specific science or move into interdisciplinary research areas that combine multiple fields.
Can You Study Natural Sciences Abroad?
Yes. In the US and Canada, science degrees are often flexible, allowing you to major in one area while taking courses in others. In Europe, some universities offer liberal science or interdisciplinary science programmes taught in English. In the Netherlands and Scandinavia, for example, there are excellent interdisciplinary degrees that let you study science in a broader context. In Australia and New Zealand, Bachelor of Science degrees are usually modular and allow combinations similar to Natural Sciences.
Is Natural Sciences the Right Course for You?
If you’re excited by more than one branch of science, want to keep your options open and enjoy connecting ideas across subjects, Natural Sciences could be an excellent fit. It’s a degree for people who want both breadth and depth, who are intellectually curious and who see the value in studying science as a connected whole.
