CFG0 - Durham University

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Typical offers

Typical offers
A Level	A*AA
BTEC	D*DD
International Baccalaureate	38

Course details

BSc Degrees

The BSc Natural Sciences degree provides a wide choice of subjects to study and does not require applicants to study any particular subject. These subjects are divided into three groups:

Group 1

Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology.

At least half of your studies in the second and third years in Natural Sciences must be from the subjects listed in Group 1. Not all subjects can be taken together.

Group 2

Anthropology
Business
Economics
Geography
Philosophy.

No more than half of your studies in the second and third years can be from subjects in Group 2. Each of these subjects contributes to at least one Joint Honours degree with the subjects from Group 1.

Group 3

These subjects are Sport and Education (excluding History of Art) and are based in Durham City. None of the subjects in Group 3 contribute to a Joint Honours degree in Natural Sciences (and so no combination with these subjects is guaranteed to work in the timetable) and no more than half of your studies in the second and third years can be made up of subjects in Groups 2 and 3. If you are interested in taking subjects from Group 3, you are strongly recommended to contact the Natural Sciences Admissions Selector to judge on the feasibility of combining subjects from Groups 1 and 3.

Typically, first-year BSc Natural Sciences students either take three modules from two subjects or modules from three subjects. Other combinations are possible, but this combination would normally allow you to progress with any or all three of these subjects, as well as starting some new subjects in your second year.

Flexibility and choice

The degree allows you to choose from a wide choice of subjects to include in your degree. It also allows you to delay the choice about the direction of your studies until the end of your first year (and in some cases to the end of your second year). Each year you can normally change your choice of modules within the first three weeks of the academic year.

Depth

The degree requires final-year students to undertake capstone modules which are student-driven and involve independent thought, personal management of the work’s direction and are reflective of the degree's learning outcomes. Typically, these modules will have a very small taught component and staff act as mentors, rather than deliverers of information.

Patterns of study

As part of the BSc Natural Sciences degree you may follow one of the following patterns of study:

BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences

With this route, you could study the same three subjects each year. You could also build on your first-year studies in one or two subjects and then combine advanced modules in these subjects with a new subject(s) in your second year.

You could then study two or three subjects in your third year, all of which you must also have studied in earlier years. With this route, you would graduate with a BSc (Hons) degree in Natural Sciences with your main subjects studied listed on the degree certificate.

At the end of Year 2, the BSc allows you the option of transferring onto either “with Year Abroad” or “with Placement” pathway. Note that these options are competitive and so applicants cannot apply for these pathways through UCAS.

BSc Joint Honours Degrees within Natural Sciences

With a BSc Joint Honours degree in two subjects, you will study each of these two subjects in all three years of study. In the first year, there may be the opportunity to take modules in a third subject, if you wish. If you follow the requirements for a Joint Honours degree you graduate with a BSc Honours degree in A and B within the Natural Sciences degree (where A and B are replaced with the relevant subjects).

If a combination is not offered, it might still be possible for you to combine them with a third subject within a Natural Sciences degree that is not a Joint Honours degree. Please contact the Natural Sciences Admissions Selector for further details. Note that the “with Year Abroad” and “with Placement” pathways are also offered as added extras with Joint Honours degrees.

Year 1

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than four, which give you a good progression into your second-year subjects. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject.

For instance, students who want to do the BSc Joint Honours degree in:

Biology and Earth Sciences must do four core modules, which leaves them free to choose any two optional modules from any subject on offer.
Economics and Mathematics must do five core modules from these subjects leaving them one free module from any subject.

To find out the number of core modules for each subject you are advised to look at the Natural Sciences webpages as a guide.

BSc Natural Sciences students often take two modules from three subjects, although other combinations are possible, this combination would normally allow progression with any or all three of these subjects. The design of the course is constrained by the entry requirements and limits of the University’s academic timetable which is published five months before the start of the academic year.

Year 2

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three, which gives you reasonable progression into your third-year subjects. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject.

For instance, students following the BSc Joint Honours degree in:

Mathematics and Physics must do five core modules leaving them free to choose another module from these subjects to achieve an equal balance.
Biology and Psychology must do six core modules.

Students who are taking the BSc in Natural Sciences have considerable freedom which is only limited by progression and the academic timetable, so in this scenario, they do not need to adhere to the strict Joint Honours rules. They must build on one or two subjects studied in their first year, but also have the option of starting a new subject by taking a first-year module in their second year.

Year 3

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three. You can specialise by taking up to five modules in one subject. Students may also take a second-year module during this year.

For example, students following the BSc Joint Honours degree in:

Chemistry and Earth Sciences must do two core modules in Chemistry and at least two modules from Earth Sciences with the remaining modules from these subjects, which could be none, one or two.
Business and Computer Science must do at least two modules from each subject with the remaining modules from these subjects.

Students taking the BSc in Natural Sciences have continued freedom and are required to take a capstone module. They combine modules in subjects already studied to a higher level. The main subjects studied will be listed on the degree certificate having studied at least 50% science subjects in Years 2 and 3.

Placement

You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.

Typical offers

Typical offers
A Level	A*AA
BTEC	D*DD
International Baccalaureate	38

Course details

The BSc in Natural Sciences is one of our most flexible courses. This well-established, challenging and rewarding degree is ideal if your interests span a range of subjects including at least one science. It offers the opportunity to build on your existing interests and explore new subjects.

Studying across disciplines, you’ll build a breadth and depth of knowledge and skills that you can put to use in a wide range of industries, in the sciences and across a wider range of professions. It also provides a springboard into postgraduate study.

There are two routes within this degree, the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences and the BSc Joint Honours. Both routes offer the opportunity to transfer onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway after Year 2, extending your studies from three years to four.

Subjects are divided into three groups:

Group 1 includes Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology. At least half of your studies in the second and third years must be from the subjects listed in Group 1. Not all subjects can be taken together.

Group 2 includes Anthropology, Business, Economics, Geography and Philosophy.

Group 3 includes Sport and Education (excluding History of Art). These subjects are exclusive to the BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences route and no more than half of your studies in the second and third years can be made up of subjects in Groups 2 and 3. If you are interested in any Group 3 subjects, please speak to the Natural Sciences Admissions Selector.

You can find more information about the subjects on offer on the Natural Sciences webpages.

BSc Joint Honours

BSc Joint Honours degrees are available in the following combinations:

Biology and one of Anthropology, Chemistry, Geography, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology;
Chemistry and one of Biology, Earth Sciences, Mathematics or Physics;
Computer Science and one of Business, Mathematics or Physics
Earth Sciences and one of Biology, Chemistry or Geography;
Mathematics and one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Philosophy, Physics or Psychology;
Physics and one of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics or Philosophy;
Psychology and one of Biology, Economics or Mathematics.

This route allows you to study two preferred subjects in all three years of study (in the first year there may be the opportunity to take modules in a third subject). You will graduate with a BSc Honours degree in two named subjects.

BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences

The BSc (Honours) Natural Sciences route offers more flexibility. You can combine ‘unapproved’ pairs of subjects, three subjects or begin a new subject in the second year.

You can choose to study the same three subjects each year. Alternatively, when you progress to Year 2 you may prefer to build on your first-year studies in one or two subjects and then combine advanced modules in these subjects with a new subject (or subjects).

Moving to your final year you can choose to pursue either two or three subjects, all of which you must also have studied in earlier years. With this route, you graduate with a BSc (Honours) degree in Natural Sciences with the main subjects listed on the degree certificate.

Course structure

Year 1

In Year 1 you can study a minimum of two subjects and no more than four, this provides a solid foundation for second year study. You can choose to specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject, and at least three of your Year 1 modules should be from the Faculty of Science.

For example, if you choose BSc Joint Honours in:

Biology and Earth Sciences, you must take core modules, which leaves you free to choose two optional modules from any subject on offer.
Economics and Mathematics, you must take core modules from these subjects leaving one free module from any subject.

To find out the number of core modules for each subject take a look at the Natural Sciences webpages.

Many BSc Natural Sciences students choose two modules from each of three subjects although other combinations are possible. This combination would normally allow progression in any or all three of these subjects. Subject and module choices will depend on entry requirements and your choices will be dependent on the University’s academic timetable.

Year 2

Striking a balance between breadth and depth you can study either two or three subjects in your second year. As in Year 1 you can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject. For example, if you choose BSc Joint Honours degree in:

Mathematics and Physics, you must take five core modules which leaves you free to choose one module from these subjects to achieve an equal balance.
Biology and Psychology must take six core modules.

If you are studying for the BSc in Natural Sciences, your choices are only limited by progression and the academic timetable. You can build on one or two of the subjects studied in your first year, but you can also add a new subject by taking a first-year module in Year 2.

Year 3 (Year 4 if undertaking a placement or year abroad)

In the final year you can choose either two or three subjects. It is possible to specialise in greater depth by taking up to five modules in one subject. For example, if you choose BSc Joint Honours degree in:

Chemistry and Earth Sciences, you must take two core modules in Chemistry and at least two modules from Earth Sciences with the remaining modules from these subjects, which could be none, one or two.
Business and Computer Science, you must take at least two modules from each subject with the remaining modules from these subjects.

The BSc in Natural Sciences offers continued freedom in your final year. This year includes a capstone module which is a final project designed to consolidate your learning. You will combine modules in subjects already studied to a higher level and the main subjects studied will be listed on the degree certificate.

Additional opportunities

For both routes you can apply to be transferred onto either the ‘with Year Abroad’ or ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.

Placement

You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.

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Learning

The key characteristics of the Natural Sciences degree at Durham are choice, flexibility and depth. The Natural Sciences degree has a wide choice of subjects and in later years there is choice between modules within subjects. It is also a flexible degree and with most subjects you can delay choosing your subjects until you get to Durham and you can also change the shape of your degree at the end of the first year.

The Natural Sciences degree has the following features:

The degree is based at the Durham campus.
The University operates on a system of undergraduates studying 120 credits each year. There are 20, 40 and a few 60 credit modules, so students choose combinations of modules which add up to precisely 120 credits.
There are two types of degree that you can obtain, a 3-year BSc (degree code CFG0) or a 4-year MSci (degree code FGC0). Both the BSc and the MSci contain BSc Joint Honours and MSci Joint Honours degrees as well as the more broad BSc Natural Sciences and MSci Natural Sciences degrees.
You should note that not all combinations of all modules in all subjects are feasible. Choices are constrained by the limits of the University timetable, which changes every year.

As part of the BSc Natural Sciences degree you may follow one of the following patterns of study:

a BSc Natural Sciences degree in which you study two or more subjects and start a new subject in your second year or carry on with the three subjects you have studied in your first year.
a Joint Honours BSc degree within Natural Sciences which involves studying the same two subjects in each of the three years (it is usually possible to study three or even four subjects in the first year).
take a Year Abroad in between the second and third years.
do a placement in between the second and third years.

Students on the Natural Sciences course design their own programme, so depending on their choices they learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical classes, fieldwork, informal but scheduled one-on-one support, and self-directed learning, such as research, reading, and writing. All of these are supported by a virtual learning environment, Learn Ultra.

Tutorials, seminars, workshops, and practical classes are much smaller groups than lectures, small enough to allow one-to-one interaction with a member of staff. Practicals also allow hands-on experience of the work of professionals in the disciplines studied on the course. The same is true of fieldwork and consists of engaging in, for example, geological, biological, geographical, or anthropological work in the field with members of academic staff. This emphasis on small-group and practical teaching reflects a conscious choice to enhance the quality of the learning experience rather than the quantity of formal sessions.

The degrees in Natural Sciences are designed to feature fewer formal sessions and more independent research as students move from their first to their final year. Small-group teaching and one-to-one attention from the personal academic advisor (provided for all students when they enter the course) are part of the learning experience throughout, but by the final year classroom time gives way, to some extent, to independent research, including a major project. In this way the degree systematically transforms the student from a consumer of knowledge in the classroom to a generator of knowledge, ready for professional or postgraduate life. These formal teaching arrangements are supported by “drop-in” surgeries with teaching staff and induction sessions that begin in the week before the start of the programme and continue at key times throughout each year of the degree. Students can also attend an extensive programme of research-focused seminars where staff and visiting scholars in various academic departments present their cutting-edge research.

Entry requirements

Provisional subject preferences must be declared in decreasing order of interest (see here for further details of appropriate abbreviations). Using the first two subject preferences the offer is then augmented with specific grades as outlined above.

All applicants taking A levels will need three A levels with at least one Science (Biology; Human Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics; Physics.) The standard offer is A*AA and you will need specific A level grades to study:

Biology: A in either Biology or Chemistry.
Chemistry: A*A in any order in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Computer Science: A in Mathematics.
Economics: A in Mathematics.
Mathematics: Either A*A in any order in Maths and Further Maths at A level or A* in Maths plus A in AS Further Maths for students unable to take A2 Further Maths.
Physics: A*A in any order in Maths and Physics.
We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking A levels as part of our offer.

All applicants wishing to study Psychology will need to have achieved Grade 5 (or grade B) in Mathematics at GCSE, or equivalent.

All applicants taking the International Baccalaureate will need a score of 38 points overall including either 766 or 666 at the Higher Level with at least one of these in a Science (Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics (analysis & approaches); Physics.) You will need specific Higher Level grades to study:

Biology: 6 in either Biology or Chemistry.
Chemistry: 76 in any order in Chemistry and Mathematics.
Computer Science: 6 in Mathematics.
Economics: 6 in Mathematics.
Mathematics: 7 in Mathematics.
Physics: 76 in any order in Mathematics and Physics.
If the augmented offer includes a 7 at the Higher Level in any subject, then the offer will be 766 at the Higher Level, otherwise, it will be 666 at the Higher Level.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.
There is no advantage in applying for both MSci and BSc degrees.
Entry requirements are the same for both MSci and BSc degrees.
We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer.
We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Entry requirements are the same for both Natural Sciences degrees.

We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

Other UK qualifications

EU qualifications

International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Fees and funding

Full Time Fees

Tuition fees
Home students	£9,250 per year
EU students	£29,500 per year
Island students	£9,250 per year
International students	£29,500 per year

The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

Scholarships and Bursaries

We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.

Find out more about Scholarships and Bursaries