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Degree type

MSci

Course length

4 years full time

Location

Durham City

Degree type

MSci

Course length

4 years full time

Location

Durham City

UCAS code

FGC0

UCAS code

FGC0

Ready to Apply?

Typical offers

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

Course details

MSci Degrees

The MSci degree offers you the chance to also take research-based study in your fourth year. There are two types of MSci degree available via the Natural Sciences route:

  • The MSci in Natural Sciences allows you to take modules from a range of subjects, but you would normally specialise in at least one of the following subjects in your fourth year: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics.
  • The MSci Joint Honours degrees are available in the following combinations: Biology and Chemistry, Biology and Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, Computer Science and Mathemetics, and Mathematics and Physics.
  • The two degrees above allows you the option of completing a replacement Year Abroad in Year 3. Note that the Year Abroad is competitive and so applicants cannot apply for these pathways through UCAS.

Flexibility and choice

It is possible to transfer into the second year of an MSci degree programme from a BSc, if you have successfully completed your first year of study and if you have taken the appropriate modules.

Pattern of study

The MSci degrees are four-year programmes with the emphasis on research-based study in your fourth year. In Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics it is possible to spend the final year studying modules from just one of these subjects, provided you have taken the appropriate modules in earlier years.

University academic timetable

The restrictions of the University’s academic timetable will mean that not all combinations of modules or subjects will be possible. Please contact the Natural Sciences Admissions Selector if you would like further information on combinations of modules or subjects.

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 from 'Group 1' which are the science subjects listed in the BSc course content. Other subjects are available to study but these could not be taken through to Year 4, see the BSc course content. Students who intend to specialise in a single science subject in their final year, such as Earth Sciences, will typically need to take three or four core modules from that subject.

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

  • Biology and Chemistry must do five core modules, which leaves them free to choose one optional module.

  • Mathematics and Physics must do six compulsory modules.

MSci 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 programme is constrained by the limits of the University’s academic timetable and entry requirements, such as ensuring sufficient background knowledge for progression into a Year 4 subject.

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 from Group 1, see the BSc course content.

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

  • Mathematics and Physics must do the five core modules leaving them free to choose one module from the Mathematics or Physics List to achieve an equal subject balance.
  • Biology and Chemistry must do six core modules equally balanced between the two subjects.

Students who are following the MSci in Natural Sciences where they will specialise in a single science subject in their final year, such as Earth Sciences, typically:

  • Need to take three or four core modules
  • Have considerable freedom which is only limited by progression and the timetable
  • Build on one or two subjects studied in the first year
  • Have the option of starting a new subject by taking a first-year module.

Year 3

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group 1, see the BSc course content. You may also take a second-year module.

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

  • Chemistry and Physics must do the six core modules.
  • Chemistry and Mathematics must do five core modules and one module from the Mathematics list.

Students not taking the Joint Honours have considerable freedom; they are able to combine advanced modules in subjects already studied.

Year 4

In addition to the project module, students take a selection of taught modules. Module availability can change, but taught modules available to current students following the MSci Joint Honours degrees are:

  • Biology and Chemistry: Bioactive Chemistry 4; Biomolecular Analysis
  • Biology and Physics: Atomic and Optical Physics; Biological Imaging; Theoretical Physics 4
  • Chemistry and Mathematics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Modules from the Level 4 Mathematics List
  • Chemistry and Physics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Atomic and Optical Physics; Theoretical Physics 4;
  • Mathematics and Physics: Modules chosen from the Level 4 Mathematics and Physics lists.

Students taking the MSci in Natural Sciences have continued freedom where the main subjects studied will be listed on the degree certificate.

Typically:

  • They combine advanced modules in subjects already studied
  • They can specialise in or combine: Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics.

Please note that Biology can only be studied in Year 4 as part of a Joint Honours degree.

We review course structures and core content (in light of e.g. external and student feedback) every year, and will publish finalised core requirements for 2021 entry from September 2020.

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 MSci in Natural Sciences is one of our most flexible science courses. This challenging and rewarding four-year degree is ideal if your interests span multiple areas including at least one science. It offers the opportunity to build on your existing interests, explore new subjects and add a research element to your studies.

While following a similar structure to the BSc in the first three years, the MSci gives you the opportunity to study more advanced modules in the final year, to specialise in greater depth and to undertake a project.

Studying across disciplines, you’ll build knowledge and skills that you can put to use in a wide range of industries, both in the sciences and across a wider range of professions. The MSci provides a natural springboard to a career in academia or research.

MSci Joint Honours degrees

The MSci Joint Honours degrees are available in the following combinations:

  • Biology and Chemistry;
  • Biology and Physics;
  • Chemistry and Mathematics;
  • Chemistry and Physics;
  • Computer Science and Mathematics;
  • Mathematics and Physics.

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

MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences

MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences allows you to self-build a degree from a range of subjects. At least one subject must be from

Group A: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics

where you specialise in at least one of the subjects in your final year. You may also select subjects from:

Group B includes Biology, Psychology, Anthropology, Business, Economics, Geography, Philosophy, Sport and Education.

which may be taken in the first three years, but not Year 4.

Both degrees routes offer the opportunity to transfer onto the ‘with Placement’ pathway after Year 2 or 3, extending your studies from four years to five.

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

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 Group A subject (listed above).

If you intend to specialise in a single science subject in your final year, such as Earth Sciences, you will typically need to take three or four core modules from that subject. For example, if you choose the MSci Joint Honours degree in:

  • Biology and Chemistry, you must take five core modules, which leaves you free to choose one optional module.
  • Mathematics and Physics, you must take six compulsory modules.

Many MSci (Honours) 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 subjects. Subject and module choices will depend on the University’s academic timetable and entry requirements, such as an appropriate level of prior knowledge for progression into a Year 4 subject.

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 from Group A. For example, if you choose the MSci Joint Honours degree in:

  • Mathematics and Physics, you must take five core modules, which leaves you free to choose one module from the Mathematics or Physics List to achieve an equal subject balance.
  • Biology and Chemistry, you must take six core modules equally balanced between the two subjects.

If you are following the MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences and specialising in a single science subject in the final year, you have considerable freedom which is only limited by progression and the timetable. Typically, you will:

  • take three or four core modules
  • build on one or two subjects studied in the first year
  • have the option of starting a new subject by taking a first-year module.

Year 3

You can choose either two or three subjects. It is possible to specialise in greater depth by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group A. You can also opt to take a second-year module during this year. For example, if you choose the MSci Joint Honours degree in:

  • Chemistry and Physics, you must take the six core modules.
  • Chemistry and Mathematics, you must take five core modules plus one module from the Mathematics list.

The MSci in Natural Sciences offers continued freedom in Year 3. You will combine modules in subjects already studied to a higher level.

Year 4

The final year includes a research project designed to consolidate your learning. In addition you will take a selection of taught modules. Module availability can change, but those available to current MSci Joint Honours students are:

  • Biology and Chemistry: Bioactive Chemistry 4; Biomolecular Analysis.
  • Biology and Physics: Atomic and Optical Physics; Biological Imaging; Theoretical Physics 4.
  • Chemistry and Mathematics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Modules from the Level 4 Mathematics list.
  • Chemistry and Physics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Atomic and Optical Physics; Theoretical Physics 4.
  • Mathematics and Physics: Modules chosen from the Year 4 Mathematics and Physics lists.

The MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences continues to offer freedom of choice in the final year. You will combine modules in subjects already studied to a higher level and the main subjects studied will be listed on the degree certificate. The final year typically involves:

  • combining advanced modules in subjects already studied
  • specialising in or combining: Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics (please note that Biology can only be studied in Year 4 as part of a Joint Honours degree).

Additional pathways

Students on the MSci Natural Sciences or MSci Joint Honours can apply to be transferred onto the ‘with Placement’ pathway during the second or third year. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from four years to five.

Placement

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

Learning

The key characteristics of the Natural Sciences degree at Durham are choice, flexibility and depth. The Natural Sciences degree programme has a wide choice of subjects and there is choice between modules within subjects. It is also a flexible degree programme 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 programme has the following features:

  • The degree programme is based at the Durham campus.
  • The University operates on a system of undergraduates studying 120 credits each year drawn by combining modules offered by departments.
  • 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). The MSci is only available in certain subjects, namely Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Maths and Physics. 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.

MSci in Natural Sciences

To take an MSci in Natural Sciences you must be taking at least one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics. Biology has a very limited range of modules at fourth year level, so Biology can only be included in a Joint Honours degree with Chemistry or Physics. An MSci in Natural Sciences can be a slight variation from one of the MSci Joint Honours degrees below. Alternatively, it could be just one of the subjects above (say Chemistry) with modules from other subjects (say Anthropology and Philosophy) for the first three years. In this case, your fourth year would have to consist of all six modules from the subject listed above (Chemistry in this case).

Joint Honours MSci within Natural Sciences

The MSci is available as a Joint Honours degree in one of six pairs namely:

Biology and Chemistry; Biology and Physics; Chemistry and Maths; Chemistry and Physics; Computer Science and Maths; Maths and Physics.

Students on the Natural Sciences programme 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-to-one support, and self-directed learning, such as research, reading, and writing. All of these are supported by a virtual learning environment, Durham University Online (DUO).

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 programme. 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 number of formal sessions.

The degree programmes 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 programme) 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 that makes up a minimum of a third of final year credits. In this way, the degree programme 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 programme. 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 in 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 (maths 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 programmes.

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

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

Career opportunities

Natural Sciences

Of those students who graduated in 2019:

  • 91% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

  • 91% are in high skilled employment
  • With an average salary of £31,000.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

Department information

Natural Sciences

Studying a Combined degree at Durham can provide considerable flexibility and choice across Durham University’s breadth of world-renowned, research-led education. It allows you to create an academically ambitious degree, suited to your individual interests, strengths and career plans.

This is a long-standing, challenging and rewarding degree course for science students who wish to study more than one subject. We offer the option of 20 BSc and 6 MSci Joint Honours degrees provided by 12 departments. This gives you the opportunity to design your own BSc or MSci degree, majoring in at least one science, with a wide choice of subjects in science, social sciences and philosophy.

For more information see our department pages.

Rankings

  • 90% of courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2022
  • 54th in the World for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2022
  • Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2022.

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Natural Sciences pages.

Apply

Find out more:

Use the UCAS code below when applying:

Apply

FGC0

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.

Learning

Methods of learning will vary according to subject choice but are likely to include a blend of lectures, tutorials, workshops and practical classes. Using the latest resources, practical sessions provide hands-on experience of the type of work performed by professionals in the various disciplines.

We place great emphasis on high-quality small-group teaching. The small-group format and guidance from your academic advisor help get more out of your studies.

As you progress to the final year there's an increased focus on self-directed learning and independent research, including a major project, as you begin to prepare for professional or postgraduate life.

Assessment

All subjects are assessed by examinations, but there may be some element of continuous assessment in modules. Assessment is designed to evaluate your knowledge and understanding of the material, test your critical thinking and determine your ability to relate your learning to real-world issues.

In your final year, you will also complete a project which is assessed by a combination of report and presentations. You will be expected to think independently and take greater control of the direction of study.

Entry requirements

Provisional subject preferences must be declared in decreasing in 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 (maths 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 programmes.

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

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

The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

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

Career opportunities

Natural Sciences

Combined Honours graduates acquire a range of subject-specific skills coupled with adaptability and the capacity to make creative connections. They are highly employable in a diverse range of careers and sectors.

Natural Sciences graduates have the academic knowledge, flexibility and technical skills to take on roles including international development, UK Government, R&D or accounting and investment.

Of those students who graduated in 2019:

  • 91% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

  • 91% are in high skilled employment
  • With an average salary of £31,000.

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)

Department information

Natural Sciences

Real-world challenges often require multidisciplinary solutions. Our Combined Honours degrees transcend traditional subject boundaries, bringing together a range of ideas and disciplinary perspectives. Focus on two subjects from the outset, or choose a broader range of modules across three or four subjects. These highly flexible courses include the opportunity to undertake a year abroad or a placement year, to develop additional skills and enjoy new experiences.

Natural Sciences is a challenging and rewarding choice for science students who wish to study more than one subject. You can study for a BSc or MSci. Both qualifications allow you to design your own degree, majoring in at least one science, and choosing from a wide range of science, social sciences and philosophy subjects.

(Choices are subject to eligibility and timetable compatibility).

For more information see our department pages.

Rankings

  • 90% of courses are in the UK Top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2023
  • 56th in the World for employer reputation in the QS World University Rankings 2023
  • Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the Natural Sciences pages.

Facilities

Durham University’s departments and services are spread across the historic city. As a Combined Honours student, you will have access to a wide range of facilities across multiple departments. While these will vary according to your choice of subjects, all of our departments are equipped with high-quality teaching and research equipment.

You will also benefit from excellent IT facilities including Learn Ultra, Durham’s virtual learning environment. You will have access to up to 1.6 million printed books, 25,000 eJournals and over 850,000 eBooks in the main library as well as specialist collections and archives that support teaching across the departments.

Apply

Find out more:

Use the UCAS code below when applying:

Apply

FGC0

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.

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