Course overview
The four-year MSci in Natural Sciences is an interdisciplinary science degree which allows students to study more than one science subject as part of their degree and gradually specialise over the course of their degree to one subject in their final year. The MSci is designed for students who are interested in a career in research so in addition to providing a broad knowledge in each of the subjects studied students gain professional skills in research and investigation which will equip them for a career in that field. As well as providing good grounding for a career in research the MSci is a qualification required by employers for some graduate-level job opportunities in industry.
Year one
Students choose one three-subject pathway from the 15 listed in the table below and study 40 credits from each subject. The majority of study in the first year is compulsory although some subjects do allow a degree of choice. Theory modules are support by practical work through laboratory classes, problem classes and field work. The objective of the first year is to provide students with a broad foundation of knowledge upon which they can build for the rest of their studies.
Pathways available
ABC Archaeology - Biological Sciences - Chemistry
ABG Archaeology - Biological Sciences - Geography
AGC Archaeology - Geography - Chemistry
BCM Biological Sciences - Chemistry - Mathematics
BPM Biological Sciences - Physics - Mathematics
CGM Chemistry - Geography - Mathematics
CPM Chemistry - Physics - Mathematics
EGC Environmental Sciences - Geography - Chemistry
GBC Geography - Biological Sciences - Chemistry
GBM Geography - Biological Sciences - Mathematics
MAC Mathematics - Archaeology - Chemistry
PGM Physics - Geography - Mathematics
PPsyM Physics - Psychology - Mathematics
PsyBM Psychology - Biological Sciences - Mathematics
PsyBC Psychology - Biological Sciences - Chemistry
For details of pathway specific subject requirements please visit the Natural Sciences website.
Year two
Students continue with two of their first year subjects in the second year. Each subject is studied in greater depth with many subjects allowing students to tailor their studies through optional modules. Students take 60 credits of modules from each subject and will find that there is a greater emphasis on study outside of lectures. As in the first year many of the theory modules will be supported by practical work in laboratories, field work and problem classes.
Year three
Students continue with their year two subjects studying a further 60 credits of each. The modules available in the third year become much more advanced and students will find most subjects will allow them more flixibility through optional modules. Studies will be supported by practical work with the expectations that students will have a greater ability to work independently within these classes.
Year four
Students choose one of their third years subject to continue with in the fourth year. A large proportion of the fourth year is an independent, interdisciplinary research project which aims to develop the skills needed to pursue a career in research. Alonside this project students take specialist modules focusing on a single science subject. Many of the modules in the fourth year have a greater focus towards developing skills you would need for a successful career in research as well as providing advanced knowledge.
Entry requirements
A levels: A*AA-AAB, the subjects required depend on your chosen pathway but generally include a minimum of two science subjects at A level, usually from biology, chemistry, physics and maths
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)
TOEFL iBT 87 (no less than 21 in listening and writing, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking)
Alternative qualifications
For details see alternative qualifications page
Notes for applicants
The first two years of the Natural Sciences degrees are common to both degrees and students are able to change between BSc and MSci programmes at any time within the first two years of the course, providing they meet the progression requirements.
You should indicate your preferred pathway in the further details section of your UCAS form. Your offer will specify a single pathway, but the programme is very flexible and you are able to change pathway at any time up to and including your arrival in Nottingham, provided you meet the entry requirements for your new pathway.
Skills and careers
On completion of your course you will have gained a multidisciplinary degree which will prepare you for further study or work in many exciting interdisciplinary areas of modern science, such as nanotechnology, systems biology, sustainable energy technology, environmental science and chemical physics. You will have acquired professional, analytical and communication skills, as well as an understanding of scientific investigations which will allow you to be confident about working in a variety of scientific fields. You will also have developed valuable transferable skills in information technology, time management, critical thinking, organisation and team working, and will have gained experience of working in a world-class interdisciplinary research environment.
Average starting salary
These are the average starting salaries for 2009/10 full-time graduates of the schools which fall within Natural Sciences:*
Department of Archaeology - £16,666.67
School of Biology - £17,347.83
School of Chemistry - £20,772.73
School of Geography - £21,250.60
School of Mathematical Sciences - £23,420.45
School of Physics and Astronomy - £21,335.71
School of Psychology - £17,450.65
*Average starting salary from known destinations of first-degree leavers who studied full-time, 2009/10.