Natural Sciences - U6UNATRS

A levels

A*AA

or

Alternative offer AAA including an A in EPQ or Core Maths. 

Applicants receiving an alternative offer as a result of studying a project-based qualification, will be given both the Standard and Alternative Offers.

Required subjects

To include at least two sciences, usually from biology, chemistry, maths or physics but the specific combination of subjects required depends on your chosen stream (see year one for full list of required subjects).

If you would like to study a stream requiring mathematics, a grade A is required in A level mathematics/further mathematics.

A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, CIE global perspectives, CIE thinking skills and citizenship studies are not accepted

GCSEs

GCSE English and mathematics C/4 required

IB score

IB Diploma 36 points overall or IB Higher Level Certificates 7,6,6. Alternatively IB Diploma 34 points overall plus A in the Extended Essay or IB Higher Level Certificates 6,6,6 plus A in the Extended Essay.

IB requirements

A minimum of Higher Level grade 6 in two of biology, chemistry, mathematics analysis and approaches, mathematics applications and interpretations, physics, psychology, geography and environmental systems and societies.

The specific combination of subject required depends on your chosen stream – see year one for a full list of required subjects by stream.

If you would like to study a stream requiring mathematics, Higher Level grade 6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches is required.

Higher Level Mathematics Applications and Interpretations is not acceptable in lieu of an A level mathematics requirement, but is permitted as a science subject for streams where mathematics is not required.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Level 3 Core Maths

If you have already achieved your Level 3 Core Maths at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Level 3 Core Maths you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Level 3 Core Maths.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

RQF BTEC Nationals

All applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied. We will consider the following:

• RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma D*DD
• RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma D*D plus A level grade A
• RRQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate grade D plus A level grades A*A
  

Acceptable combinations of qualifications will depend on the science content of the BTEC qualification and which A levels are being studied.

Access to HE Diploma

All applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied. We will consider the following:

Access to HE Diploma 42 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction and 3 graded Level 3 credits at Merit including acceptable science credits

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Science with Foundation Year BSc or Science with Foundation Year MSci course. Students successfully completing and meeting the specific progression requirements of the Science with a Foundation Year course are guaranteed progression on to a selection of undergraduate courses. Please note progression to some courses may require meeting additional criteria such as a successful interview.

You can view all pathways and progression criteria in our progression table.

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Course transfers

You can transfer between any of the following Natural Sciences programmes within the first two years of the course, providing you meet any additional requirements for those programmes:

• BSc or MSci programmes
• International study programmes
• Placement year programmes
• Year in Computer Science programme (BSc only)

We recommend that students considering either the Placement Year or the Year in Computer Science programmes apply for the International Study programme, as this matches the duration of the programme you will study.

There are three opportunities to add an additional year to your programme as part of a named degree.

International study

Studying abroad gives you the chance to learn about your subjects from a different perspective as well as building your independence and communication skills.

This is an additional year between the second and third years of your course on a pass/fail basis where the marks obtained do not count towards your final mark. This means that you can truly make the most of the opportunity to expand your academic and cultural horizons.

We currently have 23 partners worldwide including partners in North America, Europe, Australasia and South East Asia.

If you are interested in studying abroad for a full academic year, apply to BSc Natural Sciences with International Study programme. It is also possible subject to the necessary progression requirements, to transfer to this programme once you are here.

Please note: To undertake international study, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university (60% average in Y1 – 65% for some partners) and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution.

Placement year

Natural Sciences students have the option to transfer to a named ‘Natural Sciences with Placement Year’ programme in their second year.

A placement provides a unique opportunity to put theory into practice, gain practical experience and build further skills and competencies that will put you a step ahead on the graduate career ladder.

Students looking for placements are provided with support through the Careers and Employability Service and a few specialist teams in specific subject areas. The university continues to support students while they are on their placement and they will be visited by a placement tutor during the year.

Previous students have spent time working for companies including:

• KPMG
• RSPB
• Rolls Royce
• GSK
• Johnson & Johnson

Students who successfully complete their placement and reflective report are awarded the degree BSc Natural Sciences with Placement Year. It will be a four-year programme with the placement in your penultimate year.

Year in Computer Science

You can also add an intercalated year in Computer Sciences to your degree. This is an additional year between your second and third year of study designed to provide you with training in software development and computing skills to enhance your studies and career options.

Students request to transfer into this programme during the second year. The year is completed on a pass/fail basis and successful students will graduate with a named degree BSc Natural Sciences with a Year in Computer Science.

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 25/26. It may increase for the academic year 26/27 and we will update our information once we have received confirmation of the fee from the UK Government.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

Printing

Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don't print lecture notes but these are available digitally.  

Books

You will be able to access all of the books you’ll need through our libraries, but you may wish to purchase your own copies of books you use often. If you do most books cost around £20 to £50.

Equipment

If your subject stream requires you to work in the laboratory (for example, Biology and Chemistry), your tuition fees will cover the cost of a protective lab coat and safety goggles. if you lose these, you are responsible for the cost of replacing them (around £25).

While the calculator you used for your former study is usually sufficient some students will choose to purchase a new calculator which will cost around £10.

Students may want to purchase a Molecular Model Kit to help with visualising molecules in chemistry these cost £20.

Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home. Find out more about IT equipment. 

Field trips

Depending on which subjects you choose there are optional field modules in Earth Science and Ecosystems and Environment which may incur a cost. These range from £30 to 50 for UK-based day trips to as much as £400 for overseas residential trips. A full list of approximate expected prices for is available at the start of each year.

Studying abroad

If you have the option to study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.

Other costs

Students will be responsible for the cost of hire of their gown for graduation (around £50) and may need to pay for additional guest tickets.

In addition there may be costs issued by the university for replacement student ID cards, additional transcripts or certification letters, reassessments and library fines.

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

IB score

IB Diploma 36 points overall or IB Higher Level Certificates 7,6,6. Alternatively IB Diploma 34 points overall plus A in the Extended Essay or IB Higher Level Certificates 6,6,6 plus A in the Extended Essay.

IB requirements

A minimum of Higher Level grade 6 in two of biology, chemistry, mathematics analysis and approaches, mathematics applications and interpretations, physics, psychology, geography and environmental systems and societies.

The specific combination of subject required depends on your chosen stream – see year one for a full list of required subjects by stream.

If you would like to study a stream requiring mathematics, Higher Level grade 6 in Mathematics Analysis and Approaches is required.

Higher Level Mathematics Applications and Interpretations is not acceptable in lieu of an A level mathematics requirement, but is permitted as a science subject for streams where mathematics is not required.

A levels

A*AA

or

Alternative offer AAA including an A in EPQ or Core Maths. 

Applicants receiving an alternative offer as a result of studying a project-based qualification, will be given both the Standard and Alternative Offers.

Required subjects

To include at least two sciences, usually from biology, chemistry, maths or physics but the specific combination of subjects required depends on your chosen stream (see year one for full list of required subjects).

If you would like to study a stream requiring mathematics, a grade A is required in A level mathematics/further mathematics.

A pass is normally required in science practical tests, where these are assessed separately.

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking, CIE global perspectives, CIE thinking skills and citizenship studies are not accepted

GCSEs

GCSE English and mathematics C/4 required

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

Level 3 Core Maths

If you have already achieved your Level 3 Core Maths at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Level 3 Core Maths you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Level 3 Core Maths.

If you qualify for a contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your Level 3 Core Maths will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Course transfers

You can transfer between any of the following Natural Sciences programmes within the first two years of the course, providing you meet any additional requirements for those programmes:

• BSc or MSci programmes
• International study programmes
• Placement year programmes
• Year in Computer Science programme (BSc only)

We recommend that students considering either the Placement Year or the Year in Computer Science programmes apply for the International Study programme, as this matches the duration of the programme you will study.

There are three opportunities to add an additional year to your programme as part of a named degree.

International study

Studying abroad gives you the chance to learn about your subjects from a different perspective as well as building your independence and communication skills.

This is an additional year between the second and third years of your course on a pass/fail basis where the marks obtained do not count towards your final mark. This means that you can truly make the most of the opportunity to expand your academic and cultural horizons.

We currently have 23 partners worldwide including partners in North America, Europe, Australasia and South East Asia.

If you are interested in studying abroad for a full academic year, apply to BSc Natural Sciences with International Study programme. It is also possible subject to the necessary progression requirements, to transfer to this programme once you are here.

Please note: To undertake international study, you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university (60% average in Y1 – 65% for some partners) and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution.

Placement year

Natural Sciences students have the option to transfer to a named ‘Natural Sciences with Placement Year’ programme in their second year.

A placement provides a unique opportunity to put theory into practice, gain practical experience and build further skills and competencies that will put you a step ahead on the graduate career ladder.

Students looking for placements are provided with support through the Careers and Employability Service and a few specialist teams in specific subject areas. The university continues to support students while they are on their placement and they will be visited by a placement tutor during the year.

Previous students have spent time working for companies including:

• KPMG
• RSPB
• Rolls Royce
• GSK
• Johnson & Johnson

Students who successfully complete their placement and reflective report are awarded the degree BSc Natural Sciences with Placement Year. It will be a four-year programme with the placement in your penultimate year.

Year in Computer Science

You can also add an intercalated year in Computer Sciences to your degree. This is an additional year between your second and third year of study designed to provide you with training in software development and computing skills to enhance your studies and career options.

Students request to transfer into this programme during the second year. The year is completed on a pass/fail basis and successful students will graduate with a named degree BSc Natural Sciences with a Year in Computer Science.

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses.

Printing

Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don't print lecture notes but these are available digitally.  

Books

You will be able to access all of the books you’ll need through our libraries, but you may wish to purchase your own copies of books you use often. If you do most books cost around £20 to £50.

Equipment

If your subject stream requires you to work in the laboratory (for example, Biology and Chemistry), your tuition fees will cover the cost of a protective lab coat and safety goggles. if you lose these, you are responsible for the cost of replacing them (around £25).

While the calculator you used for your former study is usually sufficient some students will choose to purchase a new calculator which will cost around £10.

Students may want to purchase a Molecular Model Kit to help with visualising molecules in chemistry these cost £20.

Personal laptops are not compulsory as we have computer labs that are open 24 hours a day but you may want to consider one if you wish to work at home. Find out more about IT equipment. 

Field trips

Depending on which subjects you choose there are optional field modules in Earth Science and Ecosystems and Environment which may incur a cost. These range from £30 to 50 for UK-based day trips to as much as £400 for overseas residential trips. A full list of approximate expected prices for is available at the start of each year.

Studying abroad

If you have the option to study abroad, you need to consider the travel and living costs associated with your country of choice. This may include visa costs and medical insurance.

Other costs

Students will be responsible for the cost of hire of their gown for graduation (around £50) and may need to pay for additional guest tickets.

In addition there may be costs issued by the university for replacement student ID cards, additional transcripts or certification letters, reassessments and library fines.

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.