Natural Sciences MSci

Throughout history scientists have attempted to make sense of the world around them, identifying problems and providing solutions. Many of the big challenges of the 21st century such as climate change, energy, sustainability, security and health require an interdisciplinary approach to find solutions. Great scientists think beyond the boundaries of a discipline and find solutions to problems using methods across the broader spectrum of science. This is what we teach our students to become, great scientists.

Our Natural Sciences degrees are multidisciplinary programmes on which students study three subjects in the first year and then two science subjects to degree level thereafter, alongside gaining an appreciation for, and understanding of, the interdisciplinary nature of science. The combination of subjects which you study in the first year allows you to find out what each subject is like at university before you specialise further and you have the opportunity to explore specialist areas through optional modules as you progress through the course.

These courses are designed for talented students with an aptitude for science who would like to study a challenging and diverse range of subjects. Successful completion of the degree provides you with the academic knowledge and practical experience for a wide range of careers in science.

The MSci is designed so that you gain professional skills in research and investigation, preparing you 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

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

A levels

Standard Offer: A*AA, subjects required depend on your preferred pathway but include a minimum of A in the required subjects for your pathway, usually from biology, chemistry, maths, and physics.

Alternative Offer: AAA plus an A in the EPQ, A in the Individual Project component of the Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate or M1 in the Independent Research Report of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research. 

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

Cambridge Pre-U qualifications can replace A levels in required subjects

International Baccalaureate: Standard Offer 38 including 7,6,6, in higher level subjects, required subjects depend on your preferred pathway. Alternative Offer: 36, including 6,6,6 in higher level subjects and an A in the Extended Essay, required subjects depend on preferred pathway.

General Studies, critical thinking, CIE global perspectives & research, CIE thinking skills and citizenship studies are not accepted.

Mature 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.