Undergraduate student using the UltraFocus XL X-Ray machine in the A05a Technology Laboratory, Humanities Building,, University Park

Natural Sciences with International Study BSc

University Park Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Explaining Natural Sciences

Natural sciences allows you to study a combination of science subjects, getting to experience these at university before specialising later in the degree. You'll choose a combination of three subjects (called a stream) in your first year and study two subjects to degree level from your second year onwards. 

You can continue to study familiar subjects but can also study subjects you may not have studied before such as archaeology, cancer sciences, earth science, the environment or psychology. Our course offers the flexibility to focus on what you are interested in, develop a wide range of knowledge and skills and understand how scientific disciplines fit together.  

Find out more about the subjects you can study.

 

Year one
Year one Year two Year abroad Year four

The time in your first year is split equally studying three subjects.

You will choose a subject stream (listed below) in early September following confirmation of your place. This choice is flexible and you can change stream any time up to the end of the first week of study providing you meet stream requirements.

Subject streams Required A level subjects
Archaeology-Biology-Chemistry Biology, chemistry
Archaeology-Biology-Earth Science Biology, other science*
Archaeology-Earth Science-Chemistry Chemistry, other science*
Biology-Archaeology-Ecosystems and Environment Biology, other science*
Biology-Chemistry-Mathematics Biology, chemistry, mathematics
Biology-Physics-Mathematics Biology, mathematics, physics
Cancer Sciences-Biology-Chemistry Biology, chemistry
Cancer Sciences-Biology-Psychology Biology, other science*
Chemistry-Archaeology-Ecosystems and Environment Chemistry, other science*
Chemistry-Earth Science-Mathematics Chemistry, mathematics
Chemistry-Physics-Mathematics Chemistry, mathematics, physics
Ecosystems and Environment-Earth Science-Archaeology Any two sciences from list below
Earth Science-Ecosystem and Environment-Biology Biology, other science*
Ecosystem and Environment-Earth Science-Chemistry Chemistry, other science*
Ecosystem and Environment-Biology-Chemistry Biology, chemistry
Earth Science-Biology-Chemistry Biology, chemistry
Earth Science-Biology-Mathematics Biology, mathematics
Mathematics-Psychology-Chemistry Chemistry, mathematics
Physics-Earth Science-Mathematics Mathematics, physics
Physics-Psychology-Mathematics Mathematics, physics
Psychology-Biology-Chemistry Biology, chemistry
Psychology-Biology-Mathematics Biology, mathematics

* Other science includes biology, chemistry, environmental studies/science, geography, geology, mathematics, physics and psychology.

The majority of modules are compulsory but there are limited optional choices in a few subjects. For indicative modules on each stream, find out more about the subjects you can study.

Alongside your academic study, you take workshops towards the Academic and Transferable Skills Portfolio to help you to transition to university life and develop the skills you need to be successful in your studies and beyond.

You choose two of your first-year subjects and continue studying them in greater depth. Some subjects allow further specialisation within the subject through optional modules and specialisms allowing you to tailor your programme to your interests.

You'll spend more time developing practical skills in this year. This enables you to put what you are learning into practice through field work and practical laboratory classes.

You will apply to potential host universities for entry into year three. The university will support you in this.

Typical year two modules

For typical year two modules, please visit the natural sciences website.

You will spend the year overseas at one of our partner institutions. This will be an additional year of study which allows you to gain a different perspective of your studies while experiencing life and studying in another country.

You are able to explore specialisms in your chosen subjects which are not available at Nottingham to gain a broader understanding which will complement your studies when you return.

The number of modules you study during your year abroad will depend on the institution you will be studying at. You will agree a programme of study with the Director of Natural Sciences prior to going abroad. 

Placements are organised through the competitive university-wide programme which includes partners in Canada, USA, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico and Hong Kong.

You will return to complete your fourth year at Nottingham.

On return to Nottingham, you continue studying your two chosen subjects at a more advanced level. You have even more flexibility through optional modules to explore your own interests and focus on specialist areas within each subject and can opt to do a major/minor split to study more of your preferred subject.

Emphasis will be put on self-reliance and proactively putting what you have learned in previous years into practice. Alongside subject content, you will undertake the 20 credit synoptic project which provides a broader view of science and its communication and ties together the different subjects through a collaborative group project.

For typical year four modules, please visit the natural sciences website

University undergraduate student Cole Pearce studying in Nightingale Hall accommodation's library, University Park. November 5th 2021.

Studying abroad allowed me to develop the ability to interact with a diverse group of people which is a skill that I will always be able to use in future education and careers. "

Jenika Patel

BSc Natural Sciences International Study

Course data

Open Day June 2022