Triangle

This course is no longer accepting applications for 2021 entry.

Course overview

How can we harness renewable fuels? How do we tackle pollution? How can we minimise climate change? These are some of the 21st century challenges that need a combined approach to find solutions. At Nottingham, you'll learn from scientists who are working together to tackle today’s global problems.

You'll choose a combination of three subjects in your first year and study two subjects to degree level from your second year. You'll spend your third year abroad, studying at a partner university in Australasia, Europe or North America. You'll return to Nottingham to complete your last two years of your degree.

You can choose multiple subject combinations from:

  • archaeology
  • biology
  • cancer sciences
  • chemistry
  • earth science
  • ecosystem and environment
  • maths
  • physics
  • psychology

The integrated masters offers flexibility through collaborative modules and an independent research project in your final year, preparing you for research roles in industry or a PhD.

Why choose this course?

  • Flexibility to study different subjects and tailor your degree to your interests
  • Gain hands-on practical experience in experimental and computational laboratories and the field
  • Explore different areas of science and see how they are taught overseas
  • Learn in a supported environment with dedicated course staff to guide you through your studies
  • Experience life as a professional researcher in your fifth year, presenting your work and writing reports and papers
  • Professional research experience provides the right mindset and skills for PhD and industrial research opportunities

Entry requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.

UK entry requirements
A level AAA with A in two science subjects in Clearing

Please note: Applicants whose backgrounds or personal circumstances have impacted their academic performance may receive a reduced offer. Please see our contextual admissions policy for more information.
Required subjects

Required subjects depend on your preferred stream.
IB score 36 including 6,6,6, in higher level subjects in Clearing.

Clearing

A levels: AAA. Science subjects required depend on your chosen stream.

Science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science. Other non-core sciences can also be considered

General Studies, Critical Thinking, CIE global perspectives, CIE thinking skills and Citizenship Studies are not accepted.

Foundation progression options

If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. If you satisfy the progression requirements (65%) then you can progress to any of the streams without maths in natural sciences.

Find out more at: Science Foundation Certificate.

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.

Learning and assessment

How you will learn

Teaching methods

  • Computer labs
  • Lab sessions
  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Problem classes
  • Independent study
  • Field trips

How you will be assessed

Marking criteria are available from each of the individual subjects and how different types of work are assessed is discussed in skills workshops. Your work will be marked in a timely manner and you will receive regular feedback. The pass mark for each module is 40%.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. For the MSci with International Study degree, year two is worth 20% with years four and five worth 40% each.

 

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Group project
  • Written exam
  • Research project
  • Practical write-ups

Contact time and study hours

Students study 120 credits a year, typically through 10, 20 or 40 credit modules. One credit equates to approximately 10 hours of work split between formal contact time, self-study, revision and assessment. The number of formal contact hours varies depending on the subjects you are studying but you will typically spend between 18 and 23 hours in your first year in the following classes:

  • 10 to 12 hours per week of lectures
  • 2 hours per week of skills workshops
  • 3 hours per week in problem classes or workshops (subject dependent)
  • 4-8 hours per week in laboratory classes/field work (subject dependent)
  • 1-2 hours per week in tutorials (subject dependent)

There are additional study group sessions which are optional but provide some structure to learning outside of formal classes and the remainder of your time is spent on independent study.

Lectures vary in size from 30 to 400 students in the first year but tend to reduce in size in later years as students specialise more. Practical classes are between 20 and 50 students and may be done in pairs.

Teaching is provided by academic staff within the relevant School with additional support in small group and practical classes from PhD students and post-doctoral researchers.

Study abroad

Students who choose to study abroad are more likely to achieve a first-class degree and earn more on average than students who did not (Gone International: Rising Aspirations report 2016/17).

Benefits of studying abroad

  • Explore a new culture
  • Study specialisms not available at Nottingham including marine conservation, desert biology and plasma physics
  • A reduced tuition fee for the time you are abroad
  • Improve your communication skills, confidence and independence

Countries you could go to:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Hong Kong (teaching is in English)
  • Ireland
  • Mexico (teaching is in English)
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore (teaching is in English)
  • South Africa
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • USA

You must achieve a minimum 65% pass rate to spend time studying abroad. Your year spent abroad does not count towards your final mark.

Study Abroad and the Year in Industry are subject to students meeting minimum academic requirements. Opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Modules

You will choose a subject stream from 18 possible streams (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.

Streams available

Please note: some streams are new and we are awaiting module information so this will be updated once available.

Subject stream Required subjects
Archaeology-Biology-Chemistry Biology, Chemistry
Archaeology-Biology-Earth Science Biology, Other Science*
Archaeology-Chemistry-Earth Science Chemistry, Other Science*
Biology-Chemistry-Mathematics Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics
Biology-Physics-Mathematics Biology, Mathematics, Physics
Cancer Science-Biology-Psychology Biology, Other Science*
Chemistry-Earth Science-Mathematics Chemistry, Maths
Chemistry-Physics-Mathematics Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics
Ecosystem and Environment-Earth Science-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-Mathematics-Psychology Mathematics, Physics
Psychology-Biology-Chemistry Biology, Chemistry
Psychology-Biology-Mathematics Biology, Mathematics

* Other Science includes: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics and Physics.

The majority of modules are compulsory but there are limited optional choices in a few subjects. For typical modules on each stream, click the stream titles above.

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 than the first year. 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.

Typical year two modules

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

You will apply to spend the third year of your degree 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. 

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

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. 

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.

Emphasis will be put on self-reliance and proactively putting what you have learned in previous years into practice. Alongside subject-specific study, 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.

Typical year four modules

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

You'll spend half your time working on an independent research project to develop the skills needed to pursue a career in research. The project is an opportunity to consolidate learning from previous years and to apply that knowledge in a world-class research environment with the support of university staff.

Alongside your project you take taught modules which complement your research project, develop your professional research skills and allow you to explore subjects in more depth. There is flexibility for the project and/or the taught modules to focus on a single subject or to be more interdisciplinary in nature.

For more detailed module information about the master’s year, please visit the Natural Sciences website.

Play video

Where you will learn

University Park Campus

University Park Campus covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.

Most schools and departments are based here. You will have access to libraries, shops, cafes, the Students’ Union, sports village and a health centre.

You can walk or cycle around campus. Free hopper buses connect you to our other campuses. Nottingham city centre is 15 minutes away by public bus or tram.

Facilities available to natural sciences students

Where you will learn

Facilities available to natural sciences students

Natural sciences students are taught alongside single subject students in the majority of their modules.

For example, if you are learning chemistry it will be in lecture theatres designed to allow chemical demonstrations. Biology is taught in purpose-built laboratories for genetic or organismal experiments.

Maths computation classes will take place in spacious computing labs with required software available.

Play video

Where you will learn

Sutton Bonington Campus

Sutton Bonington Campus combines world-leading laboratories with a countryside location, just a few miles from the city of Nottingham. The campus is home to over 2,500 biosciences and veterinary medicine students.

You will have access to student services, a library, sports centre and places to eat. Specialist facilities include the super lab, food processing pilot plant, glasshouses and University farm. 

You can travel to University Park Campus in around 25 minutes on our free hopper bus.

Fees and funding

UK students

£9,250
Per year

International students

£25,000*
Per year

*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.

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) .

Additional costs

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. You will be given £5 worth of printer credits a year. You are welcome to buy more credits if you need them. It costs 4p to print one black and white page.

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 a lot. If you do most books cost around £20-£50.

Equipment

If your subject stream requires you to work in the laboratory (eg 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.

Field trips

Depending on which pathway you choose there are optional field modules in Earth Science and Ecosystems and Environment which may incur a cost. These range from £30-50 for UK-based day trips to as much as £350 for overseas residential trips. A full list of approximate expected prices for is available at the start of each year.

Study abroad

If you 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

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.

Scholarships and bursaries

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.

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.

International scholarships

Careers

Our graduates use their knowledge and broad skill set to work in many areas of science including clinical research, chemical industries, financial economics, and the energy sector. 

Our graduates have gone to work for companies such as:

  • BAE Systems
  • Hargreaves Lansdown
  • JP Morgan
  • New Scientist
  • Nuvatek
  • PwC

As the degree provides an understanding of the ideas and approaches across science and how the disciplines fit together, it is a strong background for further study including PhDs and Masters degrees.

Average starting salary and career progression

92.3% of undergraduates studying natural sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual salary for these graduates was £26,041*

* Data from University of Nottingham graduates, 2017-2019. HESA Graduate Outcomes. Sample sizes vary. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

Dummy placeholder image

Related courses

Archaeology and Geography BA

Archaeology and geography are a natural combination. Gain a broad knowledge of human culture from the Palaeolithic to the present day. Study the key themes and issues in human and physical geography and of climate and the environment.
View course

Chemistry and Molecular Physics MSci

This course focuses on the area of overlap between the traditional disciplines of chemistry and physics. The course emphasises molecular and solid-state physics, quantum mechanics and spectroscopy, and the more quantitative aspects of chemistry.
View course

Natural Sciences with International Study BSc

Understand the theories and ideas from different areas of science combined with a year studying abroad.
View course

Want to know more?

Apply now
Book an open day
Contact us

Important information

This online prospectus has been drafted in advance of the academic year to which it applies. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content) are likely to occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for the course where there has been an interval between you reading this website and applying.