Natural Sciences Lancaster University

There are many complex challenges in the world today which require scientists who can work at the interface of many disciplines, so if you love science, and want to study more than one subject, you can build your own modular degree with us. We offer one of the longest running and most flexible Natural Sciences degree schemes in the country. Choose pathways from 17 subject areas across the physical and life sciences and connect with staff and students at the cutting-edge of these disciplines. It’s a challenging degree, and the reward is that you are uniquely positioned when you graduate, which opens a wealth of career options.

What to expect

Our three-year BSc Hons Natural Sciences degree starts with your choice of three pathways in Year 1. This allows you to discover and develop your passion for the scientific discipline and build those core fundamentals to take into subsequent years.

In Year 2, your study becomes more focused continuing with two pathways and the introduction of optional modules as you start to specialise.

Your final year is about delving deeper into topics you have been studying and applying your skills and experience to a major research project or dissertation.

Personal development

Working across different scientific disciplines gives you a unique perspective of how they overlap, and as a result, you will develop a broad skills set including abilities in maths and statistics, critical analysis, reasoning, logic, solving complex problems, data handling, and project management, to name just a few. The confidence gained from working across multiple teams to understand their nuances and complexities is directly replicable in the workplace.

3 things our Natural Sciences students want you to know

• You’ll be immersed in science and technology communities which are designed to challenge the most highly motivated students and world-leading researchers, all working together to shape current thinking across multiple scientific disciplines. You’ll have access to a large pool of student communities and support networks

• You’re also uniquely placed to boost your employability by making the most of opportunities within each department you are linked to, including state-of-the-art facilities, internships, placements, guest lectures, industry-led projects, practical lab sessions, or fieldwork

• Natural Sciences degrees make you highly employable by showing you can think and work across the conventional boundaries of science

How our pathways work

A pathway is a defined selection of modules taken from a range of degree programmes, e.g. Biology, Engineering, Geography. We then organise them into dedicated science and technology ‘groupings’. We ask you to choose three pathways in your first year of study. Before choosing your pathways it’s useful to understand that the complexity of some pathways mean they are double or triple weighted, meaning they count as two or three. For example, you may choose the Biology Pathway which is double weighted and another single weighted pathway such as Chemistry.

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

A*AA. This should include two science subjects from: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Information Technology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 45 Level 3 credits at Distinction, but you would need to meet the subject requirements.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

D*DD to include sufficient science. We require Distinctions in the majority of relevant science units. We will assess the qualification on an individual basis and will look for substantial study of relevant science at Distinction level.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade A plus BTEC(s) at D*D, or A levels at grade A*A plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements.

International Baccalaureate

38 points overall with 17 points from the best 3 HL subjects including two HL science subjects at grade 6

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Not accepted

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 6/B, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.