Natural Sciences What would I study and how do courses differ? There are currently over 14 UK universities offering a course titled Natural Science, of which only eight are in the Russell Group. You will be signing up for either a three year BSc or a four year MSci degree. Most universities allow you to change during the course – check individual web sites for detailed information. The MSci is particularly useful if you are interested in a career in research. The structure of the course varies significantly from university to university; some demand that you specialise early e.g. into Biological or Physical Sciences. It is important that you research your course carefully to ensure that you are interested in all of the modules/lecture courses that you will encounter. You need to investigate the subject combinations/streams/routes/pathways for each university. Do you want a year’s work experience as part of your degree? Does the course you are applying for offer this as an option? Adding practical experience to your degree is highly valuable to your career. If you are keen to continue a Language you should also consider this as part of your short listing process. What are typical entry requirements? Many of the top universities are asking for A*AA. Do not be surprised if they ask for A*A*A! Durham: after the first year of Nat Sci it may be possible to transfer to a Single Honours degree if you decide that is what you want. Because of this, Admissions’ Tutors do not want Nat Sci to be seen as a back door into a Single Honours course. Hence if you are taking Physics based Nat Sci then the entry requirements will be the same as for single honours Physics e.g. A*A in Physics and Maths. If you are taking Further Maths then Tutors require A* in Maths and A in Further Maths. Birmingham: A*AA. The A* can be in any of the three subjects. Nottingham: A*AA or AAA. Depending on which ‘pathway’ you have chosen. Many universities do not accept UCAS points A*AC is not the same as AAB. The precise entry requirements can be found by consulting www.ucas.ac.uk and clicking Course Search, or researching individual university websites. Are there any essential or recommended A Levels? Natural Science has become popular in recent years. Two Science subjects and Maths are the commonly preferred A Levels. It really depends on what stream or path you
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