GCSE requirements
- GCSE Mathematics grade 6 or B
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category C)
Natural Sciences MSci (Hons)
5 years with professional placement or study abroad, starting in September 2026
Gain the benefits of studying across different scientific disciplines with the flexibility to shape your degree to your career aspirations.
This is the course for you if you love science and want to study more than one science subject at university.
You will choose your own pathway to suit your interests and strengths. You’ll be able to take your existing scientific skills further, explore new areas and apply what you’ve learnt in practical and relevant ways.
Employers will value your ability to bring problem-solving skills from a variety of different angles. You’ll graduate with the breadth of knowledge and practical skills to prepare you for a career in industry or for postgraduate research.
If you decide your interests fit better within a single science, you may be able to transfer to biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology or physics after year one.
Pathways
When you start your course, you can shape your degree to your interests by choosing a combination of two main subjects based on your previous qualifications. You will follow your own path, developing lab skills and an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationship between the core sciences. You can choose two main subjects from this list:
- biology
- biochemistry
- chemistry
- environmental science (from year 2, as a main subject on the BSc only)
- pharmacology
- physics
You'll specialise in one of your main subjects in your final year. These two can be complemented by modules from an additional subject, choices include:
- a third science
- management
- education
- psychology
- mathematics
Note that not all main subject combinations are possible, so biology can't be combined with biochemistry, physics can't be combined with pharmacology or biochemistry, and pharmacology can't be combined with environmental science.
Master's in Natural Sciences
The MSci course provides you with the same core sciences but in more depth than the BSc. You will complete a substantial research project, giving you greater exposure to current research.
Supporting your studies
You'll have an academic advisor who'll normally stay with you throughout the course, and a current student will be your peer mentor to help you with everything from study choices to social life.
The natural sciences society organise events throughout the year, so you'll be able to meet and share experiences with fellow students. In fact, with the subjects on offer, you'll get to meet a wider range of students than on single-honours courses.
Put your learning into practice
As well as teaching, our academics carry out their own research in all branches of science, so you’ll always be up-to-date with the latest developments. You’ll have the option to work alongside them on your own research project and apply your knowledge to current challenges.
Develop your professional skills
Our natural sciences courses are designed to develop a wide range of professional and scientific skills that you'll need as a graduate scientist. We have teams of specialist staff in the Faculty of Science, and the University who will work with and support you in your search for graduate career opportunities. The support available includes skills workshops that are designed to prepare you for the recruitment process.
Supporting your studies
You'll have an academic advisor who'll normally stay with you throughout the course, and a current student will be your peer mentor to help you with everything from study choices to social life.
The Natural Sciences Society organise events throughout the year, so you'll be able to meet and share experiences with fellow students. In fact, with the subjects on offer, you'll get to meet a wider range of students than on single-honours courses.
Put your learning into practice
As well as teaching, our academics carry out their own research in all branches of science, so you’ll always be up-to-date with the latest developments. You’ll have the option to work alongside them on your own research project and apply your knowledge to current challenges.
Develop your professional skills
Our natural sciences courses are designed to develop a wide range of professional and scientific skills that you'll need as a graduate scientist. We have teams of specialist staff in the Faculty of Science, and the University who will work with and support you in your search for graduate career opportunities. The support available includes skills workshops that are designed to prepare you for the recruitment process.
Get ready for your future career
Having the experience in solving problems from multiple angles ensures natural sciences graduates are suitable for a wide range of challenges in modern science, from atomic research to epidemiology, sustainable technology or environmental science. You'll also have skills for careers built on a scientific background, such as working in scientific and manufacturing industries or roles in management, marketing, sales, lecturing, purchasing or patenting.
Recent employers include:
- DEFRA
- Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Dyson
- Pfizer
Many of our graduates also choose to go on to postgraduate study in preparation for academic or industry-based research careers.
Learn more on our Virtual Experience page
You can learn more about studying natural sciences at Bath by visiting our Natural Sciences Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students.
2026/2027 Academic Year
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
Course structure
This course lasts 5 years. It starts in September 2026 and ends in 2031. Welcome week starts on 21 September 2026.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Units
To make up the required credits for your degree, you'll select two main subjects based on your previous qualifications. Alongside these, you’ll study core natural sciences units and you can take an additional unit in a range of subjects including maths, environmental science, management, psychology or education. In the final year, you'll undertake a project or dissertation in one of your main subjects.
Main subject choices
Choose two main subjects from these options:
- biology
- biochemistry
- chemistry
- pharmacology
- physics
Note that biology can't be paired with biochemistry, and physics can't be paired with pharmacology or biochemistry.
Units and credits
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. For Natural Sciences, these will usually be made up of 20 credits in each main subject with the rest made up from a Natural Sciences unit and one additional subject.
120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
Units listed here are intended to give you an idea of the scope and flexibility of the course. We will assist you in making your final course choices, including detailed explanation of what choices are available on which paths.
All students: natural sciences units
Core natural sciences units are studied alongside your other subject choices, developing skills appropriate to your main subjects and an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationship between the sciences.
- Year 1. Natural Sciences Portfolio 1 (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Year 2. Natural Sciences Portfolio 2 (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Year 3. Professional placement or study abroad
- Year 4. Contemporary Interdisciplinary Science (compulsory unless studying physics, 5 credits)
Biochemistry
Biochemistry requires an A Level or equivalent in chemistry. In years 2 and 4 you can take 20 credits with an additional subject, or 30 credits without.
Year 1
- Biochemistry (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Cell Biology (compulsory, 10 credits)
Year 2
- Protein Structure and Analysis (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Optional units. Choose 10 to 20 credits from options which include year-long units in gene regulation, neuroscience and molecular biochemistry (10 credits each).
Year 3
- Professional placement or study abroad
Year 4
- Protein Synthesis, Folding, Structure-Function and Turnover (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Optional units (10 or 20 credits). A choice of lecture units, some of which follow from the Year 2 units, or you can broaden your experience. Follow on units include development and neuroscience while other units include entrepreneurial biotechnology or you can take 10 credits of current topics. Within the current topics, you explore areas of biosciences through your own presentations and discussions, guided by a member of staff.
Year 5
- Advances in Biosciences for Natural Sciences (compulsory, 10 credits)
Final year project
- Advanced capstone project for biochemistry majors (30 credits)
You can read more details of unit contents on the biochemistry course page.
Biology
Biology requires an A Level or equivalent in biology. In years 2 and 4 you can take 20 credits with an additional subject, or 30 credits without.
Year 1
- Biodiversity (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Principles of Ecology & Evolution (compulsory, 10 credits)
Year 2
- Optional units (20 or 30 credits). These optional units are a mixture of 10-credit year-long units and some shorter 5-credit units. You have a free choice of these provided you balance your workload across the two semesters. Example optional topics include ecology, evolution and plant sciences, and an optional residential field course. Those wishing to acquire the methodology for field studies without taking the field course can study modern methods in biology.
Year 3
- Professional placement or study abroad
Year 4
- Optional units (20 or 30 credits). Choose from optional 10 or 5 credit units, including units which follow on from the Year 2 units, so you can explore further areas such as evolution and conservation/ecology. Or you can broaden your experience into other areas such as science education. Further optional units allow you to explore current topics in biosciences through your own presentations and discussions, guided by a member of staff.
Year 5
- Advances in Biosciences for Natural Sciences (compulsory, 10 or 20 credits)
Final year project
- Advanced capstone project for biology majors (30 credits)
You can read more details of unit contents on the biology course page.
Chemistry
Studying chemistry as one of your major subjects requires an A Level or equivalent in chemistry.
Year 1
- Foundations and Applications of Chemistry (compulsory, 20 credits)
Year 2
- Fundamental Concepts of Chemistry (compulsory, 20 credits)
Year 3
- Professional placement or study abroad
Year 4
- Advanced Chemistry 1 for Natural Sciences (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Problems & Solutions in Modern Chemistry for Natural Sciences (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Natural Sciences Chemistry MSci laboratory (compulsory for chemistry majors, 10 credits)
Year 5
These units are compulsory with some subject combinations, otherwise you choose one.
- Advanced Chemistry 2 for Natural Sciences (10 credits)
- 21st-century research challenges for Natural Sciences (10 credits)
Final year project
- Final year project for chemistry majors (30 credits)
You can read more details of unit contents on the chemistry course page.
Pharmacology
Studying pharmacology units requires an A Level or equivalent in chemistry. On the MSci, pharmacology is available as a main in years 1 and 2 and as a minor subject in years 4 and 5. Note that some unit choices in years 4 and 5 are dependent on options taken in previous taught years.
Year 1
- The Healthy Body for Natural Sciences (10 or 20 credits)
Year 2
- Central Nervous System Pharmacology (compulsory, 5 credits)
- Drug Discovery & Experimental Pharmacology (5 credits)
- Infection and Immunity Pharmacology for Natural Sciences (10 credits)
- Other 5 credit options may be available if you're taking pharmacology as an additional subject.
Year 3
- Professional placement or study abroad
Year 4
- Advanced Topics and Trends in Pharmacology (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Optional units (10 or 20 units). Choose from optional 10 or 5 credit units, including units which follow on from the Year 2 units, or explore further areas with a range of advanced topics to tailor your programme to your interests.
Year 5
- Advanced Drug Discovery (compulsory, 10 credits)
- Optional units. (5 or 10 credits). You can select from a range of therapeutic areas for your drug discovery topic. You can also select 5 credits from a range of advanced topics to tailor your programme to your interests. Options also include a pharmacology dissertation. Note, there is no pharmacology major project option on the MSci course.
You can read more details of unit contents on the pharmacology course page.
Physics
Physics requires A Levels or equivalent in physics and maths. Some final year unit choices depend on units studied in your penultimate year.
Year 1
- Foundations of Physics 1 (compulsory, 20 credits)
- Mathematics for Physics (NS) 1 (compulsory, 10 credits).
Year 2
- Foundations of Physics 2 (compulsory, 20 credits)
- Mathematics for Physics (NS) 2 (compulsory, 10 credits)
Year 3
- Professional placement or study abroad
Year 4
- MPhys/MSci laboratory or Computational Physics (compulsory for physics majors, 10 credits)
- MPhys/MSci project preparation (compulsory for physics majors, 5 credits)
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics (compulsory for physics majors, 5 credits)
- Electronic & Optical Properties of Matter (compulsory for physics majors, 5 credits)
- Photonics (compulsory for physics majors, 5 credits)
- Optional units (10 to 20 credits). Our penultimate year options give you the opportunity to develop your skills and deepen your knowledge and understanding, to provide you with a sound foundation for your final year master's level research project or placement. You can choose whether to extend your experimental skills by carrying out extended experiments with advanced equipment, or to further deepen your knowledge and experience of computational physics. You can also choose from a wide range of optional lecture courses to match your individual interests and preferences. You can choose to focus more strongly on fundamental or applied physics, or to keep a more equal balance between the two. Also included in these options are broader topics to enable you to experience a taster of a field you might be considering for graduate employment.
Year 5
For physics majors, these units are compulsory. For those taking a minor in physics, you can choose up to 10 credits.
- Nanoscience (5 credits)
- Advanced Functional Materials (5 credits)
- Fibre Photonics (5 credits)
- Non-Linear and Quantum Optics (5 credits)
Final year project
- MPhys/MSci research project (30 credits)
You can read more details of unit contents on the physics course page.
Optional course units
Additional subjects
You may choose these alongside your main choices to make a total of 60 credits in each year. Maths options require an A Level or equivalent in maths. To take psychology, biochemistry or pharmacology units in years 2 and 4, you need to have studied them in the preceding taught year.
If you're taking physics, maths is your compulsory additional subject. If you choose the combination of biochemistry and pharmacology as your main subjects, you must take 10 credits of additional chemistry in year 1.
Year 1
- 5 or 10 credit options available in maths, management or psychology. Units from biochemistry or pharmacology are also available if these are not already one of your main subjects.
Year 2
- 5 or 10 credit options available in environmental science, maths, management or psychology. Units from biochemistry or pharmacology are also available if these are not already one of your main subjects.
Year 4
- 5 or 10 credit options available in education, environmental science, maths, management, psychology or a Director of Studies approved unit in a subject of your choosing. Units from biochemistry or pharmacology are also available if these are not already one of your main subjects.
Study abroad or placement
You can choose to go on professional placement or study at one of our overseas partner institutions in your third year. This is an opportunity to enhance your CV, gain valuable new skills, make new contacts or try out a career option.
Professional placement
Going on placement gives you the opportunity to apply your skills and knowledge while working professionally. You’ll be employed full-time in a role to match your future career ambitions, broadening your experience and transferable skills. This could give you a competitive edge when applying for graduate jobs.
We have links with some of the industry’s leading companies. Recent placement employers include:
- Intrinsiq
- CERN
- EY
- Wessex Water
- GlaxoSmithKline
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF)
Placement opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure a placement.
Find out more about going on placement.
Study abroad
Broaden your horizons with one or two semesters studying at a university abroad. You’ll experience another culture whilst studying a course that complements your studies at Bath.
We have links with universities in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe, and Africa, including the University of Nebraska, National University of Singapore, University of Canterbury, Stellenbosch University, and the University of Helsinki.
Opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure study abroad.
Learning and assessment
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Assessment
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Assessment breakdown
You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. These may include closed and open-book examinations, essays, reports, presentations and group work.
Because of the numerous possible routes through the programme, it is not possible to give detailed assessment percentages. In your final year, you will complete a project or dissertation. You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
Contact hours and workload
Contact hours
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 15 and 20 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
Independent learning
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 15 to 25 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.
Professional accreditations
Our courses have previously been accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences, which conducts a reaccreditation exercise every few years or when we make changes to the course. We are currently going through this reaccreditation process and are awaiting the outcome of this evaluation.
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘The main thing I love about my course is the broad range of topics I have studied including neuroscience, organic chemistry, education and genetics.’
—
Davina Mills
Natural Sciences MSci (Graduating year, 2024)
Entry requirements
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying sciences. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
The options available to you on the course depend on the science and mathematics subjects you have studied before you enter, and you can be considered with any of the following combinations:
- Biology and Chemistry
- Chemistry and Mathematics
- Biology, Mathematics and Physics
- Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
If you are studying three or more science and mathematics subjects you may meet several of these combinations, which will increase the options available to choose during your degree.
We cannot accept the following combinations on their own for this degree and you may wish to consider other courses we offer:
- Biology and Mathematics - suggested alternative: Biology
- Biology and Physics - suggested alternative: Biology
- Mathematics and Physics - suggested alternatives: Physics or Mathematics and Physics
If you would like more advice on how your chosen subjects will affect an application to this course please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk before you apply.
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
Origin of qualifications
British qualifications
A level Typical offer
A*AAA*AA in three A levels including one of the following combinations:
- Biology and Chemistry
- Chemistry and Mathematics
- Biology, Mathematics and Physics
- Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
If you study at least one valid combination requiring Physics you will only be considered for the Physics combinations. If you study Biology and do not study Physics you will only be considered for the Biology and Chemistry combination.
Which subjects you have studied at A level will determine which subjects you can choose during your degree. If you study Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics you will be able to choose any of the valid combinations.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level for the Biology and Chemistry or Chemistry and Mathematics combinations. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Contextual offer
AABAAB in three A levels including grades from one of the following subject combinations:
- A in Biology and A in Chemistry
- A in Chemistry and A in Mathematics
- B in Biology, A in Mathematics and A in Physics
- B in Chemistry, A in Mathematics and A in Physics
If you study at least one valid combination requiring Physics you will only be considered for the Physics combinations. If you study Biology and do not study Physics you will only be considered for the Biology and Chemistry combination.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level for the Biology and Chemistry or Chemistry and Mathematics combinations. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A Level Alternative offer
AAA or A*ABWe know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in each subject from one of the following combinations:
- Biology and Chemistry
- Chemistry and Mathematics
- Biology, Mathematics and Physics (AAA only)
- Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics (AAA only)
plus one of the following project qualifications:
- grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
- an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
AAAB or A*ABB in three A levels including A in each subject from one of the following combinations and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales:
- Biology and Chemistry
- Chemistry and Mathematics
- Biology, Mathematics and Physics (AAAB only)
- Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics (AAAB only)
Additionally, if you are studying Biology and Chemistry A level but do not study Mathematics A level you will be eligible for an alternative offer based on additional study in mathematics:
AAA or A*AB in three A levels including A in Biology and A in Chemistry plus one of:
- grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
- grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
Read more about how our alternative offers work.
We do not make alternative offers based on Further Mathematics for this course.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Typical offer
7, 6, 6 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall and 7, 6, 6 in three Higher Level subjects including one of the following combinations:
- HL Biology and HL Chemistry
- HL Chemistry and either HL Mathematics
- HL Biology, HL Physics and either HL Mathematics
- HL Chemistry, HL Physics and either HL Mathematics
We cannot accept Sports, Exercise and Health Science in place of Biology for this course.
If you have questions about your subjects please contact admissions@bath.ac.uk before applying to discuss whether your subject combination is suitable.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
Standard Level in essential subjects
Chemistry at Standard Level cannot be accepted.
We may be able to consider you if you are studying one of Biology, Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches or Physics at Standard level (usually at grade 7) alongside your other required subject(s) at Higher Level.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
Your IB courses and vocational study must include sufficient study across the whole of one combination listed in the IB Diploma section. If Mathematics is part of your chosen combination you must study either HL Mathematics or SL Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.
International Baccalaureate Certificates
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.
Your IB courses and vocational study must include sufficient study across the whole of one combination listed in the IB Diploma section. If Mathematics is part of your chosen combination you must study either HL Mathematics or SL Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches.
International Baccalaureate Contextual offer
6, 6, 5 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including grades in each HL subject from one of the following combinations:
- 6 in HL Biology and 6 in HL Chemistry
- 6 in HL Chemistry and 6 in either HL Mathematics
- 5 in HL Biology, 6 in HL Physics and 6 in either HL Mathematics
- 5 in HL Chemistry, 6 in HL Physics and 6 in either HL Mathematics
We cannot accept Sports, Exercise and Health Science in place of Biology for this course.
Standard Level in essential subjects
Chemistry at Standard Level cannot be accepted.
We may be able to consider you if you are studying one of Biology, Mathematics: Analysis & Approaches or Physics at Standard level (usually at grade 7) alongside your other required subject(s) at Higher Level.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer
D*DD plus A at A levelBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)
D*DD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Mathematics.
You must be studying A level Mathematics alongside your BTEC qualification.
Your BTEC qualification must have an appropriate combination of Chemistry, Biology and Physics content to prepare you for the course. Please see the entry requirements section above for guidance on subject combinations and options available to you on course, and contact us to discuss your units before making an application.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
Please see the entry requirements section above for guidance on subject combinations and options available to you on course.
T level Typical offer
T levels are not considered suitable preparation for this degree programme and are therefore not accepted for entry. If you require advice on how you may academically prepare to study this degree or present with a mix of qualifications, you should contact our Admissions Progression Team at admissions-progression@bath.ac.uk.
Scottish Highers Typical offer
AA or AAA in Advanced HighersOur typical offer depends on the subjects you are studying in your Advanced Highers.
If you are not studying an Advanced Higher in Physics:
AA in two Advanced Highers including Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics.
If you are studying an Advanced Higher in Physics:
AAA in three Advanced Highers including Mathematics, Physics and either Biology or Chemistry.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAAAB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Access to HE Diploma Typical offer
39 credits at DistinctionA pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering) with at least 39 credits achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction.
We are able to consider the Access to HE Diploma for entry. You will typically need to have studied units worth 12 credits at Distinction each in two core sciences (Biology, Chemistry or Physics). If you study Physics as a core science you will also need a further 12 credits at Distinction in Mathematics units. You can be considered with just Chemistry and Mathematics, providing you have 12 credits at distinction each. Please see the entry requirements section above for guidance on subject combinations and options available to you on course.
If you wish to take Chemistry options on our course you must be studying both Organic and Inorganic Chemistry units.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Combinations of qualifications Typical offer
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To be considered for this course, your qualifications must include a suitable combination of science subjects:
- Biology and Chemistry
- Chemistry and Mathematics
- Biology, Mathematics and Physics
- Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
English language requirements
Category C
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components
- TOEFL IBT and IBT Special Home Edition: 90 overall with 21 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 180 with no less than 169 in all elements
- Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 130, Conversation 115, Production 100
- Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 120 overall with sub scores of Literacy 120, Comprehension 120, Conversation 120, Production 120
- LanguageCert SELT: B2 Communicator High Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
Fees and funding
Fees and funding information for Natural Sciences MSci (Hons) with professional placement or study abroad
Fees
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusTuition fees
Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
Extra costs
If you choose to take units offered by the Department of Education, you may need to pay for an enhanced DBS check and for travel to local schools. Currently enhanced DBS checks cost £55.
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansScholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsOther payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsBudgeting
You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
Application information
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Course titleNatural Sciences
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Final awardMSci (Hons)
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Mode of studyFull-time
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Course codeW103
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Institution codeB16
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Department
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LocationUniversity of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY -
Home application deadline14 January 2026
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Overseas application deadline14 January 2026
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Application eligibilityHome and Overseas students are eligible to apply
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Regulator
Selection process
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Course enquiries
Undergraduate Selection
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experience