About this course
Do you have a passion for science and discovery? Do you want to make a difference to our planet’s future? On this MSci Natural Sciences degree, we’ll help you develop the skills and knowledge to address some of our biggest challenges. You’ll apply your knowledge across the sciences, to better understand the laws and phenomena of the physical world.
This course is subject to revalidation for 2022 entry.
This interdisciplinary master's course is not like a traditional degree. We offer modules from across all the science disciplines. This will let you apply real-world contexts to global problems, such as:
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air pollution
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climate change
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plastic waste
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neurodegenerative diseases
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loss of biodiversity
You'll have access to our world-class facilities in our research centres and institutes, including the:
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National Oceanography Centre
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Centre for Cancer Immunology
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Web Sciences Institute
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Nanofabrication Centre
As part of this course you can:
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carry out original research projects that may be publishable in major scientific journals
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explore the ethical, social and political issues in science
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take a 6-month, full-time research placement in the UK or overseas
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choose your own modules from a custom-made base of options
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tailor your degree to your specific interests and career goals
Course locations
This course is based at Highfield and Boldrewood.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202122
A-levels
A*AA including two preferred science subjects
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAA to include two preferred subjects
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 38 points, with 19 points at Higher Level, including 7 and 6 at Higher Level preferred science subjects.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation). Science practical components must be passed.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H2 to include two preferred subjects
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1A1AAAA to include two preferred subjects
Irish certificate additional information
Subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 to include two preferred subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of grade A.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA from 3 A levels including Biology and one further science subject
or
A*A from two A levels including Biology and one further a science subject and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
85%-88% overall to include grade 9 in one preferred science subject and grade 8.5 in a second preferred science subjects. Acceptable subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
For Academic year 202223
A-levels
A*AA including two preferred science subjects
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
AAA to include two preferred subjects
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 38 points, with 19 points at Higher Level, including 7 and 6 at Higher Level preferred science subjects.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation). Science practical components must be passed.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H2 to include two preferred subjects
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1A1AAAA to include two preferred subjects
Irish certificate additional information
Subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 to include two preferred subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D2 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A* or grade D3 can be used in lieu of grade A.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*AA from 3 A levels including Biology and one further science subject
or
A*A from two A levels including Biology and one further a science subject and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
A level science subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
85%-88% overall to include grade 9 in one preferred science subject and grade 8.5 in a second preferred science subjects. Acceptable subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
-
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
Natural Sciences tutors will support you through a formal mentoring scheme. Your mentor will help you find the best route and combination of courses.
You’ll take 1 interdisciplinary Natural Science (NATS) module per semester, and a research project and placement in years 3 and 4. You’ll choose the remaining modules from across the university, depending on your timetable.
Your NATS modules will use both peer-assisted and staff-led learning. They will comprise:
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lectures
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workshop sessions
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group work
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independent project work
Each NATS module will have 4 pieces of assessed work.
Year 1 overview
You’ll complete 2 compulsory NATS modules:
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Independent Learning Skills in Science
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Detecting the undetectable: Analytical Techniques in the Natural Sciences
You’ll choose the remaining 6 modules from across the university.
Year 2 overview
You’ll complete 2 compulsory NATS modules:
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Editing Life: Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology
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Creating an Atmosphere: From Pea-Soupers to Climate Change
You’ll choose the remaining 6 modules from across the university.
Year 3 overview
You’ll conduct a research project that spans both semesters. You can choose from a selection of projects offered by members of staff in other faculties, or you can devise your own.
You’ll complete 2 compulsory NATS modules:
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Engineering the Future: Materials and Devices
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Drugs of the Future: Designing a Magic Bullet
You’ll choose the remaining 4 modules from across the university.
Year 4 overview
You’ll spend the first semester on a research placement. This may be in the University of Southampton, but you may also set up placements at other universities (in the UK or overseas) or in industry laboratories.
You’ll complete the compulsory module on 'Imaging Life at the Cellular Level', and choose your remaining 3 modules from across the University.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Analytical methods of identifying the composition of matter underpin all of modern science. Developments in analytical methodology open up new avenues for research, but also have direct and immediate societal impacts (e.g. screening for disease, detection...
The Natural Sciences degree programme is based on a backbone of modules that employ context-based (also referred to as problem-based or active learning). This approach to learning places significant responsibility on the students to work independently to ...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.
The major concepts covered are: - The abstraction from forces to fields using the examples of the electric and magnetic fields, with some applications - The connection between conservative forces and potential energy - How charges move through electri...
The aim of this module is initially to explain the characteristics and roles of molecules that constitute living cells, including DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Subsequently, the fundamental metabolic pathways will be explored, along with the co...
Physical Chemistry is concerned with the application of physics to the study of chemical systems. Through physical chemistry one can understand and predict the behaviour of chemical systems, thereby allowing these systems to be optimised. This module will...
This course is an introduction to practical chemistry, involving direct laboratory teaching (with detailed instructions) of a range of basic skills to set foundations for further learning. It includes the teaching of common experimental techniques, use of...
This module is suitable for students with A level Mathematic (grade B or higher). – Students with AS level Mathematics are required to take MATH1004 instead. The aim of the module is to provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply...
In this module you will explore and explain patterns of global biodiversity over space and time, affecting a wide variety of lineages. We will begin as 18th century natural historians, considering the impact of new discoveries, due to the invention of the...
You will be introduced to a number of key statistical concepts and data presentation formats. Beginning with exposure to a variety of data types defining the nature and properties of data you are likely to encounter. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing b...
Year 2 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules in year 2:
This module provides an introduction to the study of animal behaviour taking an integrative approach that addresses animal behaviour from ethological, ecological and evolutionary angles and to review the basic concepts of behaviour as a science.
We are now losing our biodiversity on a massive scale worldwide - a current extinction crisis fuelled by human-induced threats. There is an urgent need to educate our next generation conservation scientists and practitioners so that they are well-equipped...
The module includes an introduction to bioinformatics and its role in modern 'Omics' technologies; developments in DNA sequencing technologies; bioinformatic analyses of DNA; sequence alignment and biological databases.
This module develops the basic concepts of protein structure and function within the overall context of their roles within the cell. Major themes in the course are intracellular cell signalling and extracellular communication, protein and vesicle targetin...
This module will build on the principles of Transition Metal chemistry covered in Part 1. Through developing a molecular orbital approach, you will be taken from the basics of ligand interactions and binding modes to understanding a transition metal's...
The module seeks to: - explore the main evolutionary processes - consider evolution at the phenotypic as well as the molecular level - consider evolutionary processes occurring at different time scales
This module focuses on nucleic acid and protein biogenesis with particular emphasis on the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins and key regulatory steps. Material relating to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms will be covered.
We will start from outlining fundamental questions we must answer in order to build up a picture of an astrophysical object, e.g., what is it made of? How luminous? How big? How old? How fast? How heavy? These seemingly simple questions are surprisingly d...
The topic is addressed from three perspectives: the science of climate change, impact and adaptation, and policy towards adaptation and mitigation. One of the pre-requisites for GEOG3057
Water has played a key role in shaping the way humans have evolved and how we have in turn shaped our environment. This module will focus on how water resources enables and constrains our activities and wellbeing, and those of natural ecosystems. We will ...
The course will give students an introduction to basic immune mechanisms and emphasizes the basic principles of immunology, including the cells and molecules that make up the innate and adaptive immune system. This first part will show how the immune syst...
Is it necessary -- and is it possible -- for the UK and other countries to make the change from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources? And what sort of changes would be involved, on a global, national and personal scale? Is there any one renewable ener...
The module will convey concepts and ideas involved in NanoScience and NanoTechnology to a broad range of physical scientists. The course is intended to provide a guide to the ideas and physical concepts that allow an understanding of the changes that occu...
See aims and learning outcomes.
Applications of physics to medicine will be of particular interest to those contemplating a career in this field. The course is taught primarily by staff from the School of Physics and Astronomy, but brings in staff from Southampton General Hospital who a...
This module conveys the concept of neuroscience as an integrative discipline by providing a description of mammalian brain function from molecular aspects of synaptic signalling to higher cognitive function that regulates behaviour.
The aim of this module is to build on the first year introduction to pharmacology to progress students understanding of pharmacology. The course is structured to firstly provide a platform of core concepts that widely pertain before developing this to som...
This module provides an understanding of plant function and development at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level.
This module conveys the concept of neuroscience as an integrative discipline by providing a description of mammalian nervous system function from molecular aspects of synaptic signalling to information integration and system level processing.
This module builds on the basic principles of population ecology introduced in year 1, to achieve a broad appreciation of current theory and practice in population and community ecology. Lectures and practicals will explore the processes involved in the d...
After studying this course students should be able to explain the concept of quantum mechanical wave function and its basic properties, the Schrödinger equation, the concepts of operator, eigenstates and the significance of measurements, and describe the ...
In this module you will learn about the fundamental theory of bonding in solids – band theory, and show how this can be used to understand the optical, magnetic and optical properties of solid phase materials. You will also be taught about X-ray diffracti...
This module provides the second year student with the basic concepts of human and other vertebrate animal development. Students will come to understand the main mechanisms behind both animal development and organised cellular differentiation and how these...
This course introduces the properties and mechanics of waves, from the derivation and solution of wave equations, through the origins of the classical processes of refraction, dispersion and interference, to the quantum mechanical phenomenon of the uncert...
Year 3 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules in year 3:
GEOG3057 is a multidisciplinary unit designed for students with an interest in how individuals and societies understand and respond to environmental shocks and stresses, and their different capacities for adaptation. The focus of the module is on climate ...
Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) occur frequently in many areas of mathematics. This module extends earlier work on PDEs by presenting a variety of more advanced solution techniques together with some of the underlying theory.
The module has been designed to impart the scientific knowledge required to tackle the many problems associated with air and other types of environmental pollution, including how to identify and assess the nature, sources and effects of pollutants, how to...
The aim of this course is to communicate knowledge of physical techniques which exploit nuclear particles, and to develop an understanding of the underlying physics. Important themes are nuclear processes and the interaction of nuclear radiation with the ...
The aim of this course is to apply quantum physics to the study of atoms.
This module aims to develop an intermediate-level understanding of quantum mechanics, including familiarity with its mathematical formulation. It is intended to bridge the gap between the qualitative, pictorial approach used in the core modules of the fir...
Behavioural ecology considers the evolutionary pressures that shape behaviour. This module will explore animal behaviours from evolutionary biology and population ecological perspectives. Each week, lectures will consider a different behavioural ecology t...
This module concerns global biodiversity, what we understand by it and why it is in crisis, and current efforts to conserve and manage it. We begin with an appraisal of different values of diversity at scales from genetic to species, communities and ecosy...
Large-scale approaches at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological level are revolutionizing biology by enabling systems-level questions to be addressed. In many cases, these approaches are driven by technologies that allow the components of bio...
This module will introduce the main issues in parasitology, the host parasite interaction and how it drives evolutionary changes, the disease burden caused by parasites and how parasite infections can be treated/minimised.
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of selected topics associated with the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development and lead to tumour progression. This will involve exploring the genetic drivers of disease, the mechan...
The module will cover recent advances in selected areas of molecular cell biology, reviewing key aspects of cell and molecular biology required to understand these studies. The application of these studies to the advancement of clinical medicine will als...
This course builds upon the Second Year Quantum Physics of Matter Course (PHYS2024) to form a complete basic course on the fundamentals of the physics of solids. After the course the student should have developed the necessary theoretical knowledge to ena...
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of the topics associated with evolutionary developmental biology. This will involve exploring the theory of evolution; embryology and molecular pathways of development; what the fossil record tells us abou...
Evolution typically happens over long time periods, with organisms being selected based on their environments. But climate change and human factors can also increase the rate of evolution. In this module we show how organisms evolve in terms of their envi...
Microorganisms are key players in all the major biogeochemical cycles on Earth. Fluxes, Cycles, and Microbial Communities explores the microbial influence on the biological, chemical, and geological processes that shape natural environments on our planet....
The module will cover the major topics in cellular and molecular immunology, including antigen recognition, antigen processing and presentation to B and T cells, the molecular events leading to the generation of antibody and T cell receptor diversity, ant...
The course provides an introduction to modern optical physics to arm students with a basic knowledge of light-matter interactions, electro-optics and nonlinear optics. It aims to provide a fundamental base for understanding the techniques and technologies...
Medicinal Chemistry is pivotal in the design, synthesis and evaluation of new medicines, and involves multidisciplinary research at the interface of Chemistry, Biology and Medicine. This module will introduce key molecular concepts and methods in Medicina...
Most biological processes involve interactions between macromolecules. The module discusses selected examples and explains techniques used to study molecular interactions.
The course provides an insight into how molecular studies can be employed to further medical research and aid in the development of novel treatments and therapeutics. The course will cover a number of areas including the analysis of genetic diseases, amyl...
The module provides an introduction to functional brain anatomy and important neurotransmitter signalling pathways. This is used as a framework on which to describe the symptoms and treatment of brain disorders with a particular focus on a subset of psych...
Students will learn about Nuclear Scattering, various properties of Nuclei, the Liquid Drop Model and the Shell Model, radioactive decay, fission and fusion. By the end of the course, the students should be able to classify elementary particles into hadro...
To provide an understanding of i) the regulation of transcription in eukaryotic organisms, ii) post-transcriptional regulation, iii) the structure, formation and function of microRNAs, iv) how the process of translation is controlled
This is a module principally on Einstein's general theory of relativity, a relativistic theory of gravitation which explains gravitational effects as coming from the curvature of space-time. It provides a comprehensive introduction to material which is cu...
This module is concerned with the mechanism of action of several chemotherapeutic agents, targeted at various disease states. Topics covered include anticancer agents, anthelmintics, antimalarials, antisense oligonucleotides and antiviral compounds. The m...
Variational methods in classical physics will be reviewed and the extension of these ideas in quantum mechanics will be introduced.
Year 4 modules
You must choose your modules from the following modules in year 4:
The aim of this module is introduce third year students to the main clinically relevant parasite classes, it will consider their lifecycles, the human/veterinary pathology caused and the treatment methods both of the primary and where applicable intermedi...
This module focuses on increasing your awareness of different modelling approaches, and to give you the skills for constructing and using simple ecological models.
Evolution typically happens over long time periods, with organisms being selected based on their environments. But climate change and human factors can also increase the rate of evolution. In this module we show how organisms evolve in terms of their envi...
This module will consider human-caused global challenges and their impact on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. We will discuss the main causes of global change, including greenhouse gases, changes in temperature and rainfall, and human land use, as well ...
This module is designed to give a detailed understanding of cutting edge research into the climate system from the geological past to the anthropogenic future, emphasizing a hands-on approach so that you can apply your newly learned skills to real-world p...
This module provides fourth year students with an introduction to the molecular basis of receptor pharmacology. The module detailed analysis of the mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level through the application of biochemical and molecular biolo...
Most biological processes involve interactions between macromolecules. The module discusses selected examples and explains techniques used to study molecular interactions.
This course will focus on nanomaterials, chemical synthesis and technological developments. This is a multidisciplinary module involving chemistry, physics and biology. The course will consist of 20 lectures plus the equivalent of four lectures for ind...
The module comprises 2 sections; the first comprises seminars based upon current theoretical and methodological developments within palaeopathology and bioarchaeology, whereas the second portion comprises development of detailed skeletal and palaeopatholo...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
George Attard is the course leader.
Careers
You’ll develop key transferable skills, in both practical and analytical subjects. Employers around the world will value these abilities, which include:
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independent learning
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advanced problem-solving
-
research
-
critical thinking
Many of our graduates will progress into the field of research. This course is an ideal introduction to the rigours of PhD study and careers in academia.
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the course, our students will be prepared for a range of natural science careers.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: 4T88
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
To help you decide if this is the right course for you, we'll take you through a self-assessment process. This will include an in-depth interview.
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000