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 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 programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
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 with Extended Project Qualification
For this programme we do not make an alternative offer, however we welcome applicants who have achieved a good grade in the EPQ
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.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
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
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research
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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
