About this course
Do you have a passion for science and discovery? Do you want to make a difference to our planet’s future? We’ll help you develop the skills and knowledge you'll need 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 Masters 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:
air pollution
climate change
plastic waste
neurodegenerative diseases
loss of biodiversity
You'll have access to our world-class facilities in our research centres and institutes, including the:
National Oceanography Centre
Centre for Cancer Immunology
Web Sciences Institute
Nanofabrication Centre
As part of this course you can:
carry out original research projects that may be publishable in major scientific journals
explore the ethical, social and political issues in science
take a 6-month, full-time research placement in the UK or overseas
choose from over 1,000 modules across the university - the broadest choice in the UK
tailor your degree to your specific interests and career goals
You can download the course details, including modules, in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 598.05 KB).
Location and awarding body
The course location is Highfield in Southampton and Boldrewood campus in Southampton. The awarding body is University of Southampton.
Entry requirements
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.
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. Science practical components must be passed.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
BTEC
N/A
BTEC additional information
N/A
Other qualifications
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
ABB to include two preferred subjects (minimum of grade B)
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) offer
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) StatementPDF opens in a new window (PDF, 62.17 KB) for further information.
Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC (RQF) (reformed)
N/A
Access to HE Diploma
N/A
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
A1A1AAAA to include two preferred subejcts
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
H1, H1, H1, H2, H2, H2 to include two preferred subjects
Irish Leaving 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
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, 111.01 KB) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Subjects considered include Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics. Science practical components must be passed.
Welsh Baccalaureate
A*A from two A levels preferred science subjects 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.
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.
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
English language requirements
All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.
Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We also accept other English language tests.
Non-academic entry requirements
Applicants will be required to attend an interview
International qualifications
Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.
This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.
Other ways to qualify
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.
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:
lectures
workshop sessions
group work
independent project work
Each NATS module will have 4 pieces of assessed work.
Year 1
You’ll complete 2 compulsory NATS modules:
Independent Learning Skills in Science
Detecting the undetectable: Analytical Techniques in the Natural Sciences
You’ll choose the remaining 6 modules from across the university.
Year 2
You’ll complete 2 compulsory NATS modules:
Editing Life: Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology
Creating an Atmosphere: From Pea-Soupers to Climate Change
You’ll choose the remaining 6 modules from across the university.
Year 3
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:
Engineering the Future: Materials and Devices
Drugs of the Future: Designing a Magic Bullet
You’ll choose the remaining 4 modules from across the university.
Year 4
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
Modules year 1
You’ll complete 2 compulsory NATS modules:
Independent Learning Skills in Science
Detecting the undetectable: Analytical Techniques in the Natural Sciences
You’ll choose the remaining 6 modules from across the university.
Modules year 2
You’ll complete 2 compulsory NATS modules:
Editing Life: Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology
Creating an Atmosphere: From Pea-Soupers to Climate Change
You’ll choose the remaining 6 modules from across the university.
Modules year 3
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:
Engineering the Future: Materials and Devices
Drugs of the Future: Designing a Magic Bullet
You’ll choose the remaining 4 modules from across the university.
Modules year 4
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.
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)
Support for your studies
As well as your mentor, you’ll receive regular academic and pastoral support from members of staff. This includes scheduled as well as informal meetings throughout the academic year.
How you’ll spend your study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study, year by year:
Year 1
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 30%
- Independent study
- 70%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 2
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 35%
- Independent study
- 65%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 3
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 24%
- Independent study
- 76%
- Placement
- 0%
Year 4
- Scheduled learning and teaching
- 19%
- Independent study
- 37%
- Placement
- 44%
Course leader
George Attard is the course leader.
How we’ll assess you
We’ll assess you using:
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- design and problem-solving exercises
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown, year by year:
Year 1
- Written exam
- 56%
- Practical exam
- 16%
- Coursework
- 28%
Year 2
- Written exam
- 44%
- Practical exam
- 33%
- Coursework
- 23%
Year 3
- Written exam
- 29%
- Practical exam
- 18%
- Coursework
- 53%
Year 4
- Written exam
- 16%
- Practical exam
- 31%
- Coursework
- 53%
Careers
You’ll develop key transferable skills, in both practical and analytical subjects. Employers around the world will value these abilities, which include:
independent learning
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 can find careers in a wide range of fields and roles.
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
UK/EU fees
You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.
International student fees
You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
See the full list of extra items and costs in the programme specificationPDF opens in a new window 2020 to 2021 (PDF, 598.05 KB).
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
University life
The University offers a friendly, diverse and welcoming home for you while you study. You’ll work, live and socialise with students from more than 130 countries.
Clubs, societies and facilities
Our campuses have:
cafes and restaurants
bars
health centres
banks
a post office
student shops
a hairdresser
Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.
We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.
Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.
Support while you study
We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:
mental health, learning difficulties and disability
money and accommodation
childcare
computers and IT
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.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.