Natural Sciences (Life and Physical Sciences) MSci
Whether you take a three-year BSc or a four-year MSci, your degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Leicester will provide you with a truly integrated, research-led course.
Our multi-award winning degrees are designed around a core set of bespoke Natural Science modules. You will study fundamental and advanced scientific concepts from the life and physical sciences, enabling you to acquire a sound knowledge across the disciplines.
But our course doesn’t simply teach science - it creates scientists. We use a research-based approach to learning and teaching. Our bespoke modules are interdisciplinary in content - exploring the connections between traditional science subjects and allowing you to apply your knowledge to tackle cutting-edge scientific issues.
Our Natural Sciences modules use a combination of real-world research questions and authentic assessments (known as problem-based learning) to provide numerous opportunities to practice confronting topical and relevant scientific problems in novel situations, for example forensic science and artificial limbs.
The course’s strong research focus reflects the University’s outstanding culture of interdisciplinary research: from green chemistry to synthetic biology; from sustainable development to astrobiology. Our experts in the relevant fields support your learning through interactive sessions. This means that, as well as traditional lectures, your learning will involve interactive problem-solving workshops, regular tailored feedback sessions and one-to-one tutorials with academic staff allowing you to build transferable skills and confidence alongside your scientific knowledge
Our first year is designed and delivered solely for Natural Sciences students. This allows you to concentrate on one of the following specialisms in your second and third years, alongside bespoke Natural Sciences interdisciplinary modules:
- Chemical Science
- Molecular and Cellular Science
- Physical Science
- Ecological and Zoological Science
The emphasis on research skills continues throughout the course. You will have the chance to run your own scientific journal and conduct your own scientific inquiry within one of the University of Leicester research labs. This is excellent preparation for a career in academia, scientific industry or other career pathways - having gained a wide range of transferable skills.
We have a diverse, inclusive and vibrant student community in Natural Sciences. Our small cohort size, regular interactive group work activities and dedicated Natural Sciences social learning space means you will get to know your course mates and tutors well. Graduates often remark they have made some of their closest friends through the course.
- Watch a presentation about Natural Sciences at Leicester from Dr Sarah Gretton, Programme Director and Senior Admissions Tutor
Careers and employability
"I can't credit Natural Sciences enough for where I am now in my career; not only did it give me the knowledge to progress to study an MSc, it provided me with invaluable skills in problem solving, working with people and time management skills I use every single day in my professional life"Siobhan, Forensic Scientist for the Metropolitan Police - graduated in 2015
Our programme has been designed and recognised for its innovative approach to employability, winning the Embedding Employability element of the UK Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence in 2017 (the only Natural Sciences programmes to receive this accolade). We use a combination of group-work and open-ended authentic assessments (known as problem-based learning) to support our students to develop key scientific graduate skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership. This provides excellent preparation for further study and the world of work and is reflected in our excellent employability statistics, with our students earn an average salary of £26,000 six months after graduating.
Over the last decade graduates from our Natural Sciences courses have gone on to work in a wide range of sectors and industries including
- Forensic science
- Medicine
- Academic research
- Data analytics/management
- Consultancy
- Teaching
- Scientific support (sales, recruitment, conference planning, technical support)
- The Civil Service
- Science communication (museum, broadcasting and publishing sectors)
- Engineering
- IT project management
- Sustainability
- The NHS (testing, clinical trials)
Hear more from our alumni
Career Development Service
Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Career Development Service. We're here to give you a lifetime offer of support, even after graduation. Our team of specialist careers advisers and mentors will help you every step of the way. From supporting you with CVs and interviews, to volunteering opportunities and placements, we're here to help you reach your professional goals.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.