Natural Sciences (Life and Physical Sciences) BSc

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