Your Course
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About our courses
Our Natural Sciences programme is designed to exploit the flexibility of Lancaster's modular courses. It is built upon our nationally recognised teaching excellence and our international research reputation.
A feature of Lancaster's Natural Sciences degree scheme is that at the end of the first year there are several possible options still available:
- Carry on with your original three subjects
- Drop one of your original subjects and continue with a two-subject degree
- Depending on the modules you have chosen, you can transfer out of Natural Sciences into the second year of a single honours course
Many of our students have been applicants who did not want to commit themselves to a single subject and have found this breathing space invaluable in ensuring that they are studying the best degree, with the best combination of subjects for their particular talents and interests.
Choose Your Degree
Our Natural Sciences programme comes in five variants:
Entry Requirements
The standard entry requirements for all of our courses are AAA at A level with at least two of these being in science subjects from the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computing
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Geology
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
You must also have GCSE Mathematics grade B or 6, English Language grade C or 4.
In addition to the overall standard entry requirement of AAA, some subject pathways have additional subject requirements. Please see below for a list of the required A level subjects and grades. In many cases, the requirement is a minimum of grade B at A level as, for example, this may be an applicant’s fourth A level subject.
| Subject | A level |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics | Chemistry B |
| Chemistry- Environmental | Mathematics B and Chemistry B |
| Chemistry - Measurement and Synthesis | Chemistry B |
| Chemistry - Synthesis and Structure | Chemistry B |
| Engineering - Chemical | Mathematics B and Chemistry B |
| Engineering - Electronic | Mathematics B and Physics B |
| Engineering - Mechanical | Mathematics B and Physics B |
| Mathematics | Mathematics A |
| Physics | Physics A and Mathematics A |
Non-A level Entry Requirements
We welcome applications from students with a range of alternative UK qualifications, including combinations of qualifications, provided a comparable level of science has been studied.
Overseas Qualifications
We also welcome applicants offering a range of overseas qualifications. Find out more about Lancaster's approach to international qualifications.
Language Requirements
If your first language is not English you will be asked for a recognised English language qualification. More information on Lancaster University's English language requirements.
Deferred Entry
Enquiries from candidates considering a future application or deferred entry are also welcome.
Degree Structure
As a Natural Sciences student at Lancaster, you will take three pathways in your first year (Part I). At least two of these must come from pathways offered by the following departments.
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computing and Communications
- Engineering Environmental and Earth Science
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Medical School
- Physics
- Psychology
During your first year, you would normally take three equally weighted pathways. A pathway consists of a series of modules each covering a different aspect of a subject. Modules are made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and laboratory-based practical work.
Successful completion of the first year allows you to progress into the second year. First-year marks do not contribute towards your final degree classification. It is from second, third and possibly fourth year (Part II) that your degree classification will be based. Each pathway offers a range of second, third and fourth-year modules to choose from.
Tailoring your degree
Our Natural Sciences programmes allow for a great deal of flexibility, allowing you to tailor your degree to your future ambitions.
Concentrating on two subjects
You can make your degree more specialised by concentrating on only two subjects. If it is important to you to get professional accreditation with your degree (BPS, IoP, RSC etc.) then this is achievable with a Natural Sciences degree. You should discuss this option with the Director of Natural Sciences at an early stage in your studies who will advise on the necessary requirements. You can undertake a teaching PGCE qualification in any subject that you have taken 50% or more of your degree in.
Four-year MSci degree
Our MSci is a good choice if you are aiming at PhD studies or hope to go into research in industry. Your first three years will be identical to the BSc degree. Your fourth year will be more specialised and can consist of studies in two subjects or complete specialisation in a single subject. All of the courses taken in the final year will come from the fourth year of other four-year undergraduate programmes or from postgraduate master's programmes.
Moving to a single-honours degree
In certain circumstances, you can transfer out of the Natural Sciences programme into the second year of a single-honours degree. This will be dependent on you having taken all of the necessary first-year pre-requisite courses.
Transferring between programmes
As your career plans start to take shape you may want to transfer your registration between our different degree programmes. Progression into the fourth year of the MSci course is dependent upon achieving at least upper second class honours marks at the end of the three-year BSc programme.