Natural SciencesBSc

What study pathways are available in Natural Sciences at Birmingham?

• Develop your expertise in interdisciplinary science and follow your curiosity - Your journey will typically revolve around one primary subject, your Major, which will become your specialist discipline. Alongside your major subject and your core module, which will help develop your capacity as an interdisciplinary scientist, you will also have the freedom to explore other subjects that ignite your curiosity.
• Create your unique expertise - Our approach to Natural Sciences ensures you gain a broad and versatile scientific education. Complement your Major with one or two additional subjects, crafting an original portfolio of expertise that builds on your interests and sets you apart.
• Flexible graduation options - At the end of your degree, you have the flexibility to graduate with a Natural Sciences degree, either with or without a major specialism, depending on your chosen modules.

• Taught by academics who are finding innovative solutions to big issues, you will have access to the latest knowledge and thinking by studying at Birmingham.

• We use a variety of approaches to help you learn during the course of your degree. Your teaching will involve a mixture of dedicated and innovative small group experiences with fellow Natural Sciences students and studying alongside other students in your Major field or optional modules. Throughout the programme, you will move between different Schools and departments across the University, whilst retaining a home and core support network within the Natural Sciences team.

• Depending on your Major area of concentration this may involve some, or all, of large and small lectures, small group seminars and/or laboratory work. You will interact closely with the core Natural Sciences advisory staff and fellow students as part of both your core and extramural development.

Support during your studies

You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:

Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal academic tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.

Wellbeing Officers – Alongside your personal academic tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues.

Our Student Experience Team - Will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career.

Contact hours

Contact time will vary depending on the modules you select and your level of study. In year one, the Natural Sciences compulsory modules involve 2 hours per week, with your additional contact time dependent on your choice of subjects and portfolio of modules. Typically, formally timetabled work is about 30 hours per week. with the remaining time allocated to research, preparation, and assignments.

As you progress through your studies, you are typically expected to undertake a higher level of independent guided study and your formally timetabled contact hours will adjust accordingly. Contact time for Natural Sciences students is supported by the advice and guidance time scheduled with your personal tutor, and in your final year you receive individual supervision in support of your dissertation or independent research project.

Assessment methods and feedback

Assessments - you will be assessed in a variety of ways to help you transition to a new style of learning. At the beginning of each module, you will be given information on how and when you will be assessed. Assessments methods will vary with each module and could include: coursework, such as essays. Group and individual presentations and formal exams.

Feedback - You will receive feedback on each assessment, so you can learn from each assignment. You will also be given feedback on any exams that you take. If you should fail an exam, we will ensure that particularly detailed feedback is provided to help you prepare for future exams.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

Accepted Science Subjects

Maths and one from Physics, Chemistry or Biology

 

General Studies

General Studies is not accepted, but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer.

 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall

 

BTEC qualifications

BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any band.
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills.
• Cambridge English(exams taken from 2015): Cambridge English: Advanced Minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 33 in each skill
• Trinity ISE II: Not applicable
• Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students.  If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay.  If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Undergraduate loans

To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.

Scholarships, grants and bursaries

At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

Graduates from our Earth Sciences programmes have gone into:

• University of Birmingham
• Arup
• Jacobs
• SLR Consulting
• Optus
• Bp
• RSK Geosciences
• Campbell Scientific Ltd
• McConnell Dowell
• Biffa
• Fisher German LLP
• Berkeley Group Plc
• Trident Utilities
• Wythenshawe Community Housing Group
• British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA)

Their job roles include:

• Director
• Supply Chain Director
• Service Line Director, Earth Sciences
• Sales Director
• Graduate Minerals Surveyor & Geologist
• Construction Supervisor
• General Manager Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability
• Category Buyer
• Head of Remediation
• Principal Geo-environmental Engineer
• Head of Product Management at Incuto
• Head of Civil Engineering
• Commercial Manager
• Environmental Specialist
• Data Analyst
• Geologist

Careers Network

Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.