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MSci Natural Sciences

Durham University

About this course

MSci (Hons) in Natural Sciences, a degree combining two or three subjects across different disciplines. The first three years mirror the BSc, followed by advanced modules and a research-led project. Two routes are available: MSci Joint Honours degrees (Biology and Chemistry, Chemistry and Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, Computer Science and Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics, Biology and Physics) and the MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences, where students self-build their degree. A 'with Placement' pathway can be entered after Year 2 or 3, extending it to five years.

Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.

Institution
Durham University
Level
undergraduate
Subject
Natural Sciences
Duration
4 years
UCAS code
FGC0
Typical offer
A-level A*AA, IB 37
Median salary
£44,000 after 5 years

Entry requirements

A level: A*AA All applicants taking A levels will need three A levels with at least one Science (Biology; Human Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics; Physics.) The standard offer is A*AA and you will need specific A level grades as follows: To study Biology, an A at A level is required in either Biology or Chemistry. To study Chemistry, A*A at A level is required in Chemistry and Mathematics (either way round). To study Computer Science, an A at A level is required in Mathematics. To study Mathematics, A*A at A level in Mathematics and Further Mathematics (either way round) is required, or A* in Mathematics and A at AS Further Mathematics for students unable to take A Level Further Mathematics. To study Physics, A*A at A level is required in Physics and Mathematics (either way round). IB: 37 All applicants taking the International Baccalaureate will need a score of 37 points overall including 766 at the Higher Level with at least one of these in a Science (Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics (maths analysis & approaches); Physics.) You will need specific Higher Level grades to study: Biology: 6 in either Biology or Chemistry. Chemistry: 76 in any order in Chemistry and Mathematics. Computer Science: 6 in Mathematics. Mathematics: 7 in Mathematics. Physics: 76 in any order in Mathematics and Physics.

See the highest paying Physics & Chemistry degrees in the UK →

Real offers for this course

Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for MSci Natural Sciences (FGC0) at Durham University for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is A*AA at A level.

What students say

Based on about 49 final-year students who answered

  • Teaching on my course: 93%
  • Learning opportunities: 88%
  • Assessment and feedback: 83%
  • Academic support: 93%
  • Organisation and management: 92%
  • Learning resources: 91%
  • Student voice: 84%

Do students stay on the course?

Based on about 130 students who started

  • Continued on course: 95%
  • Left higher education: 4%
  • Moved to a lower qualification: 1%

What graduates do next

Based on about 65 graduates who answered

  • Working: 62%
  • Working and studying: 11%
  • Further study: 16%
  • Unemployed: 3%

Most common jobs

  • Finance Professionals: 24%
  • Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 11%
  • Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
  • Information Technology Professionals: 7%
  • Teaching Professionals: 7%
  • Find their work meaningful: 75%
  • Feel on track for their future plans: 68%
  • Use what they learnt on the course: 42%

Where graduates work (5 years on)

Based on about 345 graduates, across similar courses at this university

  • North East: 10%
  • North West: 9%
  • Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
  • East Midlands: 5%
  • West Midlands: 5%
  • East of England: 7%
  • London: 31%
  • South East: 17%
  • South West: 5%
  • Wales: 1%
  • Scotland: 1%
  • Northern Ireland: 1%

Who gets in

Based on about 160 students who started

  • A levels: 100%

Accreditation & quality ratings

  • Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
  • Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
  • Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.

TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.

Questions about this course

How much do graduates of MSci Natural Sciences at Durham University earn?

The median salary is £34,000 after 15 months, £35,000 after 3 years, £44,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,000 and £61,500.

What do graduates of MSci Natural Sciences at Durham University do next?

90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).

Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Natural Sciences at Durham University?

93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.

What grades do I need for MSci Natural Sciences at Durham University?

The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 186 UCAS points.

Is MSci Natural Sciences at Durham University accredited?

Yes. Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS). Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist. Recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP) for the purpose of eligibility for Associate Membership.

Does MSci Natural Sciences at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?

The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.

How many students continue on MSci Natural Sciences at Durham University?

95% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.