Ranking
1st
Choice for major employers
Book your Open Day or Make an enquiry
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Course overview
Become a leader in addressing environmental change by exploring the causes, impacts, and sustainable solutions for Earth's resources. Explore a range of scientific fields in your 4 year degree and develop a range of abilities from communication to research, analysis and leadership which will equip you to succeed. Many graduates find employment in areas far removed from their primary area of study at University
Study Natural Sciences at the University of Birmingham
Develop your expertise in Interdisciplinary Science and Follow Your Curiosity
The best thing about my course is that it teaches me how to communicate and work with people from different academic backgrounds. This is a very valuable skill to develop if you are passionate about multidisciplinary areas like climate science and biomedical applications.
Join our four-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
In the first year, alongside your chosen your major pathway, you will receive training in the skills that you need to become an interdisciplinary scientist, and be able to work across and between different scientific disciplines. Our year 1 core asks the questions what science is, who science is for, and how science is done.
Pathways options
BSc Pathway A (120 credits): Standard Route (graduate with a major specialism)
- Major Subject (60 credits)
- Second Subject (40 credits)
OR
- Major Subject (60 credits)
- Second and Third Subjects (2 x 20 credits)
BSc Pathway B (120 credits): Option 1 without major specialism
- First Subject (40 credits)
- Second Subject (40 credits)
- Third Subject (20 credits)
BSc Pathway C (120 credits): Option 2 without major specialism
- First Subject (40 credits)
- Second, Third, and Fourth Subjects (3 x 20 credits)
MSci Pathways:
- MSci Pathway A: Follows BSc Pathway A structure.
- MSci Pathway B: Follows BSc Pathway B structure.
What study pathways are available in Natural Sciences at Birmingham?
- Chemistry - Organic, Inorganic & Physical
- Computer Science - Available
- Engineering - Unavailable
- Mathematics - Available
- Materials Science - Available
- Physics - Available
- Biochemistry - Available
- Biological Sciences - Recommended Pathways include: Animal Sciences, Ecosystems & Plant Sciences, Molecular and Cell Biology
- Sport Exercise and Health Sciences - Available
- Biomedical Sciences - Available
- Psychology - Available
- Physical Geography - Available
- Environmental Science - Available
- Earth Science - Available
Why Study Natural Sciences at Birmingham?
- 1st
Choice for Major Employers
‘The Graduate Market in 2024’ report from High Fliers
- 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.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
Learn through diverse methods: fieldwork, practicals, and tutorials. Become an independent learner with research-led teaching and comprehensive support.
Lecture
Seminar
Projects
-
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.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Global Environmental Issues A | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LC Global Environmental Issues B | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LC One-Planet Thinking | 20 | Full Term |
| LC Earth Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Environmental Research Frontiers A | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LC Environmental Research Frontiers B | 10 | Semester 2 |
Choose 40 credits from the following (at least one from outside LES) with 20 credits in each semester:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Earth Materials | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Moral and Political Philosophy | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Young People and Social Change | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Governance of Environmental and Energy Transitions | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Dr Lloyd Jenkins
Lecturer in Historical and Cultural Geography: teaching-focused
Staff profile for Dr Lloyd Jenkins, Teaching Fellow in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAA - including 1 required science
- IB
6,6,6 32 points overall
- BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Dimploma are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.
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: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- 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.
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBB - Including 1 Required Science
- Contextual Offer
ABB - Including 1 Required Science
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
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.
- £9,535
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
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.
Financial support for Home students
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2025, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
Financial support for International students
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 29 January 2025
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
What careers can I do with a Natural Science degree?
Recent graduates have found diverse employment opportunities. Many work in fields directly related to their Earth Sciences degree, while others leverage transferable skills in various careers. Graduates often enter environmental planning, land remediation, hydrogeology, and pollution control. Employers include the British Geological Survey, local authorities, museums, and engineering firms. Some pursue teaching or international careers. Nearly half continue with further study, such as an MSc or PhD, before starting their careers.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.