Natural Sciences - MSci (Hons)

Durham University

The four-year MSci is a cross-disciplinary research-focused degree that takes your study to a higher level. By combining sciences with subjects from across the wider university you can tailor your qualification to your specific interests and career goals. The MSci in Natural Sciences is one of our most flexible science courses. This challenging and rewarding four-year degree is ideal if your interests span multiple areas including at least one science. It offers the opportunity to build on your existing interests, explore new subjects and add a research element to your studies. While following a similar structure to the BSc in the first three years, the MSci gives you the opportunity to study more advanced modules in the final year, to specialise in greater depth and to undertake a project. Studying across disciplines, you’ll build knowledge and skills that you can put to use in a wide range of industries, both in the sciences and across a wider range of professions. The MSci provides a natural springboard to a career in academia or research. MSci Joint Honours degrees The MSci Joint Honours degrees are available in the following combinations: Biology and ChemistryBiology and PhysicsChemistry and MathematicsChemistry and PhysicsComputer Science and MathematicsMathematics and Physics. This route allows you to study two preferred subjects in all four years of study (in the first year there may be the opportunity to take modules in a third subject). You will graduate with a MSci Honours degree in two named subjects. MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences MSci (Honours) in Natural Sciences allows you to self-build a degree from a range of subjects. At least one subject must be from Group A: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics where you specialise in at least one of the subjects in your final year. You may also select subjects from: Group B includes Biology, Psychology, Anthropology, Business, Economics, Geography, Philosophy, Sport and Education. which may be taken in the first three years, but not Year 4. Both degrees routes offer the opportunity to transfer onto the ‘with Placement’ pathway after Year 2 or 3, extending your studies from four years to five. You can find more information about the subjects on offer on the Natural Sciences webpages.In Year 1 you can study a minimum of two subjects and no more than four, this provides a solid foundation for second year study. You can choose to specialise by taking up to four modules in one Group A subject (listed above). If you intend to specialise in a single science subject in your final year, such as Earth Sciences, you will typically need to take three or four core modules from that subject. For example, if you choose the MSci Joint Honours degree in: Biology and Chemistry, you must take five core modules, which leaves you free to choose one optional module.Mathematics and Physics, you must take six compulsory modules. Many MSci (Honours) Natural Sciences students choose two modules from each of three subjects although other combinations are possible. This combination would normally allow progression in any or all three subjects. Subject and module choices will depend on the University’s academic timetable and entry requirements, such as an appropriate level of prior knowledge for progression into a Year 4 subject. Year 2 Striking a balance between breadth and depth you can study either two or three subjects in your second year. As in Year 1, you can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group A. For example, if you choose the MSci Joint Honours degree in: Mathematics and Physics, you must take five core modules, which leaves you free to choose one module from the Mathematics or Physics List to achieve an equal subject balance.Biology and Chemistry, you must take six core modules equally balanced between the two subjects.