Natural Sciences (with Industrial Experience) BSc

Course overview

The need for scientists to tackle a variety of complex problems by bringing together the ideas of different disciplines has grown significantly in recent years.

Often, the challenges we face globally in areas such as sustainability, energy, material resources, and advancements in medicine need an interdisciplinary approach in order to gain a deeper understanding from multiple angles and ultimately provide solutions for the future. That’s why natural sciences graduates are highly sought after by an array of industries to bring their wide range of knowledge and skills to deliver invaluable insight into the issues of today.

Studying natural sciences at Leeds gives you the opportunity to branch out across scientific disciplines, learning the fundamental concepts of each, whilst tailoring the course to the areas that interest you the most. You’ll also be taught by expert academics, with the unique opportunity to get involved in active, real-world research happening across the University.

Here at Leeds, our courses are professionally accredited by the Society for Natural Sciences, giving you the industry recognised qualification needed to pursue a career in this sector.

You’ll also have access to specialist facilities right here on campus, alongside exciting opportunities like studying abroad and industrial work placements, to ensure you have the best grounding to head out into your professional career.

Entry requirements

A-level: A*AA including sciences relating to pathway.

Your A-level subject combination must enable the study of 3 subjects in year 1. See table below for details of which A-level is required to study which subject on the course.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: English Language grade C (4) and Mathematics grade B (6) or above, or an appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Other course specific tests:

Extended Project Qualification and International Project Qualification: Whilst we recognise the value of these qualifications and the effort and enthusiasm that applicants put into them, we do not currently include them as part of our offer-making. We do, however, encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities available to you as a natural sciences graduate are extensive across numerous industries, with the potential to take you all over the world.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

For many graduates, the natural progression is into postgraduate study, to further develop their research skills and subject knowledge. However, there are also many opportunities to take up employment immediately if you choose the three-year bachelor’s course.

Qualifying with a degree in natural sciences from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career in a wide range of sectors, including:

• Energy
• Pharmaceuticals
• Finance
• Environment
• Food and drink
• Engineering and manufacturing
• Technology
• Education
• Healthcare
• Scientific research and development
• Legal

The breadth of subject knowledge and experience, along with the teamwork, problem solving, research, communication and IT skills you’ll develop on the course are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Here’s an insight into the job roles some of our natural sciences graduates have obtained:

• DC Analyst, Barnett Waddingham
• Actuarial Trainee, Lloyds Banking Group
• Data Scientist, Expedia Group
• Data Product Consultant, Kubrick Group
• Information Officer in the Data Liaison Team, NHS Digital
• R&D Scientist: Genotyping and cloning research technician, Tropic Biosciences
• Financial Services Insurance Audit Graduate, KPMG UK
• Analyst, J.P. Morgan
• Actuarial Analyst, Lane Clark & Peacock

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.