FGC0 – Durham University

MSci Degrees

The MSci degree offers you the chance to also take research-based study in your fourth year. There are two types of MSci degree available via the Natural Sciences route:

• The MSci in Natural Sciences allows you to take modules from a range of subjects, but you would normally specialise in at least one of the following subjects in your fourth year: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics.

• The MSci Joint Honours degrees are available in the following combinations: Biology and Chemistry, Biology and Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, Computer Science and Mathemetics, and Mathematics and Physics.

• The two degrees above allows you the option of completing a replacement Year Abroad in Year 3. Note that the Year Abroad is competitive and so applicants cannot apply for these pathways through UCAS.

Flexibility and choice

It is possible to transfer into the second year of an MSci degree programme from a BSc, if you have successfully completed your first year of study and if you have taken the appropriate modules.

Pattern of study

The MSci degrees are four-year programmes with the emphasis on research-based study in your fourth year. In Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Physics it is possible to spend the final year studying modules from just one of these subjects, provided you have taken the appropriate modules in earlier years.

University academic timetable

The restrictions of the University’s academic timetable will mean that not all combinations of modules or subjects will be possible. Please contact the Natural Sciences Admissions Selector if you would like further information on combinations of modules or subjects.

Year 1

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than four, which give you a good progression into your second-year subjects. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from ‘Group 1’ which are the science subjects listed in the BSc course content. Other subjects are available to study but these could not be taken through to Year 4, see the BSc course content. Students who intend to specialise in a single science subject in their final year, such as Earth Sciences, will typically need to take three or four core modules from that subject.

For instance, students who want to do the MSci Joint Honours degree in:

• Biology and Chemistry must do five core modules, which leaves them free to choose one optional module.

• Mathematics and Physics must do six compulsory modules.

MSci Natural Sciences students often take two modules from three subjects although other combinations are possible, this combination would normally allow progression with any or all three of these subjects. The design of the programme is constrained by the limits of the University’s academic timetable and entry requirements, such as ensuring sufficient background knowledge for progression into a Year 4 subject.

Year 2

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three, which gives you reasonable progression into your third-year subjects. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group 1, see the BSc course content.

For instance, students following the MSci Joint Honours degree in:

• Mathematics and Physics must do the five core modules leaving them free to choose one module from the Mathematics or Physics List to achieve an equal subject balance.
• Biology and Chemistry must do six core modules equally balanced between the two subjects.

Students who are following the MSci in Natural Sciences where they will specialise in a single science subject in their final year, such as Earth Sciences, typically:

• Need to take three or four core modules
• Have considerable freedom which is only limited by progression and the timetable
• Build on one or two subjects studied in the first year
• Have the option of starting a new subject by taking a first-year module.

Year 3

You must study at least two subjects, but no more than three. You can specialise by taking up to four modules in one subject from Group 1, see the BSc course content. You may also take a second-year module.

For example, students following the MSci Joint Honours degree in:

• Chemistry and Physics must do the six core modules.
• Chemistry and Mathematics must do five core modules and one module from the Mathematics list.

Students not taking the Joint Honours have considerable freedom; they are able to combine advanced modules in subjects already studied.

Year 4

In addition to the project module, students take a selection of taught modules. Module availability can change, but taught modules available to current students following the MSci Joint Honours degrees are:

• Biology and Chemistry: Bioactive Chemistry 4; Biomolecular Analysis
• Biology and Physics: Atomic and Optical Physics; Biological Imaging; Theoretical Physics 4
• Chemistry and Mathematics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Modules from the Level 4 Mathematics List
• Chemistry and Physics: Chemical Physics 4; Computational Chemical Physics 4; Atomic and Optical Physics; Theoretical Physics 4;
• Mathematics and Physics: Modules chosen from the Level 4 Mathematics and Physics lists.

Students taking the MSci in Natural Sciences have continued freedom where the main subjects studied will be listed on the degree certificate.

Typically:

• They combine advanced modules in subjects already studied
• They can specialise in or combine: Chemistry; Computer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematics; Physics.

Please note that Biology can only be studied in Year 4 as part of a Joint Honours degree.

We review course structures and core content (in light of e.g. external and student feedback) every year, and will publish finalised core requirements for 2021 entry from September 2020.

Placement

You may be able to take a work placement.

You may be able to take a work placement. Find out more.