Study natural sciences abroad

Natural sciences degree programs allow you to study different and exciting combinations of subjects across the sciences. Most courses let you cover a wide range of subjects including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, environmental sciences, mathematics, and geography, allowing you to tailor your degree to your strengths and interests.

This is an ideal program if you love science and want to study a wide breadth of science subjects and not focus on just one area. You’ll get the chance to develop your understanding of scientific methodology and interact with leading experts and researchers, all while exploring the concepts that seek to explain the natural world.

Choosing to study natural sciences abroad means you’ll be picking from the best programs and facilities the world has to offer. You’ll also be able to gain valuable first hand understanding of how different countries and cultures interpret the interactions between science and the natural world.

Natural sciences programs are mainly offered at bachelor’s level as a BSc over three or four years. If you study in the UK and some other European countries, you can study a four-year MSci program that combines a bachelor’s and master’s level program.

Some programs require you to choose a core science subject that will make up a large part of your modules. Others will cover a range of sciences subjects in the first couple of years before allowing you to choose your own modules and tailor your program.

If you want to continue your education after gaining a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, you can apply to study a master’s program. Master’s take one or two years of study and are not usually offered in natural sciences specifically, so you’ll need to choose a more specific area of study.

You’ll be taught by leading science experts through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, practical classes, and fieldwork. The precise content of your program will vary depending on the university you choose and what areas you’d like to focus on, but common core subjects include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Earth sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Anthropology
• Biodiversity
• Computing principles
• Research skills for natural scientists

Natural sciences is a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary area of study that will arm you with an array of transferable skills. Employers will value your analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the depth and breadth of your knowledge on a range of areas.

Popular roles for natural sciences graduates include:

• Lab technician
• Conservation officer
• Science writer
• Environmental engineer
• Science teacher
• Environmental health practitioner
• Actuary

The transferable skills you’ll have developed also mean you’ll be a strong candidate for roles in other industries, so don’t just limit yourself to the roles above.

If you need help pinning down what path to take, make use of your university’s career services department. They’ll be able to help you work out what role might be right for you.