Natural Sciences
Entry requirements
Personal statement:
Personal statements should be well-written and demonstrate a good command of English using a style that is natural to you - a poorly written or worded statement stands out, for the wrong reasons! Use language that makes you sound enthusiastic, passionate even, about Natural Sciences and that you understand how it differs from a single honours programme, and why that is important to you. Bring in personal qualities and achievements to show why you are suited to study at university and why Natural Sciences, in particular, appeals. Mention achievements that you are proud of, especially those which demonstrate you have some of the key skills needed to study at university level - an extended project, for example. Perhaps you have a career in mind and Natural Sciences would help you achieve this; if so tell us. Finally, describe your extra-curricular activities, including any gap year plans or accomplishments, jobs or voluntary work, especially if they link to your academic interests; any additional skills such as in sport or music, as well as positions of responsibility held at school, also help to paint a more complete picture of your personality and character. Your personal statement is an opportunity to tell us not only why you are interested in Natural Sciences but also why we should be interested in you; those who can support their application with evidence will stand out, for the right reasons!
A Levels
Typical Offer: A*AA
- in exceptional circumstances we may make a slightly lower offer.
Essential:
- a minimum of two core sciences is required from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
- GCSE or equivalent: Grade C in Mathematics and English language
- AS levels may be taken into account, but are unlikely to form part of the offer
- students wishing to take Physics options will require Mathematics as well as Physics at A-Level (or equivalent)
- students wishing to take a double mathematics option will require grade A at A2-level Mathematics
- General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded
- languages which are intended for non-native speakers are not normally acceptable when taken by native speakers of that language
- students considering the MSci (hons) Programme should normally have a minimum of two core sciences at A2 (or equivalent) from Chemistry, Biology and Physics. For certain options (Physics included), Mathematics may be an additional requirement.
For full details of pre-requisites, please refer to the latest course selection guide.
Examples of less effective preparation subjects include:
- Dance
- Drama
- Film Studies
- Home and Community Studies
- Media studies
- Performing Arts
- Photography
- PE
- Sports Studies
- Travel and Tourism.
Access to HE Diploma
Each application is treated on its merits, but as a guide we would expect a student to pass the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering), with at least 36 credits achieved at Distinction and 3 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction.
Essential:
- a minimum of 12 credits achieved at Distinction in at least two core sciences (from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics).
- GCSE equivalence in English and mathematics, if equivalent qualifications have not already been achieved.
- students wishing to take Physics options will require 12 credits achieved at Distinction in mathematics units as well as physics units.
- students with an Access to HE Diploma will not be able to take a double mathematics option unless they also achieve grade A at A2-level Mathematics.
Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a high academic standard and may also be invited to attend an interview.
BTEC
Typical offer: Extended Diploma in Applied Science, D*DD with Distinctions in all units.
We welcome applicants with BTECs and if you are predicted these grades and have a strong GCSE profile you may be invited to an interview as part of the selection process
Cambridge Pre-U
Typical Offer: D2,D3,D3
Essential:
-
A minimum of two core sciences is required from Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
-
Students wishing to take Physics options will require Mathematics as well as Physics.
-
Students wishing to take a double mathematics option will require a minimum D3 in Mathematics.
-
Students considering the MSci (Hons) Programme should normally have a minimum of two core sciences from Chemistry, Biology and Physics. For certain options (Physics included), Mathematics may be an additional requirement.
For full details of pre-requisites, please refer to the latest course selection guide:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/nat-sci/admissions/course_selection_guide_2011_12.pdf
European Baccalaureate
Typical Offer: 80%, including 85% in at least 2 core sciences (from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics).
- students wishing to take Physics options will require Mathematics as well as Physics
- students wishing to take a double mathematics option will require at least 85% in Mathematics
- students considering the MSci (hons) Programme should normally have a minimum of 85% in two core sciences from Chemistry, Biology and Physics. For certain options (Physics included), Mathematics is an additional requirement at at least 80%.
For full details of pre-requisites, please refer to the latest course selection guide:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/nat-sci/admissions/course_selection_guide_2011_12.pdf-
International Baccalaureate
Typical Offer: 38 points overall, with scores of 7,6,6, at Higher Level, to include at least two core sciences (from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics).
- Students wishing to take Physics options will require HL Mathematics and Physics
- Students wishing to take a double mathematics option will require HL 7 in Mathematics
- Students considering the MSci (Hons) programme should normally have a minimum of two core sciences at Higher Level from Chemistry, Biology and Physics. For certain options (Physics included), Mathematics may be an additional requirement.
For details of pre-requisites, please refer to the lates course selection guide:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/nat-sci/admissions/course_selection_guide_2011_12.pdf
International Students
We accept a wide range of non-UK qualifications as entry either to our Foundation Year or directly on to the first year of our undergraduate programmes. For further information please visit our International Office web page.
English Language Qualifications:
We would normally require all applicants whose first language is not English to provide evidence of English language proficiency and we may ask you to take an English language test.
The minimum requirement for Natural Sciences programmes is: IELTS 6.5 with no subject less than 6.0. Applicants should submit their results by 31st July. For a list of other English language qualfications we accept please go to the English Language Entry Requirements web page
Irish Leaving Certificate
Typical Offer: AAAABB at Higher level, which should include at least 2 core sciences (from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics) at Grade A one of which must be A1.
- students wishing to take Physics options will require Mathematics as well as Physics
- students wishing to take a double mathematics option will require grade A1 in Mathematics
- students considering the MSci (hons) Programme should normally have a minimum of two core sciences from Chemistry, Biology and Physics. For certain options (Physics included), Mathematics may be an additional requirement.
For full details of pre-requisites, please refer to the latest course selection guide:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/nat-sci/admissions/course_selection_guide_2011_12.pdf-
Scottish Highers
Typical Offer: AAAAB, to include Grade A in at least 2 core sciences (from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics) at Advanced Higher level. The remaining AAB Highers to be in 3 other subjects.
- students wishing to take Physics options will require Mathematics as well as Physics at Advanced Higher Level
- students wishing to take a double mathematics option will require Grade A in Advanced Higher Level Mathematics
- students considering the MSci (Hons) Programme should normally have a minimum of two core sciences from Chemistry, Biology and Physics at Advanced Higher Level. For certain options (Physics included), Mathematics may be an additional requirement at Advanced Higher Level.
For full details of pre-requisites, please refer to the latest course selection guide:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/nat-sci/admissions/course_selection_guide_2011_12.pdf-
Welsh Baccalaureate
Typical Offer: A*AA or AAA plus a pass in the Welsh Baccalaureate Core
We welcome applicants offering the Welsh Baccalaureate Core alongside A levels; we are aware of the range of skills and qualities which it develops and of the additional work which it demands. Please see the A level entry for subject combination details.
