5 reasons to study natural sciences at Bath

From flexibility to placements and multiple career options, there are lots of reasons to study natural sciences at Bath. Here are our top 5.

Whether you're interested in researching elephant behaviour in Zimbabwe, studying laser physics in Oxford or working as a metallurgist in Australia, studying Natural Sciences at Bath can open up a world of possibilities.

Natural Sciences allows you to study more than one science subject, so you can shape your degree to your interests and career aspirations.

At Bath, you'll choose two main sciences from biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, physics and environmental sciences (from year 2 on the BSc). The combination of disciplines means you’ll gain a wide range of skills to be able to approach scientific problems from multiple angles.

Here are our top 5 reasons to study natural sciences at Bath.

1. Choose your own direction

Follow your own path, developing lab skills and an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationship between the core sciences.

You can adjust your level of specialisation as your interests develop or even broaden your course further by taking non-science subjects such as management, psychology or education.

You're free to choose whichever units you want to within a subject stream, and if you decide during your first year you do want to specialise, you can talk to us about continuing in a single honours subject in your second year.

'My advice would be to take advantage of the incredible variety on offer. Play to your strengths and interests and you’ll come out with a unique skill set applicable in a broad range of careers.' — Sophie Ward, Natural Sciences graduate

2. Go on a professional placement

Improve your employability and take advantage of our strong links with industry on a placement.

With our Natural Sciences course, you can choose to go on a placement after your second year. Many of these placements are paid or funded, allowing you to earn income to help support your studies.

With over 50 years of experience offering placements and links with some of the world’s leading research institutions and global companies, you can apply for a wide range of professional placements, from lab-based to marketing roles. As a natural sciences student, you'll have a wider choice of placements to apply for than a single honours student.

You will receive dedicated support from our specialist placements team when you're looking for, and throughout, your placement.

3. Open up your career opportunities

Studying natural sciences prepares you for a wide variety of careers.

Prepare yourself for your future career in science or industry, as well as in management, marketing, policy, sales or beyond. The wide range of subjects you study in natural sciences will equip you for a wide range of careers, and allow you to develop a unique combination of skills that employers value.

Recent roles from natural sciences graduates include environmental consultant, scientific journal editor, research and development scientist, policy advisor, head brewer, and criminal investigator. Some recent employers include ZSL London Zoo, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Pfizer, BBC and Elsevier.

We’re ranked Top 10 for graduate prospects for Natural Sciences in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

4. Receive great support throughout your studies

You'll have the same support network as any single-honours students.

You'll have a personal tutor who'll stay with you throughout the course, and a current student will be your peer mentor to help you with everything from study choices to social life.

You'll also have the chance to join departmental societies, which organise events throughout the year, allowing you to meet and share experiences with fellow students, and receive subject-specific support. With the range of subjects on offer, you'll meet a wider range of students than most other courses offer.

We're ranked top 5 for student experience for Natural Sciences in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

'I felt like I could walk up to any academic, and ask them any questions about work, course content or even personal issues. It's really helped me flourish as a student.' — Ibrahim Ahmed, MSci (Hons) Natural Sciences including placement year

5. Be part of world-leading research

With access to staff from many different departments, and our relaxed, open-door policy, you'll benefit from the wide ranging research carried out by our academics.

You’ll learn from experts in your chosen fields of study. Our teaching staff are heavily engaged in research, which keeps our courses up-to-date and allows you to benefit from discussions around the latest developments in the subjects you’ve chosen as part of your degree. You may also have the opportunity to work on research with them, giving you experience in real-world research

You can read about some of our latest research here:

'Natural Sciences gives you the background to ask more overarching questions, and at the very least understand the language used by two sets of scientists.' — Dr Peter Sloan, Department of Physics

Find out more about natural sciences at Bath

Chat to a natural sciences student