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Natural Sciences with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

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2025 - 2026
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Birkbeck, University of London has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

Course summary

Our BSc Natural Sciences is designed so that you can construct your degree around your favourite science subjects, from outer space to the human brain, and everything in between. This natural sciences degree allows you to take a holistic approach to the scientific challenges of the future. It equips you with a broad science knowledge base and sets you on the path to being a subject specialist. You will be able to choose modules from across our Faculty of Science while developing core scientific skills in data analysis and laboratory techniques. In your final year, you will undertake a novel research project in a scientific specialism of your choice. You will follow a core curriculum comprising field classes and laboratory work which aim to foster teamwork and a strong group identity throughout your time at Birkbeck. At the start of your degree, you will choose from one of five pathways comprising modules from two different streams:

  • Astronomy and Planetary Science + Bioscience
  • Astronomy and Planetary Science + Data Science
  • Earth and Environment + Bioscience
  • Bioscience + Data Science
  • Cognition and Neuroscience + Bioscience
Our teaching philosophy is based around flexibility, allowing you to fit this degree around other commitments. Our core teaching is in the evening and our bioscience modules also offer afternoon classes. Some of our modules may also offer online attendance where you can attend classes with our internationally distinguished researchers in our world-class laboratories in London with the option of watching live streams or recorded lectures at home using our online teaching platform. If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. This course has an evening timetable with lectures, seminars and classes taking place in the evening. There are also two daytime field trips. Highlights
  • Natural sciences is a novel interdisciplinary subject that addresses key scientific and societal challenges.
  • At Birkbeck we provide you with state-of-the-art, specialist laboratories and facilities for studying sciences in the heart of academic London.
  • Birkbeck was rated in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Biological Sciences, Computer Science and Informatics, Earth Systems and Environmental Science, Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
  • You will be taught by internationally distinguished experts who work with governments and institutions around the globe to extend the boundaries of knowledge.
Careers and employability On successful completion of this BSc Natural Sciences, you will have gained key transferable skills valuable in a wide-range of employment areas. You will be well-equipped to pursue a career in:
  • bioscience
  • earth and planetary science
  • environmental science
  • psychological sciences.
If you are ambitious to study further, you can also progress on to postgraduate study in our wide range of Master's degrees in these areas. We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

You will be assessed via a mix of examinations, essays, presentations, field and laboratory reports and a dissertation/scientific report.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F603
Institution code:
B24
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9535 Year 1
Scotland £9535 Year 1
Wales £9535 Year 1
International £18060 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Natural Sciences with Foundation Year at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS