BSc in Philosophy and Physics

BSc Degrees

The BSc Natural Sciences degree provides a wide choice of subjects to study and does not require applicants to study any particular subject. These subjects are divided into three groups:

Group 1

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Earth Sciences
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Psychology.

At least half of your studies in the second and third years in Natural Sciences must be from the subjects listed in Group 1. Not all subjects can be taken together.

Group 2

• Anthropology
• Business
• Economics
• Geography
• Philosophy.

No more than half of your studies in the second and third years can be from subjects in Group 2. Each of these subjects contributes to at least one Joint Honours degree with the subjects from Group 1.

Group 3

These subjects are Sport and Education (excluding History of Art) and are based in Durham City. None of the subjects in Group 3 contribute to a Joint Honours degree in Natural Sciences (and so no combination with these subjects is guaranteed to work in the timetable) and no more than half of your studies in the second and third years can be made up of subjects in Groups 2 and 3. If you are interested in taking subjects from Group 3, you are strongly recommended to contact the Natural Sciences Admissions Selector to judge the feasibility of combining subjects from Groups 1 and 3.

Typically, first-year BSc Natural Sciences students either take three modules from two subjects or modules from three subjects. Other combinations are possible, but this combination would normally allow you to progress with any or all three of these subjects, as well as starting some new subjects in your second year.

Flexibility and choice

The degree allows you to choose from a wide choice of subjects to include in your degree. It also allows you to delay the choice about the direction of your studies until the end of your first year (and in some cases to the end of your second year). Each year you can normally change your choice of modules within the first three weeks of the academic year.

Depth

The degree requires final-year students to undertake capstone modules that are student-driven and involve independent thought, personal management of the work’s direction and are synoptic of the degree's learning outcomes. Typically, these modules will have a very small taught component and staff act as mentors, rather than delivers of information.