Applying to study Natural Sciences at York
Choice of course and flexibility to change
All our courses are available as either three-year (BSc) or four-year (MSci) programmes of study. The entry requirements for the BSc and MSci are identical and students may switch between intended degree awards until the end of the second year of study (subject to sufficient academic progress).
Applicants should state an intended entry pathway at the point of application by following these instructions. Subject to studying for the correct entry qualifications, applicants may change their proposed entry pathway up until the end of July i.e. approximately two months before arriving at York. After that deadline, applications to change entry pathway will be considered on a case-by-case basis but are not guaranteed.
Application procedure
All applications to should be made via UCAS. Applicants believed to have the potential to succeed as Natural Scientists at York based on the information contained in their UCAS forms are invited to interview.
On the day of the interview, applicants are given a presentation on studying Natural Sciences at York and have the opportunity to take a tour of some of our teaching and research facilities on campus. A decision on whether to make an offer is based both on performance at interview and evidence from the UCAS form.
Essential subjects
The subjects that you should have studied depend on the entry pathway for which you are applying and are shown in the table below.
|
Course |
Chemistry |
Physics |
Maths |
Biology or |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Interdisciplinary | ||||
| Biophysical Science | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Mathematical Bioscience | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Nanoscience | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Neuroscience | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Specialisation | ||||
| Archaeology/Biology/Environment | Chemistry & Maths or Chemistry & Biology or Maths & Biology | |||
| Archaeology/Biology/Chemistry/Environment | ✓ | ✓ | ||
|
Biology/Chemistry/Physics |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Chemistry/Mathematics/Physics | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Please note that for applicants taking the International Baccalaureate we will accept Mathematics at Standard level grade 6 for our Archaeology/Biology/Environment, Archaeology/Biology/Chemistry/Environment and Neuroscience programmes only, all other programmes will require Mathematics at Higher level. | ||||
Applying
How to apply
All applications to undergraduate degree courses at York are made via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). The application system opens mid-September with guides on how to apply through UCAS available online.
Entry requirements
A levels
A*AA from a wide selection of acceptable subjects which must include the relevant essential subjects from the table above.
You must also achieve a pass in the science practical if your science A level includes a separate practical assessment.
International Baccalaureate
Diploma with an overall score of 37 points including Higher Level at grade 6 in the relevant essential subjects [or an overall score of 38 if you are taking Mathematics at Standard level only - see below].
Please note that we will accept Mathematics at Standard level grade 6 for our Archaeology/Biology/Environment, Archaeology/Biology/Chemistry/Environment and Neuroscience programmes only, all other programmes will require Mathematics at Higher level
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAAAA-AAAAB (Highers) + grade A at Advanced Highers in the relevant essential subjects
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should be able to show evidence of their English language ability.
We accept the following English language qualifications:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum of 6.0 in each section)
- Pearson: 61 overall (minimum of 55 in each section)
- Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): 176 overall (with a minimum of 169 in each component)
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall (with a minimum of 169 in each component)
For some European countries, the English language requirement may be fulfilled by achieving a satisfactory English grade in the relevant country's state or school examinations. Please contact us for information about the specific requirements for your own country.
Further detailed information is available on the University’s English Language Requirements.
Mature students
Applications from mature students are welcomed and will be considered individually.