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Physics or Natural Sciences degree

Hi everyone,

I do physics, chemistry, maths and further maths. I know I want to do something physics related in the future but I'm also interested in chemistry, not as much as physics but I still really enjoy it. I've been considering a joint degree of sorts but I wanted something more broad which is what drew me to natural sciences.

Before that I was thinking of doing a physics degree (with astrophysics maybe but that's another decision for another time) because it's what I'm most interested in but I kept thinking about how I'd miss doing chemistry. The parts of chemistry I do like are closely linked to physics which is part of why I think I like it.

One of my big worries because I haven't found much information about it is that doing a natural sciences degree would mean that I'm not learning the physics to the same level as in just a physics degree. If I were to want to do something in physics I wouldn't be able to with a NS degree because I haven't learnt the same high level specific content. So if that's the case then would it be better to do physics because that is something I really want to study instead of NS?

I don't know if that makes any sense but if anyone knew if that were the case or not that would be very helpful. Or anyone who's done natural sciences could share their thoughts and experience. Do you regret it or was it the better choice for you?

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Invariably in any kind of joint honours degree or natural sciences course you have to split between the two subjects (or more) and won't be able to cover all the content in both subjects. However it is possible in some unis to still construct an intellectually coherent programme of study integrating the most relevant areas of each subject and their overlaps to prepare for research in the interfaces of those two subjects. You wouldn't have the same flexibility to go into any area of either one individual subject though. It's up to you to make that decision though.

Note that outside of going on to do a PhD, it's neither here nor there which degree you do as far as just going to get a job in industry goes. Employers for generalist grad schemes (e.g. in financial services including investment banking/management consulting/accountancy, the media, the civil service, generalist management track schemes at large corporations etc) don't care what you studied. For working within sectors relating to chemistry, you're kind of limited to technical/lab technician type roles in most contexts without a PhD anyway. There's not really analogous lab based work relating to physics on the whole, although various areas requiring a "numerate" background (e.g. data science, software engineering, actuarial work etc) may be an option from the physics side as well.

You may also want to explore courses in chemical physics if you're interested in both, as that is functionally a joint honours between the two but usually already structured to emphasise the relevant areas of each that complement the other.

Reply 2

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post by lilremoony

Hi everyone,
I do physics, chemistry, maths and further maths. I know I want to do something physics related in the future but I'm also interested in chemistry, not as much as physics but I still really enjoy it. I've been considering a joint degree of sorts but I wanted something more broad which is what drew me to natural sciences.
Before that I was thinking of doing a physics degree (with astrophysics maybe but that's another decision for another time) because it's what I'm most interested in but I kept thinking about how I'd miss doing chemistry. The parts of chemistry I do like are closely linked to physics which is part of why I think I like it.
One of my big worries because I haven't found much information about it is that doing a natural sciences degree would mean that I'm not learning the physics to the same level as in just a physics degree. If I were to want to do something in physics I wouldn't be able to with a NS degree because I haven't learnt the same high level specific content. So if that's the case then would it be better to do physics because that is something I really want to study instead of NS?
I don't know if that makes any sense but if anyone knew if that were the case or not that would be very helpful. Or anyone who's done natural sciences could share their thoughts and experience. Do you regret it or was it the better choice for you?

Hi,

I'm in my third year of studying natural sciences at Lancaster, I study physics and environmental science. I definitely think I made the right decision studying natural sciences as I've been able to study what I'm really interested in which has helped me with motivation throughout my degree.

I can't speak for other universities, but at Lancaster the natural sciences degree is structured around pathways within each department to ensure that you follow a coherent path through your degree and study all the necessary prerequisites and core modules in first and second year. At Lancaster natural sciences students study all the same first-year physics and maths modules as students on physics degree schemes but do not study the laboratory-based modules. Instead, there's a specific catch-up laboratory/skills module in second year for natural sciences and theory students which enables you to take any second and third year physics laboratory modules you would like to. This meant that I didn't feel like I missed out on much by not studying the physics degree scheme. Also, after first year, you can balance your subjects how you like, so I now study 80% physics and 20% environmental science, for example. This means you can focus on the parts of science you are really interested in.

Additionally, if you initially start your degree as a natural scientist studying physics and chemistry but at the end of first year decide you are no longer interested in studying chemistry, you can switch to a physics degree instead.

In terms of further study and employment, as mentioned already many postings do not specify a specific degree title, and in many cases having the interdisciplinary skills gained in a natural sciences degree may be a benefit, especially in certain subject areas that cross the boundaries of physics and chemistry.

Hope this helps and feel free to ask if you have any more questions,
Becky (Lancaster University Student Ambassador)

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