University advice?

Hi, I’m a year 12 student and am currently choosing which universities to apply for and was looking for advice/opinions.
I take A-Level Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Latin and am predicted 3x A* and an A in Latin, I am also doing an EPQ and am predicted an A*.
I also received 10 9s and 2 8s at GCSE.
(Can provide any other information if more details are needed)

I am hoping to study natural sciences and have narrowed down my choices to 6.
I am certain that I am applying for: Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences
Leeds Natural Sciences
Exeter Natural Sciences
I then need to choose 2 from:
Durham Natural Sciences
Nottingham Natural Sciences
Imperial Biological Sciences
Was wondering if anyone had any opinions/advice on choosing these?
Thanks!

Reply 1

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by escalating-kidna

Hi, I’m a year 12 student and am currently choosing which universities to apply for and was looking for advice/opinions.
I take A-Level Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Latin and am predicted 3x A* and an A in Latin, I am also doing an EPQ and am predicted an A*.
I also received 10 9s and 2 8s at GCSE.
(Can provide any other information if more details are needed)
I am hoping to study natural sciences and have narrowed down my choices to 6.
I am certain that I am applying for: Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences
Leeds Natural Sciences
Exeter Natural Sciences
I then need to choose 2 from:
Durham Natural Sciences
Nottingham Natural Sciences
Imperial Biological Sciences
Was wondering if anyone had any opinions/advice on choosing these?
Thanks!

I done some of the research for the same degree, but I am looking to specialise in Physics and Chemistry. Not sure if I would be of any help.

Should I take that you're looking to specialise in Biological sciences or a degree specialised in Biology and Chemistry?

(edited 3 weeks ago)

Reply 2

escalating-kidna

Original post by MindMax2000

I done some of the research for the same degree, but I am looing to specialise in Physics and Chemistry. Not sure if I would be of any help.
Should I take that you're looking to specialise in Biological sciences or a degree specialised in Biology and Chemistry

I will mainly be focusing on Biology and Earth Sciences wherever I go

Reply 3

McGinger

Original post by escalating-kidna

I will mainly be focusing on Biology and Earth Sciences wherever I go

Slightly different pathway options available at each Uni depending on their own subject strengths so check carefully and go to Open Days. If you are interested in Earth Sciences the obvious one is
Natural Sciences BSc - University of Birmingham

Reply 4

Wired_1800

Original post by escalating-kidna

Hi, I’m a year 12 student and am currently choosing which universities to apply for and was looking for advice/opinions.
I take A-Level Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Latin and am predicted 3x A* and an A in Latin, I am also doing an EPQ and am predicted an A*.
I also received 10 9s and 2 8s at GCSE.
(Can provide any other information if more details are needed)
I am hoping to study natural sciences and have narrowed down my choices to 6.
I am certain that I am applying for: Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences
Leeds Natural Sciences
Exeter Natural Sciences
I then need to choose 2 from:
Durham Natural Sciences
Nottingham Natural Sciences
Imperial Biological Sciences
Was wondering if anyone had any opinions/advice on choosing these?
Thanks!

Durham and Nottingham

Reply 5

MindMax2000

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by escalating-kidna

I will mainly be focusing on Biology and Earth Sciences wherever I go

Then I'm surprised that you picked Exeter and Leeds (both are too diluted and don't specialised in Earth Sciences), but miss out on UCL.

Durham is definitely one of the top choices.
Nottingham is my next go to.

Imperial doesn't do Earth Science. Consider St Andrew's instead: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/biology/biology-bsc/biology-and-earth-sciences-joint/

Reply 6

escalating-kidna

Hi, yes the Exeter course isn’t perfect for me but I liked the university so decided to apply.
Although the Leeds course doesn’t have Earth Sciences it contains lots of Geology within the Environmental Sciences so I quite liked that.
I’m thinking that Imperial seems okay as within the course it gives the options to do a few modules of another subject for which I would pick Geology. I also feel like, if I can apply to Imperial I probably should as it is a very good university.
I had a look at the St. Andrew’s course and it is my favourite but I decided to rule it out as I live in Brighton and don’t want to have to travel that far.
In the UCL course I would have had to narrow down my choices almost immediately (after the first term) and there are very few Biology or Geology modules which interest me.

Reply 7

ExeterStudentRep

Official Rep

Original post by escalating-kidna

Hi, I’m a year 12 student and am currently choosing which universities to apply for and was looking for advice/opinions.
I take A-Level Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Latin and am predicted 3x A* and an A in Latin, I am also doing an EPQ and am predicted an A*.
I also received 10 9s and 2 8s at GCSE.
(Can provide any other information if more details are needed)
I am hoping to study natural sciences and have narrowed down my choices to 6.
I am certain that I am applying for: Cambridge Biological Natural Sciences
Leeds Natural Sciences
Exeter Natural Sciences
I then need to choose 2 from:
Durham Natural Sciences
Nottingham Natural Sciences
Imperial Biological Sciences
Was wondering if anyone had any opinions/advice on choosing these?
Thanks!

Hi escalating-kidna!

It's great to hear that you're considering studying the Natural Sciences course at Exeter! Our grade requirement are AAA but if you secure an A in your EPQ (having firmed Exeter), the requirement will be brought down to AAB (2 A's in a Maths-based or Science is still required despite this)! To give you a bit more insight, the first year of the course is formed of 4 compulsory modules that set up a good foundation for when you start choosing optional modules in second year. Unfortunately, it does look like Earth Sciences isn't a specialty that is offered on the course specifically. Our course lets you study all sciences without any 'specific' pathway or boundaries set so there's a degree of flexibility in that. However, you do have the option to take up to 30 credits (1 or 2 modules) outside of your discipline in second year, which means you might get lucky and find a few Earth Science modules to undertake!

I'd also recommend taking a look at our module list on our course page under the 'Course Content' section to get a feel for what areas we teach: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/natural-sciences/bsc/

I hope this helps and good luck with your application! If you have any more questions about studying at Exeter, please don't hesitate to ask :smile: