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Natural Sciences
Durham river and Cathedral view

B.Sc. in X and Y within the Natural Sciences programme

For students studying within general Natural Sciences on CFG0, the decision as to whether to follow a Joint Honours Degree in two subjects or a Natural Sciences degree in two or more subjects is normally taken at the end of the first year of study. All students intending to apply to Durham for a BSc "Joint Honours" degree which does not have its own separate named route, should apply under the general Natural Sciences (code CFG0).

On a Joint Honours Degree, students:

  • study the same two subjects in all three years, but may be allowed to study other subjects in their first year as well, depending upon the subjects being combined and the timetable;
  • can vary the balance between the two subjects in all years assuming the timetable and regulations allow it;
  • in any given year can never take more than 80 credits in one subject and not less than 40 credits in the other subject, assuming the regulations will allow it;
  • need to take at least 20, and in most cases 40, credits of Capstone modules in Year 3.

Students who follow the relevant pathway to qualify for a Joint Honours degree, get the degree title BSc in X and Y within the Natural Sciences programme, where X and Y are the two subjects studied.

Joint Honours degrees are available in:

  • Anthropology and Biology;
  • Biology and Earth Sciences;
  • Biology and Geography;
  • Biology and Mathematics;
  • Biology and Physics;
  • Business and Computer Science;
  • Chemistry and Earth Sciences;
  • Computer Science and Physics;
  • Earth Sciences and Geography;
  • Mathematics and Psychology.

The study of other pairs of subjects from within the Natural Sciences portfolio is also as part of the General Natural Sciences Degree, where more information can be found. It should be noted, that due to constraints of the timetable and subject compatibility it is not possible to study all subject pairs.