Program Overview

Introduction to the BSc Biological Sciences Program

The BSc Biological Sciences course at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) offers a unique program of research, unrivaled teaching, and some of the best practical facilities in the UK. This program draws on the RVC's long history of cutting-edge research that has contributed to advances in human and veterinary medicine.

Key Information

• Qualification: BSc (Hons)
• UCAS Code: C100 BSc Biological Science / C101 BSc Biological Science with placement year
• Institution Code: RVET R84
• Study Mode: Three years full-time / Four years full-time with placement year
• UK Tuition Fees: 2026 fees - £9,790
• EU and International Tuition Fees: £27,510
• Course Location: Camden
• Application Deadline: 14 Jan 2026

Course Outline

The BSc Biological Sciences course provides a clear and detailed understanding of underpinning physiology and cellular and molecular biology, as well as an insight into disease mechanisms and an appreciation of comparative and integrated approaches to aid diagnosis and treatment in the future.

Year 1 Modules

• Biology of the Cell (15 credits)
• Inheritance, Genetics and Evolution (15 credits)
• Developmental Biology (15 credits)
• The Moving Animal (15 credits)
• Integrated Physiology I (15 credits)
• Integrated Physiology II (15 credits)
• Problem Definition and Investigation (15 credits)
• Library Project (15 credits)

Year 2 Modules

• Basis of Disease (15 credits)
• Ageing and Degeneration (15 credits)
• Principles of Infectious Diseases (15 credits)
• Control of Infectious Diseases (15 credits)
• Principles of Pharmacology (15 credits)
• Research Project (30 credits)
• Optional modules:
  • Applied Pharmacology (15 credits)
  • Disease Modelling and Investigation (15 credits)
  • Introduction to Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Ethics (15 credits)
  • Introduction to One Health (15 credits)

Year 3 Modules

• Research Project
• Optional modules:
  • Advanced Concepts in Bio-business (15 credits)
  • Advanced Concepts in Reproduction (15 credits)
  • Advanced Skeletal Pathobiology (15 credits)
  • Animal Behaviour and Cognition (15 credits)
  • Applied Animal Welfare (15 credits)
  • Applied Molecular Microbiology (15 credits)
  • Applied Wildlife Health Science (15 credits)
  • Comparative Animal Locomotion (30 credits)
  • Comparative Models of Disease (15 credits)
  • Comparative Anatomy (15 credits)
  • Critical Literature Review (30 credits)
  • Development and Disease (15 credits)
  • Ecology: Individuals, Populations and Communities (15 credits)
  • Endocrine and Metabolic Syndromes (15 credits)
  • Epidemiology: the Bigger Picture (15 credits)
  • Infection and Immunity (30 credits)
  • Parasitology of Human and Veterinary Tropical Diseases (15 credits)
  • Practical Investigative Biology (15 credits)
  • Science of Animal Welfare (15 credits)

Teaching and Learning

The Royal Veterinary College is a dynamic place to study, where students utilize state-of-the-art technology in research labs and a modern, innovative curriculum. Students are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and group work scenarios. The practical elements of the course are carried out in laboratories and may be related to the College's ongoing research activities.

Assessment and Feedback

Students are continuously assessed throughout the course, followed by final examinations. The estimated breakdown of assessment for the final grade is:

• Written (coursework) - 22%
• Examination (practical, written) – 45%
• Projects (individual and group work, research) - 33%

Entry Requirements

The standard academic requirements for entry to the BSc Biological Sciences program are outlined below.

A Levels

• EITHER: ABB in three A Level subjects including Biology or Chemistry at grade A
• OR: BBB in three A Level subjects including Biology or Chemistry and another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths.

Welsh, Scottish, and Irish Applicants

• Welsh Baccalaureate: Applicants who have achieved the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales qualification with grade B will be accepted with two A Levels.
• Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers: Advanced Highers in Chemistry or Biology at grade A and another subject of choice at grade B.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 including Biology or Chemistry and another science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths.

International Baccalaureate

• Pass the IB diploma with 655 at Higher Level including Biology or Chemistry at grade 6.

Diplomas and Further Certificates

• Access to HE Diploma (England and Wales): Diplomas must be Science-based and include a minimum of 15 Level 3 credits in Chemistry at Distinction or 15 Level 3 credits in Biology at Distinction.
• Birkbeck College's CertHE in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine: Merits must be achieved in the Chemistry and Biology modules.
• Level 3 Extended Diploma: Applied Generals or Tech Levels with specific requirements.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic) score of 7.0 or above with minimum 6.5 in each component.

Tuition Fees

• Home Tuition Fees: £9,790
• International Fees: £27,510

Placement Year

The RVC offers a Placement Year with all BSc and MSci Biological Sciences courses after the second year of study. This provides students with a year of practical work experience and the opportunity to undertake a research project devised and supervised by the placement provider.