Program Overview

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Biology, BSc Hons

Our biology degree explores the fascinating processes of life, from the chemical reactions inside cells to drug discovery for diseases, through to environmental impact and global climate change.

What you should know about this course

• Ranked 3rd across the Biosciences subject in Biology and Biomedical Science in the UK, The Guardian University Guide (2025)
• Specialise from year two onwards in a wide choice of modules - from cancer research to ecology
• Research an original project of your choice in the third year working with professors in the relevant fields
• Opportunities for field trips, hear from speakers with international experience and benefit from expertise in global issues such as biofuels, food security and biodiversity
• This course is taught at our Medway Campus in Chatham Maritime, Kent.

Entry requirements

UK citizens and permanent residents

• 104 UCAS Tariff points which must include one of the following:
  • A level: Biology at grade C.
  • BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
  • A level and BTEC National: Extended Certificate in Applied Science and A Level Biology at grade C.
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall including Higher Level Biology at grade 5.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: Science.
  • T Level: Science (Laboratory Sciences) at grade Merit.

We make Contextual offers to this programme. Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points. Other entry requirements such as GCSEs, Interview, etc., will still need to be met. For further information, please see our Contextual Admissions policy.

We also accept applications if you wish to transfer from another institution, and have already studied 1 or 2 years of a relevant course at level 4 or 5 and wish to continue your education at the University of Greenwich.

International entry requirements

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.

For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

Alternatively, please contact us at [insert contact info].

How you will learn

Teaching

Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.

You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.

Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.

Class sizes

First year courses may be shared across a number of Science programmes, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject specific courses tend to be smaller, for example a typical Biology intake would have 20 students in a dedicated biology course. Similarly, in the second and third year, some core courses taken by all students will be equally large, while optional courses will be smaller, between 20- 40 students per group, enabling close interaction with lecturers.

Typical student intake per year across our biology courses is 20. Lectures are normally attended by 20, seminars/tutorials by 20.

Independent learning

At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.

Overall workload

If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. Some of your time will be in the classroom or laboratory and some will be independent learning.

Assessment

You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.

Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.

Feedback summary

University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
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Home* | £9,535 | N/A | N/A
International | £17,500 | N/A | N/A

University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.

(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing.

• Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
• IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
• We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.

How long is my placement?

Students can undertake a summer placement lasting between 6 weeks and 3 months. This can be related to a credit-rated course at Level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience. Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months, which sit between the second and third year of the degree.

What are the financial arrangements?

The Faculty expects that students are as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation. It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company. Students on sandwich placements pay a reduced fee to the University for their placement year.

Accommodation

Medway campus in Kent

Our Medway halls of residence are all located on-campus, with facilities include an on-site café, launderette and bar. And the halls are located within minutes of the historic Chatham dockyard and Chatham and Gillingham town centres.

With student-run social events, modern ensuite rooms and communal shared spaces, you’ll find that living in halls of residence will be a highlight of your University of Greenwich experience.

Rooms start at £172.06/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills and 24-hour residential support. Our Medway accommodation boasts 350 rooms with 24/7 security, and resident car parking permits are available.

Support and advice

Academic skills and study support

We are ambitious for all our students and we want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access support to improve your study skills through your tutor, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.

We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional Maths support is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies. The academic support available will enhance student performance.

Support from the department

Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO) whose role it is to provide an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries. The University wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) programme encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.

What you will study

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• ​​Exploring Biology​ (30 credits)
• ​​Concepts in Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Practical Skills for Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Skills for Tomorrow’s Scientists​ (30 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Metabolism and Disease (15 credits)
• Plant Science (15 credits)
• Genetics (15 credits)
• Microbiology and the Environment (15 credits)
• Infection and Immunity (15 credits)
• Research and Professional Skills in Life Science (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits)
• Animal Science and Environmental Physiology (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Biogeography and Ecosystems (15 credits)
• Pharmacology (15 credits)

Year 3

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Project (Life Sciences) (30 credits)

Students are required to choose 75 credits from this list of options.

• Pathophysiology of Disease (15 credits)
• Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (15 credits)
• Applied Plant Ecology (15 credits)
• Conservation and the Environment (15 credits)
• Introduction to Ecological Modelling and Programming (15 credits)
• Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology (15 credits)
• Stem Cells (15 credits)
• Advanced and Clinical Immunology (15 credits)
• Animal Ecology (15 credits)
• Medical Microbiology (15 credits)
• Medical Biochemistry (15 credits)
• Neuropharmacology (30 credits)
• Insect Biology (15 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Science Internship Course (15 credits)
• Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)