Program Overview

Biology (Extended), BSc Hons

This extended biology degree includes a foundation year. Explore subjects such as cancer therapeutics, pharmacology and neurological conditions.

Mode of Study

• Full-time
• Sandwich

Location

• Medway Campus

Duration

• 4 years (full-time)
• 5 years (sandwich)

Start Month

• September

Home/International Fees 2025/26

• £9,535 / £17,500

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)
• This four-year course is identical to the three-year course, but has a foundation year with lower entry requirements
• The foundation year includes academic writing, computing skills, introduction to the subject and more
• If you have the ability but not the qualifications, this course is your first step to becoming a biology graduate
• This course is taught at our Medway Campus in Chatham Maritime, Kent.

Course Content

• Year 0:
  • Introduction to Biology (30 credits)
  • Introduction to Chemistry (30 credits)
  • Introductory Practical Science (30 credits)
  • Learning Skills for Science (30 credits)
• Year 1:
  • Exploring Biology (30 credits)
  • Concepts in Science (30 credits)
  • Practical Skills for Science (30 credits)
  • Skills for Tomorrow’s Scientists (30 credits)
• Year 2:
  • 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)
  • Choose 15 credits from:
    • Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits)
    • Animal Science and Environmental Physiology (15 credits)
  • Choose 15 credits from:
    • Biogeography and Ecosystems (15 credits)
    • Pharmacology (15 credits)
• Year 3:
  • Project (Life Sciences) (30 credits)
  • Choose 75 credits from:
    • 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)
  • Choose 15 credits from:
    • Science Internship Course (15 credits)
    • Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)
• Year 4 (Sandwich):
  • Work Placement Module (For students taking Sandwich Year option)

Entry Requirements

• UK Citizens and Permanent Residents:
  • 64 UCAS Tariff points which must include one of the following:
    • A Level: including one of the following STEM subjects
    • BTEC National: in relevant STEM subject
    • A Level and BTEC National: including one of the following STEM subjects
    • International Baccalaureate: 24 points overall including Higher Level Science
    • Access to Higher Education Diploma: in one of the following STEM subjects
    • T Level: in relevant STEM subject at grade Pass (with D or E on the Core)
  • 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.
• International Entry Requirements:
  • The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.

How You Will Learn

• Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
• Teaching:
  • Lectures
  • Seminars and workshops
• Independent Learning:
  • 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.
• Assessment:
  • 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.

Fees and Funding

• Tuition Fees:
  • Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
    • Home* | £9,535 | N/A | N/A
    • International | £17,500 | N/A | N/A
• Other Costs:
  • Safety equipment: Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.
  • Field trips: The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution.
  • Professional memberships: The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees.
  • Resources: Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies.
• Scholarships and Bursaries:
  • We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.

Careers and Placements

• Will I have a work placement?
  • Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements.
  • 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.
• How long is my placement?
  • Students can undertake a summer placement lasting 6 weeks to 3 months.
  • 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 will be as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation.
  • 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.
  • Rooms start at £172.06/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills and 24-hour residential support.

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.
• Support from the Department:
  • Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO).
  • The university-wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) programme encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.
• Employability Services:
  • We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes.
  • Our Employer Partnerships Manager develops relationships with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.