Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Kent offers a BSc (Hons) in Biology with a Foundation Year, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the science of life. This four-year full-time program is designed to equip students with the analytical, practical, and critical thinking skills necessary to understand how living systems work and how they are affected by external forces.

Key Information

• Start: September 2026
• Location: Canterbury
• Study mode: 4 years full-time
• Fees (per year): UK: TBC, International: £23,500
• Typical offer: CDD / 80 UCAS points
• Professionally Recognised: Royal Society of Biology

Course Structure

The program is divided into four stages, including a foundation year and three subsequent years of study. The foundation year provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of biology, chemistry, and scientific methods. The following years build upon this foundation, covering topics such as molecular biology, genetics, ecology, and conservation biology.

Foundation Year

• Compulsory modules: Foundations of Science 1, Scientific Methods and Data Handling, Foundations of Science 2, Scientific Methods and Academic Skills Development, Fundamental Human Biology and Genetics
• Optional modules: Fundamentals of Sport and Exercise Science, Chemical Reactivity and Analysis

Stage 1

• Compulsory modules: Bioscience Skills: Introduction to Experimental Techniques and Data Analysis, Molecules of Life, Bioscience Skills: Advancing Experimental Techniques and Data Analysis, From Cells to Evolution, Diversity of Life, Principles of Ecology and Biogeography
• Optional modules: Cellular Organisation and Processes, The Microbial World, Applied Ecology and Conservation, Neuroscience

Stage 2

• Compulsory modules: Molecular Genetics, Plant Biology, Animal Form and Function, Bioscience Skills: Developing as an Independent Scientist
• Optional modules: Cellular Organisation and Processes, The Microbial World, Applied Ecology and Conservation, Neuroscience

Stage 3

• Compulsory modules: Research Project, Future Outlooks in Biology
• Optional modules: Biology of Ageing, Climate Change and Conservation, Saving Endangered Species, Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genetics, Frontiers in Virology and Immunology, Cancer Biology and Therapy, Applied Bioinformatics and Genomics, Science Communication & Public Engagement, Sustainable Agriculture

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching methods: lectures, tutorials, lab sessions, workshops, fieldwork
• Independent study: guided reading, research, data analysis, online resources
• Assessment: combination of exams and coursework, with a focus on practical skills and research projects

Entry Requirements

• UK: 80 UCAS points, CDD including a Science subject, Sport, Psychology, or Mathematics at grade D
• International: 80 Tariff points, typically H5, H4, H4 from three HL subjects including HL Science subject, Sport, Psychology, or Maths at 4
• English Language Requirements: Good level of English language, equivalent to B2 on CEFR

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees for 2026 entry: UK: TBC, International: £23,500
• Funding: Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) in Biology with a Foundation Year can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• Scientific research
• Environmental consultancy and ecological surveying
• Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
• NHS and public health laboratories
• Conservation and wildlife management
• Science communication and publishing
• Teaching and education
• Data science and bioinformatics
• Graduate medicine or other clinical training
• Policy and science-based roles in government and NGOs

Related Courses

• BSc Biomedical Science
• BSc Biochemistry
• BSc Ecology and Conservation

The University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that the information contained in its publicity materials is fair and accurate and to provide educational services as described. However, the courses, services, and other matters may be subject to change. For more information, please read the terms and conditions.