Program Overview

Biology BSc

Overview

Our Royal Society of Biology-accredited course offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying the science of life, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges. Whether you're interested in genetics, animal behaviour, evolution, conservation, or biotechnology, this degree provides the flexibility to explore areas that align with your passions and career goals.

Course Structure

• Year 1:
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life Sciences
  • Genetics, Molecular Evolution and Diversity
  • Biodiversity, Ecology and Behaviour
  • Optional modules:
    • Introduction to Human Nutrition and Metabolism
    • Principles of Neuroscience
    • Zoology Field Skills
• Year 2:
  • Further Skills in the Life Sciences B
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Optional modules:
    • Brains in the Wild
    • Cellular Communication in the Nervous System
    • Development of the Nervous System
    • Ecology Field Course
    • Evolution and Development of Animals
    • Fundamentals of Ecology
    • Immunology
    • Introductory Biotechnology
    • Microorganisms in Biology, Health and Disease
    • Nutrition for Health
• Year 3:
  • Research Project
  • Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Contemporary Issues in Science
  • Optional modules:
    • Adapting to Change: Evolution and Behaviour
    • Advanced Molecular Techniques and Diagnostics
    • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
    • Conservation Biology
    • Current Topics in Human Environmental Impacts on Health
    • Health, Ageing and Disease
    • Illuminating Life: Advanced Imaging and Technologies
    • Neurological Disorders
    • Pathogens: Vaccines and Therapeutics
    • Plants and the Soil Environment
    • Plant Pathology
    • Real-World Applications of Genetics and Genomics
    • Sex, Flowers and Biotechnology
    • The Cell Biology of Cancer

Entry Requirements

• A levels: AAB, including Biology/Human Biology and a second science at A level. Second science subjects can be from Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Further Maths, Statistics, Environmental Science, Computer Science and PE.
• GCSEs: English and maths grade 4.
• IB score: 32 points overall or 6,6,5 in three HL certificates.
• Alternative qualifications: We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education. We treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A-levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications.

Tuition Fees

• UK undergraduate students: £9,535 per year (2026/27).
• International students: £30,750 per year (2026/27).

Careers

• Graduate destinations: Biomedical, Conservation, Bioinformatics and Data Analysis, Agriculture and Forestry, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare, Graduate Veterinary and Medicine Programmes, Civil Service, Scientific Governmental Agencies, Teaching, University Research, Journalism and Science Communications.
• Average starting salary: £28,993.
• Career progression: 93.90% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation.

Campus

• University Park Campus: Covers 300 acres, with green spaces, wildlife, period buildings and modern facilities. It is one of the UK's most beautiful and sustainable campuses, winning a national Green Flag award every year since 2003.