Program Overview

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Course summary

You will explore the full range of plant biology, from enzymes to ecosystems. You will gain knowledge of the diversity, evolution and function of plants and the latest developments in functional genomics, bioinformatics, plant developmental biology, plant pathology, parasite biology, cell signalling, pollination biology, ecology, plant conservation and systems biology.

This four-year course is an expansion of our BSc Plant Sciences, allowing you to spend your third year gaining experience in industry.

This course is available by transfer. To apply, make your application to BSc Plant Sciences and register your interest to add a professional placement once you have joined us. Placement opportunities are based on first-year examination results and a successful application to a participating employer.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: AAA
• A-level contextual offer: ABB
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• Entry by transfer

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £29300 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

A-level standard offer

• AAA including two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

A-level contextual offer

• ABB including AB in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

BTEC

• DDD DDD in Applied Science (General, Biomedical or Physical Science), or Animal Management with either Distinctions in specified units (please see UK Qualifications page for further info), or A at A-level in a science-related subject

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• 36 points overall with 18 at Higher Level, including 6, 6 at Higher Level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer

• 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 at Higher Level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

European Baccalaureate

• 80% overall, with 8.5, 8.0 in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

Scottish Qualifications Authority

• Advanced Higher: AA in two science-related subjects and Standard Higher: AAAAB. Science-related subjects include: Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Sciences; Further Mathematics; Geography; Geology; Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; and Statistics.

Access to HE Diploma

• Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 21 credits at Distinction and 24 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from units in one science and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from units in another science. Mature students can contact to check the suitability of their Access course.

Welsh Baccalaureate

• Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.

Cambridge Pre-U

• Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

GCSE profile requirements

• No specific subjects required.
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

English language requirements

• If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level E.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Plant Sciences with Professional Placement can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Related courses

• See a list of all Biological Sciences degrees at Bristol, and find more information about the course, assessment and career prospects.

BSc Plant Sciences

Related Subjects

• Biomedical Sciences
• Cellular and Molecular Medicine

Next steps

• Visit us at an open day
• Download a prospectus
• Find out how to apply
• Make an enquiry