Program Overview

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2026 entry

Course summary

The MSci is ideal if you have ambitions to continue in biological research and want a competitive edge when applying for a PhD or research jobs.

This five-year course is an expansion of our MSci Biology, allowing you to spend your third year gaining experience in industry.

This course is available by transfer. To apply, make your application to MSci Biology 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.

Our Biological Sciences degrees explore the subject in detail but do not focus on human biology. If human biology is your main area of interest, we recommend you explore the courses we offer in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiological Science and Psychology.

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

• 5 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
• £30400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

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 Biology with Professional Placement can be found in the Admissions Statement:
• The admissions statement above relates to 2025 entry. The statement for 2026 entry will be available in summer 2025.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

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.

Further information about English language requirements and profile levels

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 in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

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 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from units in one science and at least 12 at Distinction from units in another science.

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.

Course structure

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

Related courses

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