Biology Degrees

Biology is often referred to as the study of living organisms, and is split into many different specialised areas to analyse the different properties of the living organism. It is also referred to as the science of life, and many choose to study biology at degree level to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the natural sciences.

If you are looking to study a biology degree you’ll need to check the entry requirements, choose a university and consider your career options. Our guide can help you with all of this and more…

About Biology

Different Types of Biology Degrees

There are many different types of biology courses on offer to undergraduate students with over 500 courses being available. The classic biology course is offered as a BSc Hons (Bachelor of Science), however some universities offer the degree with an integrated Masters course; otherwise known as a MBiol. You can also study specialist biology degrees such as:

What modules will I study?

When studying a biology degree you will study a range of core modules in all three years and be offered the opportunity to take some optional modules in the second and third stages of study. This is to allow you to develop knowledge in your favourite areas of Biology. A range of core and optional module examples can be seen below:
  • Biology of Cells
  • Diseases
  • Ecology
  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Genetics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Zoology

Entry Requirements

In the UK, 83 universities offer biology degrees with each institution having specific entry requirements for school leavers. You are advised to check with the university that you are applying to for an accurate set of entry requirements, but typically you are expected to have gained the following A Level Grades and UCAS Points:A Level Grades: A*A*A - AABUCAS Points: 160 - 136Required and Desired A Level Subjects include: Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics

Career Prospects

After you have completed a biology degree you can decide whether to further your studies in a related field, or to look for a career in the industry. Below you can find a list of common job roles and destinations of biology degree graduates:
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Infection and Immunology
  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Management
  • Nanotechnology
  • Medical Communication
  • Forensic Science

Upon completion of a biology degree it has been reported that 89% of biology students are either in full time work or further study, with an average salary of £18.5k.