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Biology

  • 3 Study options
  • Undergraduate
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2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

From genes to behaviour and evolution to ecology, studying Biology at Leeds will provide you with a holistic understanding of life on Earth. Personalise your degree to match your needs as you progress; choose to pursue human biology, conservation, animal behaviour, genetic engineering or any one of the other study areas the University of Leeds has to offer.

Biology has vital applications in addressing current key global challenges. An ever-growing world population and a changing climate put immense pressure on the environment, threaten endangered species and reduce agricultural production. With your degree, you’ll be at the forefront of providing sustainable solutions to these issues.

Be part of the revolution in genomics, gene modification, and biotechnology that is currently transforming the world. Equipped with the skills and knowledge of fundamental biological processes, you‘ll help drive forward science-based solutions to some of the world’s biggest issues.

The MBiol, BSc offers students an excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, plus the exceptional experience of advanced research. The initial two years of the programme follow the existing BSc Biology programme. Year 3 will be similar to that for students enrolled on the three-year BSc programme, but the 40-credit research project will focus on preparation for the final year. The fourth year of the programme is research-focused, comprising a 90-credit research project and 30 credits of advanced research training. There is a strong emphasis on independent learning, problem solving and data analysis, taught in the context of the subject. The extended individual project allows students to develop their research skills in greater depth and produce a report containing significant new data that could contribute to a research publication.

Why study at Leeds

  • Study with one of the largest centres for biological sciences research in the UK, with access to cutting‑edge facilities, industry links and specialist research opportunities.

  • Put theory into practice by undertaking fieldwork activities within the UK, Spain and South Africa. You’ll advance your research skills and gain hands-on experience highly valued by employers in industry or in postgraduate education.

  • Access to visit and conduct research at the University’s state-of-the-art National Pig Centre.

  • Collaborate on your final year research project with an expert in the field. You could study marine biology to better manage coral reefs threatened by climate change, understand how bees cooperate as social animals, or develop new ways to reduce the impact of invasive species on local ecosystems.

  • Our year in industry programme allows you to gain experience working with organisations, developing new skills for your CV.

  • Experience life and learning in a different country through our study abroad programme, where you'll gain fresh perspectives and develop skills valued by employers.

  • Flexible options to transfer onto other suitable and related degrees at the end of year 1, as many programmes within our School share a common first year.

Accreditation

This course offers the option to apply for a year in industry as part of your course. If you are successful in your application and undertake this work placement, you'll graduate with the BSc Biology (Industrial) variant, which is accredited by The Royal Society of Biology.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Time abroad (mandatory) • 4 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Placement (mandatory) • 4 Years

Start dates

Application codes

Institution code:
L23

University of Leeds has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Application codes

Institution code:
L23

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAB

A-level: AAB

Including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If biology is the only science subject, then an A grade is required. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.

Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, statistics.

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

When an applicant is taking any of the following:

● Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
● Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ)
● Core Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)
● AS Maths (if A-level Maths or Further Maths isn't studied as a full A-level)
● Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate

It will be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be a 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example, an A in one of the above qualifications with ABB at A-level (BSc applicants).

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to C/4 in GCSE English.

T Level
Not accepted

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 39 Merit: 6

including distinctions in Biology and Mathematics or Chemistry. Accept Access courses in Applied Science and Science.

Will also consider (depending on subject content): biochemical sciences, biological and environmental science, biological and health science, biological sciences, biosciences, combined sciences, environmental science, life and biological science, life science, medical and health science professions, natural sciences, physical and natural sciences.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Five Highers AABBB, with AB in two Advanced Highers

Including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.

Science subjects include: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics.

Science-related subjects include: Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, PE, Psychology, Science In Society, Statistics, Food Science and Use of Maths.

Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

Extended Project

Applicants offering an EPQ or IPQ qualification will receive a standard offer, as shown above, plus an alternative offer. The alternative offer would be ABB plus grade A in EPQ / IPQ. Subject-specific requirements are still valid.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 31

31 overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science at Higher Level, a 6 will be required.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

BTEC Extended Diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology. If the BTEC subject is Applied Science, applicants can have A-level Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics instead. (Other BTEC subjects may be considered alongside a science A-level).

BTEC Diploma entry requirements: DD plus A/B in A-level Biology. If the BTEC subject is Applied Science, applicants can have A-level Mathematics, Chemistry or Physics instead. (Other BTEC subjects may be considered alongside a science A-level).

Applicants with BTEC Extended Certificate/Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must normally have an A/B in at least two A-levels and at least one of these should be Biology.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H2H2H2H3H3

Including H2 in Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at Higher Level.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
Not accepted

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3D3M1

D3/D3/M1 including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science subject then a D3 grade will be required. Global Perspectives excluded.

When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives.

For the most up-to-date information on entry requirements, please visit www.leeds.ac.uk/courses

Entry requirements for students joining after Year 1: Successful completion of year 1 of a relevant degree course with an overall score of at least 65%, in addition to the standard year 1 entry requirements.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.

If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course to help improve your English language level.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

If the most common grade accepted is higher than our entry requirements, this is due to the attainment of our applicants. If you have been made an offer and you meet or exceed the grades of your offer, you will be accepted.

If grades lower than our entry requirements have been accepted, in most cases this is because we operate contextual admissions as part of our decision making, which considers factors beyond grades. For more information about contextual admissions, please visit our website.

Learn more on the University of Leeds website

International entry requirements

To see the equivalent entry requirements for your country, please visit our website. https://www.leeds.ac.uk/admissions-qualifications

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

For further information please see http://www.leeds.ac.uk/undergraduatefees

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