Biology

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.

Studying biology at Bristol exposes you to the breadth and depth of biological sciences, from enzymes to ecosystems. During your study, you will gain knowledge of the diversity, evolution and functions of living organisms and the interactions between animals, microbes and plants. Our course reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern biology, taking into account the past, present and future of life on Earth.

Our biology degree starts broadly and then introduces more choices in years two and three, giving you the freedom to specialise or maintain breadth in your studies depending on your interests.

The additional fourth year of the MSci contains advanced skills training and a substantial research project, which is especially valuable for those aiming for a career in biological sciences.

We have outstanding facilities in our state-of-the-art Life Sciences Building (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/biology/life-sciences-building/) and our lecturers are world-leading researchers in their fields. Our internationally leading research spans animal behaviour and sensory biology, ecology and environmental change, evolutionary biology and plant and agricultural sciences.

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 (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/biochemistry/), Biomedical Sciences (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/biomedical-sciences/), Cellular and Molecular Medicine (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/cellular-molecular/), Neuroscience (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/neuroscience/), Pharmacology (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/pharmacology/), Physiological Science (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/physiology/) and Psychology (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/2026/psychology/).