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Biosciences

  • Master of Biology
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 28 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Campus
More about Durham University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Course details
With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the necessary skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond.
The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience through a combination of core and optional modules that offer plenty of opportunity to tailor your studies as your interests evolve. Themed ‘routes’ include Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Ecology and Environmental Science.
The ever-changing discipline of Biosciences gives us valuable insight into life in its many different forms, from molecules to global populations. Spanning topics from botany to food science, immunology to zoology, it has the potential to transform societies, economies and tackle global challenges.

Why Durham University?
We are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology. Our equipment includes electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy, transgenic studies, genomics, DNA analysis and proteomics, bioinformatics, remote sensing, ecological field sampling and computer modelling.
Teaching and research in the Department covers the breadth of the biological sciences, and often collaborate on projects with other disciplines such as the physical sciences.
Our research-led approach to teaching has been designed to immerse you in a mix of theoretical and practical learning from day one, equipping you with a wide range of analytical and practical skills that will prepare you to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Career Opportunities
Students gain valuable transferable skills to prepare them for future challenges, enhancing personal development and improving their employment prospects.
These skills can be applied to roles across a range of sectors preparing students to be active thinkers and future leaders.
Graduates have gone on to roles in teaching, the health sector, industrial R&D and biotechnology, management, accountancy, conservation, ecological and environmental services, broadcast and print science journalism, environmental and biological patent law, the pharmaceutical industry, the civil service, and the armed services.

Modules

Course Modules

For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.

Assessment method

Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations as well as coursework including essays, laboratory reports, case studies, oral presentations and posters.

Literature reviews (dissertation), project reports and laboratory workshop/fieldwork reports are an important part of this degree. The final-year research project is assessed through a full Master’s-level thesis.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Campus

Study options

  • Master of Biology • Full-Time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 28 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
C107
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Main Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1, 2

Durham University 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

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
C107
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Main Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Open days

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Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAA

Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology at A-level or equivalent, plus another science subject at A-level or equivalent is required. Psychology, Maths and Geography are all considered sciences for the purposes of admissions. Although PE is accepted as a third A-level, it is not a science for the purpose of admissions

Applicants taking Science A-levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This refers only to English A Levels.

We do not include General Studies or Critical Thinking as part of our offer.

T Level

At Durham we welcome applications from students of outstanding achievement and potential from all educational backgrounds.  We will consider applicants studying T level qualifications for entry to many of our courses.

Where a course requires subject specific knowledge and this is not covered within the T level being studied, you may need to supplement your T level studies with a suitable qualification to meet this requirement, for example at A level.  Where this is needed this will be clearly stated in our entry requirements.

Detailed entry requirements can be found on individual course entries on our courses database.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
AAAAB

We will normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If an applicant has not been able to take 3 Advanced Highers, offers may be made with a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers, or on a number of Highers.

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

Scottish Advanced Higher
AAA

Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology plus another science subject is required.

Extended Project
Not accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 36

666 in higher level subjects including Biology or Chemistry plus another higher level science subject.

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

Must be accompanied by a grade A or above at A-level (or equivalent) in Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology. BTEC Applied Science can only be considered as a second science subject. Otherwise apply for C104 Biological Sciences with Foundation. https://www.dur.ac.uk/courses/info/?id=18170&title=Biological+Sciences+with+Foundation&code=C104&type=BSC&year=2022

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H2H2H2H2

Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology plus another science subject is required.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DDD

Must be accompanied by a grade A or above at A-level (or equivalent) for Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology. Otherwise apply for C104 Biological Sciences with Foundation. https://www.dur.ac.uk/courses/info/?id=18170&title=Biological+Sciences+with+Foundation&code=C104&type=BSC&year=2022

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

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3D3D3

Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology plus another science subject is required.

Our contextual offer for this programme is A level ABB (or equivalent, to include a science subject at grade A). Biology or Chemistry to be included in offer. Science subjects can be: biology/chemistry/physics/psychology/maths/geography/human biology/further maths. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/ https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/ug/apply/entry/

English language requirements

Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by visiting the link below under English Language requirements. You should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. For more information on pre-sessional courses please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/pre-sessional-english-language-required/https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

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.

Whilst many of our applicants exceed our entry requirements, we don’t make offers based only on who has the highest grades. We’ll look at your background, context and personal statement as well as your academic grades when we consider your application. We also make reduced grade contextual offers to many applicants and are sometimes able to accept applicants who narrowly miss their offer conditions.

Learn more on the Durham University website

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.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
EU & InternationalTBC
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

The tuition fees shown for home students remain subject to parliamentary approval. They are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Durham University will charge home rate tuition up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

The tuition fees shown for international and EU students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.

As a student you may also get involved in optional activities which incur additional costs. To find out more visit https://www.dur.ac.uk/colleges-and-student-experience/additional-charges/.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships and bursaries 2

Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/

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