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Biological Sciences with deferred choice of specialisation

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Singleton Park Campus

Course summary

Do you love Biology, but are also interested in Zoology and Marine Biology? If so, our Biological Science with Deferred Choice of Specialism programme could be for you. You’ll dive deep into Biology, Zoology and Marine Biology in your first year, so you can make an informed decision about which degree to complete, and can choose your specialisation before moving into your second year.

This programme gives you the flexibility to explore natural life wherever your interests lie. The breadth of the curriculum will allow you to develop your knowledge in relation to the biological principles that govern life on our planet, while building a clear understanding of species, habitats, and ecological processes.

Through a blend of fieldwork, lab research and theoretical study, you will develop the skills to investigate life, from a molecular scale right through to studying whole ecosystems, becoming an effective communicator and collaborative leader, that is ready to tackle global issues such as biodiversity loss, climate change and other environmental crises.

Our degree uses ethical, sustainable and innovative approaches to fully prepare you for a range of meaningful careers in biology, ecology, conservation, and environmental management.

Modules

Year 1: 8 compulsory modules with examples of possible modules being: Cellular & Microbial Biology, Evolution and Genetics & Life in the Oceans.

Years 2 and 3: depends on which degree scheme is pursued [please see BSc Biology, BSc Marine Biology or BSc Zoology].

A total of 120 credits must be pursued in each year

Assessment method

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars and discussion groups supported by practical classes and field courses. You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including examinations, coursework and a practical research project.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

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:
C100
Institution code:
S93
Campus name:
Singleton Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

If you are an International Student, please visit our International pages for more information about entry requirements: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/international/students/requirements/

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

A level - ABB - BBB

To include Biology or Human Biology

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

From Science based BTEC Extended Diploma (excluding Animal Management and Health Science) plus at least one grade B in GCSE Science with GCSE Grades C in English/Welsh and Mathematics. Accepted BTECs: Applied Science, Environmental Sustainability and Countryside Management.

Access to HE Diploma

Pass with Distinction overall to include 24 distinctions (3 in Biology), plus 15 Merits. Only Science based Access course considered (excluding Health Sciences)

Scottish Higher

ABBCC to include Biology Grade B

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

To include 5 in Higher Level Biology or Human Biology

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

Swansea University accepts the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales as fully equivalent to x1 A-Level.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Requirements are as for A levels where you can substitute the same non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Level Core Grade

Extended Project

We recognise the EPQ as an excellent indicator of success. If you are predicted a Grade B or above in the EPQ, you will receive an offer with a one grade reduction, to include your EPQ with a grade B.

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent) and no less than 5.5 in each component.

English Language Requirements at Swansea University https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/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.

UK applicants who meet course requirements are guaranteed a conditional offer. We assess applications on individual merit. We consider making reduced offers, eg. to Care Leavers or students with extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to disclose any relevant circumstances.

The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is considered as equivalent to one full A-Level and students can take x2 A-levels alongside this. EPQ students predicted Grade B or above will receive a one-grade offer reduction.

Learn more on the Swansea University website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

65 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

85 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

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 the latest fee information, please check the individual course page on our website. Our full range of programmes are listed here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/

Further information on tuition fees can be found here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/

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