Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Biological Sciences
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Edinburgh Campus
Course summary
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences explores the fundamentals of modern environmental, microbial, plant, animal, and cell biology. You’ll experience a multidisciplinary teaching and learning approach, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics to help you develop a holistic understanding of living systems.
During your studies, you’ll learn the principles in all the main areas of biological sciences, including ecology, zoology, plant science, microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology.
Biology has a significant impact on our daily lives. By studying biological sciences, you will gain an understanding of the complexities of biology, be able to apply your knowledge to other related disciplines, and address challenges related to climate change, biodiversity loss, emerging diseases, food science development and sustainable resource management
By developing your critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills, you’ll be able to evaluate research findings to present innovative solutions to complex biological problems. You’ll work independently and collaboratively, and engage in group projects, scientific discussions, and research initiatives.
Hands-on laboratory work and practical field research is prominent throughout the degree, and you’ll have access to our state-of-the-art labs where you can put theoretical knowledge into practice. This will help you gain valuable skills in interpreting and analysing scientific data. Fieldwork also provides an opportunity for you to engage with real-world ecosystems.
As well as building your skills in biological sciences, you’ll develop sought after soft skills, such as problem-solving, communication, and practical presentation skills. You’ll develop an understanding of the vital role of a biologist across a range of professional fields including research and development, quality assurance, environmental monitoring public health and policy.
This industry-focused degree will ensure you have the understanding, knowledge, skills, and personal qualities required to undertake a wide range of careers within the scientific or other employment sectors.
Our multi-disciplinary approach allows us to offer a single point of entry for Biological Sciences. During year one and two of your studies, you will have the opportunity to explore and develop your interests. In your third and fourth years, you can further customise your learning by either continuing on our broad, multidisciplinary Biological Sciences programme, or by homing in on your interests and following a specialist curriculum. Based on your area of study, you will graduate with one of four degree awards: BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons) Microbiology, BSc (Hons) Cell and Molecular Biology or BSc (Hons) Human Health.
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:
- C110
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelBBC
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics) at B
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HNCPass
HNC in relevant subject (including sufficient science) with C in graded unit
Scottish HigherAABB
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics).
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent).
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 27
including a science subject at Higher Level 5
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DMM
in relevant subject (including sufficient Science)
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)P
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level BCC
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics) at B
Scottish Higher BBBC
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics).
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not previously been educated in English must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English language tests, school-level qualifications and Heriot-Watt English language programmes currently accepted as proof of English proficiency can be found on our website.https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/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.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
International entry requirements
We accept a wide range of qualifications from the UK, Europe, and countries worldwide. If your qualification is not listed on https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information about entry requirements.
Some qualifications may be suitable for direct entry to Year 2, allowing you to complete your degree in three years. If your qualifications are not suitable for direct entry to one of our undergraduate programmes, we may be able to offer you a place on one of our Foundation programmes.
As an international student, you are likely to require a Student Visa to study in the UK. Please see the FAQ section on our website at https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/how-to-apply/international-students for further information about the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) process required for a Student Visa application. https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/international-students/study-in-the-uk/information-for-your-country
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 available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £9790 | |
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| EU & International | £25808 |
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
Subject to confirmation
Related courses
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