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Biology

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
University Park Campus

Course summary

Are you fascinated by the complexities of life, from the smallest microbes to entire ecosystems?
Our Royal Society of Biology-accredited course offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying the science of life, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges. Whether you're interested in genetics, physiology, evolution, conservation, or biotechnology, this degree provides the flexibility to explore areas that align with your passions and career goals.
From your very first semester, you'll gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art laboratories and fieldwork, developing essential scientific and analytical skills. With the option to specialise in later years, you'll graduate with expertise in your chosen areas and a strong foundation in evidence-based research.

Practical work
You will gain experience in a range of laboratory and field work techniques from your first semester. You will develop key skills in purpose-built teaching laboratories, with practical activities such as:

  • Neuroscience: how neurotransmitters interact with muscle cells

  • Immunology: immune cells and phagocytosis

  • Development: gene expression and mutation

  • Optional field trips to local nature reserves and international field centres

In year three you will do a year-long research project guided by a member of academic staff, where we will train you in transferable and advanced research skills.

BSc or MSci?
MSci degrees are undergraduate-level courses which last for four years and have an integrated master's qualification. They are the equivalent to a BSc plus a master's level qualification. These courses can provide additional research experience to enhance your future career prospects.

Why choose this course?
Tailor your course to your unique interests with a range of optional modules, and build your skill set with practical modules

  • Student feedback - excellent track record in student feedback on the quality of teaching

  • Placements - opportunities for variety of placements with real world employers

  • Employability – a high number of our students secure employment or postgraduate education

  • Laboratory experience begins in term one. You will benefit from cutting-edge labs, a personal tutor, advanced research labs and opportunities to work with imaging (SLIM, MRI, 3D), genomics, deep-seq, nanopore, flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing

  • Capstone experience - in your final year, you can undertake a capstone project, applying your expertise to real-world challenges in a collaborative working group. Teaching is research-led, meaning you'll learn from academics actively working in cutting-edge research

  • Research - be trained by tutors who are active in real world research, giving you the skills necessary for your future career

  • Travel while you learn – opportunities through studying abroad or undertaking field courses in the UK and overseas

Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Biology-BSc-Hons-U6UBOLGY.html

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:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
AAB

Biology and a second science at A level. Second science subjects can be from Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Geography, Geology, Further Maths, Statistics, Environmental Science, Computer Science and PE.
A pass is required in science practical tests, if assessed separately.

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

in Applied Sciences (modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement)

Access to HE Diploma
D: 30 credits M: 15 credits P: 0 credits

30 Level 3 credits at distinction of which 15 are in biology and 15 in a second science.

Scottish Higher
AABBB

in combination with grades AA in Scottish Advanced Highers, to include Biology and a second science.

Suitable second science subjects include: maths, further maths, chemistry, physics, geology, applied science, environmental science/studies, AQA use of maths, statistics, geography, psychology.

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

in Applied Sciences (modules taken must be comparable to subject specific requirement) alongside A Level Biology grade B

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

and 2 A-Levels in Biology and a Second Science grades AB

Scottish Advanced Higher
AA

including Biology and a second science subject.
Suitable second science subjects include: maths, further maths, chemistry, physics, geology, applied science, environmental science/studies, AQA use of maths, statistics, geography, psychology.
Offers made in combination with grades AABBB in the Scottish Highers

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
32 points

including 6,5 at Higher level to include biology and another science subject at Higher Level.
Suitable second science subjects include: Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Geography, Computer Science and Sports, Exercise and Health.

Or we can consider three stand-alone Higher Level certificates at 6,6,5 including Biology and a second science subject.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

Acceptable in combination with 2 science A-level qualifications, to include Biology.

Extended Project
A

If you have already achieved your EPQ at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your EPQ you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your EPQ. If you qualify for a contextual offer, your EPQ will be taken into consideration and the appropriate adjustment will be made to your offer. Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer, your EPQ will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English language or Literature and maths at grade 4 or above also required.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
A

If you have already achieved your Core Maths Qualification at grade A you will automatically be offered one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject. If you are still studying for your Core Maths Qualification you will receive the standard course offer, and also an alternate offer with a condition of one grade lower in a non-mandatory A level subject if you achieve an A grade in your Core Maths Qualification.

Core Maths qualifications offered by other exam boards are also considered for an alternative offer.

T Level
Not accepted

Biology is one of the progression pathways for our Science with a Foundation Year course. Requirements for progression are:

Foundation Biological Science - 55%
Foundation Chemistry - 55%
Overall pass - 40%

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5no less than 6.0 in each element
TOEFL (iBT)87Minimum of 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements

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 consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham 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

* 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

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/undergraduate.aspx

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