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Biological Sciences

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 28 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Durham City
More about Durham University

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

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 skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond.
The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience, with themed routes covering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Plant Science, Genetics, and Ecology and Environmental Science.
Biosciences explores many of the fundamentally important questions facing humankind – finding the answers will shape the future of life on Earth.

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

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.

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

  • Durham City

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 28 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

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:
C103
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus Code:
O
Points of Entry:
Year 1

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

This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you're eligible to apply.
  • EU
  • Wales
  • England
  • International
  • Scotland
  • Northern Ireland
  • Republic of Ireland

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:
C103
Institution code:
D86
Campus name:
Durham City
Campus Code:
O

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

International applicants

Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year. For further details please visit: https://www.durhamisc.com/programmes/international-foundation-year

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Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
AAA

Must include two science subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology. 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.

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) for Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology.

Other BTEC level 3 qualifications are also accepted in combination with each other or with other qualifications. See our website for more information on our BTEC qualification equivalencies.

Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
AAAAB

We normally make offers based on Advanced Highers. If you’ve not been able to take three Advanced Highers, then we’ll consider a combination of Advanced Highers and Highers.

One of Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology plus another science subject need to be at AH level.

Scottish Advanced Higher
AAA

Must include two science subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology. Psychology, Maths and Geography are all considered sciences for the purposes of admissions.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
36 points

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

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)
Not accepted

Extended Project
Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2, H2, H2, H2, H2

Must include two science subjects, one of which must be Biology or Chemistry or Human Biology.

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.

Other level 3 Cambridge Technical qualifications are also accepted in combination with each other or with other qualifications. See our website for more information on our Cambridge technical qualification equivalencies.

T Level

T levels will be considered on a case-by-case basis where the subject area aligns with the course applied to. Please note that additional A levels or equivalent may be required to study certain courses.

If you’re interested in applying, then please Ask Us and we’ll see if we’re able to consider this for you: www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

If you’re taking other qualifications not listed above, please check our qualification pages to see if we accept these: www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/

If you have a non-standard academic profile, then ask us about it here: www.durham.ac.uk/study/ask-us/

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

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/

English Language requirementshttps://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.

Our contextual offer for this programme is A level ABB (or equivalent, to include Biology or Chemistry at grade A). Science subjects can be: biology/chemistry/physics/psychology/maths/geography/human biology/further maths.

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

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

Home Students.
The tuition fees for 2027/28 will increase to £10,050. Please note that these figures remain subject to parliamentary approval.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
Durham University will charge home rate tuition fees up to the maximum allowed by the UK Government. Should the UK Government choose to increase the maximum tuition fee allowed in the second and subsequent years of your course, Durham University will raise tuition fees in line with UK Government policy and approvals.

International and EU Students.
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. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.

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 International tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Sponsorship information

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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