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Biological Sciences (Direct Entry)

Course details
  • BSc (Hons)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 07/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

This programme is Direct Entry. This means we offer entry to Year 3. If you are looking to join GCU at Year 1 please consider our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree programmes.

Recent advances in the field of Biological Sciences have revolutionised the way we understand and treat disease. Stem cell and novel cell based therapies and personalised medicine are increasingly in the headlines and Biological Scientists are leading the way in developing these powerful new therapeutic options. Modern medicine requires an understanding of the key interactions of molecules and cells both internally within the cell and the body and externally from the environment. This can include how a cell responds to a specific pathogen, or how a drug targets a specific pathogen or cellular protein. Equally, external stimuli, such as chemicals, toxic waste or carcinogens, can also have an effect on how cells grow and divide, modifying their function with devastating consequences for health. The Biological Sciences programme at GCU has a strong focus on human disease and aims to help you understand these events, and demonstrate how therapies that may correct or prevent the diseased state are developed.

Biological Sciences is the study of biology from molecules through to whole body systems, looking at what goes on inside a cell or organism and examining how cells communicate and interact with each other to influence physiological mechanisms in health and disease.

The Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences has an excellent teaching and research record. It combines a friendly learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities. It offers a range of support tailored to individual needs where necessary, including open door access. Major emphasis is placed upon laboratory work throughout the programme. This enhances your learning, by linking theory with practice, giving you the lab skills which employers seek.

Modules

YEAR 3: MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS PLUS two from ANALYSIS OF FOOD, BIOTECHNOLOGY, CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY, FUNDAMENTALS OF DRUG ACTION, SYSTEMATIC & CELLULAR PATHOLOGY.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN & ANALYSIS PLUS two from CELL SIGNALLING & TRAFFICKING THERAPIES FOOD SCIENCE, FOOD COMMODITIES & SUSTAINABILITY, GENOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS, NUTRITION & PUBLIC HEALTH, PHARMACOLOGY OF CHEMICAL MEDIATORS OR BIOSCIENCE PLACEMENT

YEAR 4: PROJECT & WORKSHOP, BIOLOGY OF DISEASE, TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE PLUS two from CONCEPTS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASE, FOOD TOXICOLOGY, MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF MICROBIAL PATHOGENICITY, NEUROPHARMACOLOGY, TISSUE NETWORKS & DISEASE

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:
G42
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 3

Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)

Year 3: HND in relevant subject (e.g., Applied Sciences/Applied Biological Sciences) - graded units BB to include DNA and Genetics, Human Body Structure and Function, and Human Metabolism.

Open days

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - Not accepted

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted

Scottish Higher - Not accepted

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - Not accepted

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - Not accepted

Scottish HNC - Not accepted

Scottish HND

Year 3: HND in relevant subject (e.g., Applied Sciences/Applied Biological Sciences) - graded units BB to include DNA and Genetics, Human Body Structure and Function, and Human Metabolism.

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Not accepted

T Level - Not accepted

Minimum Qualification Requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

-

A level - Not accepted

-

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

-

Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted

-

Scottish Higher - Not accepted

-

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6with no element below 5.5

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9790Year 1
Northern Ireland£9790Year 1
Wales£9790Year 1
Channel Islands£9790Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9790Year 1
Scotland£1820Year 1
EU£15700Year 1
International£15700Year 1

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 further information please visit our website www.gcu.ac.uk/study/tuitionfees

Additional costs may apply to students on this programme. Please check the fees and funding section of the programme page on the GCU website for specific details.

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