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Biological Sciences (MSci)

  • Master of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • October 2027
  • Undergraduate
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Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

This MSci Biological Sciences course is ideal for anyone who is passionate about all aspects of biology, and can be tailored to match your interests.

The MSci follows the standard undergraduate curriculum of our BSc Biological Sciences course, but includes an additional year of study and a master's level qualification.

Within environmental biology options you will develop an understanding of ecology, conservation biology and humankind's impact on biodiversity. Within biomedical subjects you will develop an understanding of human physiology and the basis of disease.

For more information, please visit the course page: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/biological-sciences-ug/msci-biological-sciences

Modules

Course modules

Modules may include:

  • Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life

  • Fundamentals of Microbiology

  • Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics

  • Haematology and Immunology

  • Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics

  • Evolution in Health and Disease

*Please note that all modules are subject to change. Check our website for more details about the course structure.

https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/subject-area/biological-sciences-ug/msci-biological-sciences

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Master of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • October 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

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:
R12
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Reading 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

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:
C103
Institution code:
R12
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB-BBB

ABB with B in Biology.
Or
BBB with B in Biology and a second science.

Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
AABBB-ABBBB

AABBB including B in Biology.
Or
ABBBB including B in Biology and a second science subject.

Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 24 Merit: 21

including relevant science units.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE Maths C (or 4), English Language or English Literature C (or 4).

Extended Project
B

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification provides to students for University study, we now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.  Eligible applicants would receive two offers,  our usual offer plus an alternative offer of a B in the EPQ and one grade lower in their A level subjects

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
30-32

32 points including 5 in Biology at higher level.
Or
30 points including 5 in Biology and a second science subject, both at higher level.

Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

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

including relevant science modules.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3M2M2-M2M2M2

D3 M2 M2 including M2 in Biology.
Or
M2 M2 M2 including M2 in Biology and a second science subject.

Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science.

Contextual offers for this programme are typically two grades beneath our standard entry requirement, e.g. BBD including A level Biology and one other science at grade B.

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 issue offers to best fit the different circumstances and experiences of our applicants. We take a tailored and holistic approach, considering extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis. We recognise that some students are more likely than others to face barriers to fulfilling their academic potential at school, through no fault of their own. More information on our supportive offer making approaches can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/study/what-offer-will-i-get

Learn more on the University of Reading 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
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & International£31800

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 Home students: The University will charge undergraduate home tuition fees at the upper limit set by the UK Government for the relevant academic year. The University will increase tuition fees for Home Undergraduate Students at the start of each academic year, in line with this and the new fee will be communicated to you.

For EU and International students: The University will increase Tuition Fees for International Undergraduate and Integrated Foundation Year Programme Students at the start of each academic year (September). The new fee for each academic year of your Programme will be communicated to you.

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