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Biology

  • Master of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
University Park Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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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, animal behaviour, 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.

A dedicated fourth year of research training and experience aims to prepare graduates for a professional scientific career.
Practical work
You will gain experience of laboratory and field work techniques in a wide range of core and optional modules across the first three years. In the fourth year, you will choose from a range of specialist research topics, such as the biology of the malaria parasite, or the effects of neurotoxins in venom.

You will develop a novel research project under the supervision of a leading expert in their field. At the same time, you will receive training in key research skills relevant to your interests, from bioinformatic analysis to manuscript writing and conference presentations.

BSc or MSci?
MSci degrees are four-year undergraduate-level courses 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?

  • Gain laboratory experience from term one - you’ll have access to advanced research labs and opportunities to work with imaging (SLIM, MRI, 3D), genomics, deep-seq, nanopore, flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing.

  • In your final year, you can undertake a capstone project, applying your expertise to real-world challenges in a collaborative working group.

  • Experience a research-led curriculum - be trained by and train with tutors who are active in real-world research, giving you the skills necessary for your future career.

  • We’re a top 20 UK and top 100 world university (QS World University Rankings 2026).

  • The average starting salary for life sciences undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £27,563 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23).

Modules

Course 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-MSci-Hons.html

https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Biology-MSci-Hons.html

Assessment method

For detailed information about the course assessment methods please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Biology-MSci-Hons.html

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • Royal Society of Biology

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • University Park Campus

Study options

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

Start dates

  • 20 September 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:
C101
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham 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:
C101
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
University Park Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

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.

T Level
Not accepted

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

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.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 30 Merit: 15

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

GCSE/National 4/National 5

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

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

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

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 32

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.

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)

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

Applicants to this course may be eligible for our Additional Qualifications Offer Reduction Scheme. If you achieve a grade A in an EPQ, Core Maths*, IB Extended Essay or additional AS level qualification* then you will receive a one grade reduced offer for this course.

Please note that if you qualify for an enhanced contextual offer or receive an alternative offer based on taking four A levels, your additional qualification will not be taken into consideration as we are unable to make any further adjustments to your offer.

  • Additional eligibility requirements apply. View further details on this scheme.
    https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/articles/applying/entry-requirements.html

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% https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Biology-MSci-Hons.html

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5with no less than 6.0 in any element As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details. For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations. If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK. If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.
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

International entry requirements

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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
EU & InternationalTBC
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050*

* 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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