Ulster University
Cromore Road
Coleraine
BT52 1SA
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Course contact details
Admissions (Coleraine)
Email:admissionsce@ulster.ac.uk
Phone:028 70123210
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Biology with optional placement year
- BSc (Hons)
- 4 Years
- Sandwich
- 21/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Coleraine
Course summary
Biology is the study of living organisms from the molecular level to ecosystems. Our full-time undergraduate BSc Hons Biology course covers fundamental areas of biology with a focus upon the biomedical, molecular and environmental sciences. During the first year you will study fundamentals of biology such as biodiversity, plant and animal physiology, chemistry and biochemistry, as well as cell biology. In the first semester of your first year you will also receive tailor-made training in subject specific as well as transferable core skills in a small group teaching environment. In Year 2 you will study more specific biological science disciplines such as marine biology, genetics, microbiology and biotechnology, which will build upon knowledge acquired in first year but also underpin study in the final year. The final year is driven by the very strong research expertise and interests of the lecturing staff and provides an opportunity to carry out an extensive research project in a specific biological topic.
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:
- U20
- Campus name:
- Coleraine
- Campus Code:
- C
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - BCC
To include one science subject from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Nutrition and Food Science, PE, Geography, Environmental Technology/Science. Chemistry or Biology is preferred.
Applied Science Double Award also acceptable.
Provided the subject requirements are met you can substitute a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University for one of the A level grades.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma / OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma
Award profile of DMM
Essential Subjects (You will need one of the following):
OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science (RQF) (603/0695/6)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science (RQF) (601/7437/7)
We will also accept smaller BTEC/OCR qualifications (i.e. Diploma or Extended Certificate / Introductory Diploma / Subsidiary Diploma) in combination with A Levels or other acceptable level 3 qualifications.
To find out if the qualification you are applying with is a qualification we accept for entry, please check our Qualification Checker - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/equivalence
We will also continue to accept QCF versions of these qualifications although grades asked for may differ. Check what grades you will be asked for by comparing the requirements above with the information under QCF in the Applied General and Tech Level Qualifications section of our Entry Requirements - https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/undergraduate-entry-requirements
Access to HE Diploma - D: 12 credits M: 30 credits P: 3 credits
Pass science-based Access course with an overall mark of at least 60% including 60% in each level 3 module to include a 20 credit Level 2 Mathematics module, passed at 40% or successful completion of NICATS Mathematics as part of the pre-2021 Access Diploma
Scottish Higher - CCCCC
To include one subject from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Home Economics, PE, Geography. Chemistry or Biology is preferred.
Scottish Advanced Higher - CDD
To include one subject from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Home Economics, PE, Geography. Chemistry or Biology is preferred.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 24 points
Overall International Baccalaureate profile minimum 24 points to include 12 points at higher level including 5 points at higher level in one of the following subjects:
Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Home Economics, PE, Geography.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
104 UCAS tariff points to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English and Maths at H6 if studied at Higher level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject requirements : To include one from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Maths, Home Economics, PE, Geography. Chemistry or Biology is preferred.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Candidates must satisfy the General Entrance Requirements for admission to a first degree course and hold a GCSE pass in English Language at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent). Also, candidates must hold a GCSE pass in Maths at grade C/grade 4 or above (or equivalent) and GCSE Double Award Science (or equivalent) at grades CC is also required.
Please note that for purposes of entry to this course the Level 2 Essential / Key Skill in Application of Number is NOT regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths.
HND (BTEC)
Pass Science based HND with overall Merit to include 30 distinctions in level 5 credits/units may be specified
Pass Science based HNC with overall Distinction to include 60 distinctions in level 4 credits/units may be specified.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
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
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| EU | £17490 | Year 1 |
| International | £17490 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4855* | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £4855* | Year 1 |
| England | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535* | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535* | Year 1 |
* 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
Please note that fees for Home and GB for 2026/27 have not yet been set by Department for the Employment in NI and will be subject to an inflationary increase from 2025/26.
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