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Biological Sciences (Extended Degree)

  • 3 Study options
  • Undergraduate
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Awarded by:
Northumbria University Newcastle
More about Northumbria University, Newcastle

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Gain a deeper understanding of living systems and investigate the technologies, medicines, and research which will shape their future.

Formerly named 'Biology', this course offers a broad and deep understanding of the scientific study of living things and explores important and rapidly advancing topics in modern science, like biotechnology, biomedicine, and environmental technology.

You can also opt for a specialist pathway of study - meaning you can choose to continue with your broad degree or specialise in biotechnology or neurobiology.

Whichever pathway you choose, there’ll be opportunities for practical work and the chance to apply your knowledge in real-world situations, which can include a sandwich year work placement, study abroad option or work-related training in industry. This means the course is ideal for anyone considering a career in biosciences, or as a basis for further study at postgraduate level.

Extended Degree
This extended degree provides an alternative route to higher education and supports those who don’t meet the standard entry requirements for an undergraduate degree. It includes a foundation year which has been designed to provide fundamental scientific knowledge and skills in a range of science fields.

What will I learn in my Foundation Year?
Your foundation year will give you a practical introduction to biology, chemistry, food science and forensic science, establishing your laboratory skills, basic numeracy skills, data handling, ICT and study skills. You’ll be taught in large, modern, well-equipped labs with audio-visual facilities to enhance our ability to demonstrate techniques or interesting observations.

The foundation year of the course delivered at level 3 which develops your ability to study in Higher Education is not accredited. Subsequent levels and years are accredited and deliver the knowledge, competencies, and skills required to meet the specific course accreditation requirements that relate to the approved accredited award title.

Modules

Course Modules

For a full list of the modules on your course, please access the course pages at www.northumbria.ac.uk

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Placement (mandatory) • 5 Years
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • Time abroad (mandatory) • 5 Years

Start dates

Application codes

Institution code:
N77

Northumbria University, Newcastle 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

Application codes

Institution code:
N77

This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available.

Course options

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff
56-72

From a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include: A-level, T Level, BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas, Scottish and Irish Highers, Access to HE Diplomas, or the International Baccalaureate.

Find out how many points your qualifications are worth by using the UCAS Tariff calculator: www.ucas.com/ucas/tariff-calculator

Northumbria University is committed to supporting all individuals to achieve their ambitions and we understand that every applicant’s circumstances can be different, which is why we take a flexible approach when making offers for this course. We have a range of schemes and alternative offers to make sure as many individuals as possible are given an opportunity to study at our university regardless of personal circumstances or background. Typically, offers range from 56 to 72 UCAS tariff points, but we’ll assess your individual circumstances and potential when reviewing your application

To find out more, review our Northumbria Entry Requirement Essential Information page for further details www.northumbria.ac.uk/entryrequirementsinfo

Subject Requirements:

There are no specific subject requirements for this course.

GCSE Requirements:

Applicants will need Maths and English Language at minimum grade 4/C, or an equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

There are no additional requirements for this course.

International Qualifications:

We welcome applicants with a range of qualifications which may not match those shown above.

If you have qualifications from outside the UK, find out what you need by visiting www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language Requirements:

International applicants should have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with 5.5 in each component (or an approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades in our English Language section: www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

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.

Northumbria University is committed to supporting and welcoming high-quality students to study with us, from all backgrounds.  We want Northumbria to be an inclusive, accessible option and aim to support applicants to achieve their goals and ambitions. We use a range of flexible admissions options to support students to access study at Northumbria, such as contextual offers, where applicants may receive a lower offer than our standard entry requirements if they meet certain criteria.

Learn more on the Northumbria University, Newcastle 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.

This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.

Course options

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland, EU & InternationalTBC

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

Undergraduate fees are set by Government and are subject to annual review. Once these have been approved we will update fees/funding information for UK students.

International fees for the 2027/28 academic year will be confirmed in due course.

Related courses

At Northumbria University, Newcastle

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