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Biological Sciences

  • Master of Biological Sciences (with Honours)
  • 4 to 5 years
  • Full-Time
  • 27 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
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2025-20262026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

From the simplest to the most complex organisms, from molecules to the evolution of species and medicine, the living world is endlessly complex and fascinating. On the MBiolSci, you will hone your research and laboratory skills and extend your specialised BSc programme into a fourth year of masters level study.

As the knowledge base in the biological sciences grows and becomes relevant to so many other physical and social sciences and subjects, the ability to think broadly about biology and to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines is a valuable and powerful asset in both scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

This is the most flexible of all our biological sciences degrees. Packed with exciting subjects and transferable employability skills, you will get the maximum choice of topics to choose from in Years 2 and 3. This means that you can learn about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the full range of biological sciences or you can focus on just the parts that you develop a passion for; you can even see these mechanisms in action on field trips. The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying Biological Sciences are valued by researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.

The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project.

The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying an MBiolSci in Biological Sciences are particularly valued by PhD supervisors, researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.

At the University of Leicester, we offer seven Biological Science subjects and four Medical Bioscience subjects, all as BSc (three years) and most as MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of different courses to choose from.

  • Biological Science covers major aspects of biology and molecular science across a wide range of organisms from bacteria and fungi to humans and plants. All 14 courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.

  • Medical Science allows you to select specialist modules that focus more closely on the application of biological principles to medicine. All eight courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.

It is possible to switch between a Biological Science course and a Medical Bioscience course during the first half of your first year, but after that the two fields diverge.

Modules

Course Modules

For more information on this course and a full list of modules, visit the course information page on our website

Assessment method

For more information on the methods of assessment on this course, visit the course information page on our website

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Master of Biological Sciences (with Honours) • Full-Time • Placement (optional) • Time abroad (optional) • 4 to 5 Years

Start dates

  • 27 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:
C103
Institution code:
L34
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 2, 1

University of Leicester 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:
L34
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 2
  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
BBB

including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. We may consider two AS-levels in place of one A-level. General Studies not accepted.

Level 3 Core Maths with A-levels: BBC + Level 3 Core Maths grade B (if Maths not taken as a full A or AS level). A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.

T Level
D

Distinction in Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Laboratory technician).

AS

We may consider two AS-levels in place of one A-level. Must be taken alongside two full A-levels in relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 24

A strong science Access course is required. Pass Science diploma with 45 credits at level three, 24 of which must be at distinction.

Please contact the Admissions Office before applying to check acceptability for Access module content and your overall academic profile.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

At least Grade 4/C in both English Language and Maths (if not held at A2/AS-level).

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

Applied Science Diploma considered with an A-level in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology, plus standard GCSE requirements.

Applied Science Diploma considered with a non-science A-level, plus five GCSEs at grade 5/B or above including two science grades.

Extended Project

Considered with three A-levels. Typical offer: BBC + EPQ grade B. A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 28

Pass Diploma with 28 points to include grade 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. Must include a minimum of grade 4 in SL Maths or 3 at HL and grade 4 in English A or 5 in English B if minimum of grade 4/C not held in English Language and Maths at GCSE.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

May be accepted in place of a third A-level at grade B or above, provided at least two relevant science A-level subjects are taken from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

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

Pass Applied Science Diploma with DDD plus five GCSEs at B/5 or above including two relevant sciences.

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

Can be considered in combination with other qualifications. Combinations must include a minimum of two Science subjects. Please contact the Admissions Office before applying to check acceptability for your particular combination of qualifications.

Scottish Advanced Higher
BBB

including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School of Biological Sciences.

Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.

If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.

Second year entry may be possible with suitable qualifications. https://le.ac.uk/courses/biological-sciences-mbiolsci/2027

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.https://le.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements

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.

The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria.

Learn more on the University of Leicester 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

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

This information will be updated as soon as the tuition fees for the academic year 2027/8 have been confirmed.

For further information about fees and funding please see the following page of the University website: https://le.ac.uk/student-life/undergraduates/fees-funding

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