Biological Sciences MSci

London, Bloomsbury
Biological Sciences MSci (2024)

This four-year MSci offers an additional year on top of the Biological Sciences BSc, which includes an extended research project in the fourth year, providing extra depth and knowledge. This will particularly benefit those interested in further research. This programme offers you the possibility to spend your third year abroad based in a host institution in Asia, Australia, Europe or the USA.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£34,400
Programme starts
September 2025
Application deadline
29 Jan 2025
UCAS course code
C901

Entry requirements

Grades
AAA
Subjects
Biology required plus one from Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

Contextual offer information

Contextual offers are typically one to two grades lower than the standard offer. Grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.

Points
38
Subjects
A total of 18 points in three higher level subjects including Biology at grade 6 and one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either 'Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches' or 'Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

Contextual offer

Contextual offers are typically one to two grade boundaries (equivalent to A levels) lower than the standard offer. IB Diploma grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D3,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Biology required plus one from Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics

A,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and A,A,A at Higher). Biology required plus one from Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics at Advanced Higher.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades AAA. Biology required plus one from Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

The MSci Biological Sciences at UCL will provide you with an advanced biological knowledge and extensive experience of performing research.

It is possible for you to transfer from the four-year MSci programme to the three-year BSc programme within the first three years of study. 

You also have the option of applying to transfer to the MSci International programme in year 2. It is a competitive programme, but if successful, you will spend your third year studying at one of our international partner universities.

During your studies you will have the option to transfer onto a specialised degree programme. Our selection of modules will allow you to specialise in your biological interests or maintain a broad interest in the field.

Our degree is internationally recognised for its excellence. Based on the 2023 QS World University Rankings, UCL ranked 8th in the world (4th in Europe and 3rd in the UK) for the Biological Science. Similarly, based on the 2023 Shanghai Ranking, UCL is ranked 8th in the world (2nd in Europe and 2nd in the UK) for the Biological Sciences.

What this course will give you

The MSci programme will be of interest to anyone who wants to pursue a career in biological research. You will develop an advanced understanding of the field through engaging with the research performed in our department and through performing research yourself. This will culminate in the final year research project where you will spend the majority of the fourth year working on an independent extended research project under the supervision of an academic. 

Students will benefit from our thriving Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and its associated research centres, and our partnerships with the Natural History Museum, the Francis Crick Institute and the Zoological Society of London. This means that students can attend lectures from experts based in these institutions. There may also be an opportunity to undertake research projects in these facilities.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MSci (Hons) in Biological Sciences.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

The first year of this programme covers a core range of subjects from across the spectrum of biological sciences, giving you a firm foundation upon which to base your later choices.

In your second year, you can either continue towards a degree in general Biological Sciences, or you can choose from six specialised degree programmes:

  • Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Biological Sciences: Computational Biology
  • Biological Sciences: Genetics
  • Biological Sciences: Human Genetics
  • Biological Sciences: Zoology

In your third year, you will develop a more advanced understanding within your degree programme. The majority of the fourth year involves an independent research project. Students on the MSci programme can apply to the international programme, where you spend the entirety of the third year studying abroad.

In your second and third year you will take a combination of compulsory and optional modules. You can also take an elective module, which is a module outside of your core programme of study. Collectively, this gives you the opportunity to customise your own highly specialised degree. 

Compulsory Modules:

BIOC0001: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

CELL0007: Cells and Development

BIOL0001: Quantitative Biology

BIOL0002: First Year Core Skills

BIOL0003: Introduction to Genetics

BIOL0004: Life on Earth

BIOL0006 Methods in Ecology and Evolution

Optional Modules:

There are two optional modules that can be taken in the first year. You are required to select one optional module from the Term 1 list and one optional module from the Term 2 list:

Term 1 Optional Modules:

BIOL0006: Fundamentals of Biology OR CHEM0010: Chemistry for Biologists

Term 2 Optional Modules:

BIOL0055: Biodiversity and Conservation OR BIOC0004: Introduction to Microbiology

Programme Options

In the second year, you will have the opportunity to either remain on the generalist Biological Sciences degree programme, or select a specialist degree programme in:

Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation

Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology

Biological Sciences: Genetics

Biological Sciences: Human Genetics

Biological Sciences: Zoology

Each degree programme has a range of compulsory and optional modules.

Compulsory Modules:

Note that this list is based on the 2023-2024 academic year and is subject to change.

1) Biological Sciences

BIOL0008: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology

BIOL0012: Animal Biodiversity

BIOL0013: The Biology of Development

BIOL0015: Second Year Core Skills

BIOL0030: Energy and Evolution

2) Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation

BIOL0007: Introduction to Field Ecology

BIOL0012: Animal Biodiversity

BIOL0014: Fundamentals of Ecology

BIOL0015: Second Year Core Skills

BIOL0029: Computational Biology

GEOG0020: Ecological Patterns and Processes

3) Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology

BIOC0005: Molecular Biology

BIOL0013: The Biology of Development

BIOL0015: Second Year Core Skills

BIOL0052: Comparative Cell Biology

CELL0009: Intermediate Cell Biology: Cell Structure and Function

4) Biological Sciences: Genetics

BIOL0008: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology

BIOL0010: Introduction to Human Genetics

BIOL0011: Evolutionary Genetics

BIOL0013: The Biology of Development

BIOL0015: Second Year Core Skills

BIOL0029: Computational Biology

5) Biological Sciences: Human Genetics

BIOC0005: Molecular Biology

BIOL0010: Introduction to Human Genetics

BIOL0011: Evolutionary Genetics

BIOL0015: Second Year Core Skills

BIOL0029: Computational Biology

6) Biological Sciences: Zoology

BIOL0008: Fundamentals of Molecular Biology

BIOL0011: Evolutionary Genetics

BIOL0012: Animal Biodiversity

BIOL0013: The Biology of Development

BIOL0014: Fundamental of Ecology

BIOL0015: Second Year Core Skills

Optional Modules:

You will select between 45 and 60 credits (depending on the degree programme selected) from a wide range of optional modules in your chosen degree programme and from other approved disciplines within UCL.

Compulsory Modules:

Students on all degree programmes are required to take BIOL0044: MSci Investigative Project in Biological Sciences and Core Skills Y3: Advanced Paper and Seminar Discussion. Each degree programme may have additional compulsory modules. The list of additional compulsory modules below is based on the 2023-2024 academic year and is subject to change:

1) Biological Sciences

No additional Compulsory Modules

2) Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation

BIOL0032: Species Conservation and Biodiversity

3) Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology

BIOL0022: Biology of Ageing

BIOL0025: Regulatory Genomics and Evolution

4) Biological Sciences: Genetics

BIOL0021: Advanced Human Genetics

5) Biological Sciences: Human Genetics

BIOL0021: Advanced Human Genetics

BIOL0027: Diseases of Ageing

6) Biological Sciences: Zoology

No additional Compulsory Modules

All students on the MSci programme will be able to transfer onto the Biological Sciences: Computational Biology degree programme at the start of the third year. The year of entry for this degree is subject to change. In addition to BIOL0044, students are required to take:

BIOL0033: Molecular Evolution

BIOL0050: Advanced Computational Biology

Optional Modules:

You are required to select between 60 and 90 credits (depending on the degree programme) from a wide range of optional modules in your chosen degree programme and from other approved disciplines within UCL.

International Programme:

If a student is successful in applying for the International Programme, the Study Abroad Tutor will guide you on module selection in your third year.

Compulsory modules

Students on all degree programmes are required to take BIOL0041: MSci Extended Research Project in Biological Sciences (90 Credits)

There are no other compulsory modules in the 4th year except for the Human Genetics degree programmes where students are required to take BIOL0034 Applications in Human Genetics.

Optional modules

You are required to select between 15 and 30 credits (depending on the degree programme) from a wide range of optional modules in your chosen degree and from other approved disciplines within UCL.

Your learning

The programme consists of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, problem-based learning, e-learning and supported personal study. You will have the opportunity to take part in UCL's world-leading research right from your first year, through engaging with the research of academics from our research department or partner institutions by directly working in the laboratory or studying animals and plants in their natural habitats.

There are optional field-based modules you may wish to take in your degree. You will have the option of studying at our Blakeney Point field station in Norfolk in year one. In year two, we run two field trips, the first in the south of Spain and the second in the Lake District, UK.

Students on the Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation and Biological Sciences: Zoology degree programmes will have the option to participate on our tropical field trip in Kenya (subject to completing pre-requisite modules).

The academic year is split over three terms. Most teaching takes place in terms 1 and 2 (field courses generally run outside of this time period), and typically you would take 60 credits in term 1 and 60 credits in term 2 (totalling 120 credits across each academic year). A typical 15 credit module would consist of 150 learning hours. This would be split over approximately 20 hours of lectures plus a combination of tutorials, practicals, workshops etc and independent study.

Assessment

You will be assessed through a combination of coursework and end-of-year examinations. Coursework assignments range from practical reports, tutorial exercises, essays, multimedia presentations, poster presentations, oral presentations, and scientific papers. From the first year of your programme, research-based coursework will be important and will culminate in a final-year research project.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

The foundation of your career

Many of our graduates choose to undertake further studies, aiming for a research career in a university or in industry. The degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors, including government, public administration, the pharmaceutical industry, charities and international development, journalism, teaching and research, as well as non-governmental organisations.

Employability

Biological Sciences can lead to a wide range of careers. Key skills training is embedded into our degrees (e.g., in statistics, computing and in giving presentations), which helps make you attractive to employers. According to the Graduate Survey Outcomes for students graduating in 2019-2021, 90% of students were in highly skilled work 15 months after finishing the course.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £9,250
Tuition fees (2024/25) £34,400

The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2024/25 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

The programme includes optional field trips spread across the three years of study. For all field trips, students are expected to be able to provide basic field equipment such as a sleeping bag, torch and suitable clothing such as walking boots. Students on the BSc Biodiversity and Conservation are required to take the compulsory field based module 'Introduction to Field Ecology'.

The exact cost of each fieldtrip will depend on the location, prevailing exchange rates and the price of travel and accommodation. For first year and second year field trips, it is estimated that students would need to contribute between £50-£150 depending on the location and previous year's cost. For the tropical field trip to Kenya, students are required to pay for their travel.

Students will need to purchase a lab coat. This will cost approximately £10-£20.

A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

A genuine and personal interest and curiosity in the field should be evidenced in your application.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.