Biological Sciences BSc
London, Bloomsbury
Biological Sciences is at the centre of UCL's world leading research on biodiversity and conservation science, as well as human genetics, healthy ageing and many more. Many current research experts from UCL and our partner institutes are actively involved in the teaching of the BSc and MSci in Biological Sciences. Our staff have included Nobel Prize Winners, including 2014 winner and current staff member, Prof John O'Keefe.
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
Programme starts
September 2024Application deadline
31 Jan 2024UCAS course code
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
- Grades
- ABB more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- Biology at grade A required plus one from Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
- 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. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 34 more about contextual offers
- Subjects
- A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects including Biology at grade 6 and one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, with no score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.
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
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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 BSc Biological Sciences at UCL will provide you with the core knowledge and skills required to understand and participate in current biological research. 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 QS World University Rankings, UCL ranked 11th in the world (4th in Europe and 3rd in the UK) for the Biological Science. Similarly, based on the Shanghai Ranking, UCL is ranked 10th in the world (2nd in Europe and 2nd in the UK) for the Biological Sciences.
It is possible for you to transfer from the three-year BSc programme to the four-year MSci programme within the first two years of study, providing you meet the minimum requirement at the end of the first, second and third year. Transfers during the third year are possible providing you have taken BIOL0018 Advanced Investigative Project in Biological Sciences.
Students on the BSc programme have the option to apply to the MSci International Programme in year two. It is a competitive programme. If you are successful, you are required to transfer from the BSc to the MSci programme before commencing your third year studying at one of our international partner Universities.
What this course will give you
Our degrees will be of interest to any student who wants to pursue a career in biological research. You will develop your skills and core knowledge through engaging with the real research performed in our department and through actively performing research yourself. This will culminate in the final year research project where you will have the opportunity to work under the lead of an academic from our research department.
Students will benefit from our thriving Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment and its research centres, as well as our partnerships with the Natural History Museum, the Francis Crick Institute and the Zoological Society of London.
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 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (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.
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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 five specialised degree programmes:- Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation
- Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology
- Biological Sciences: Genetics
- Biological Sciences: Human Genetics
- Biological Sciences: Zoology
Prior to the completion of your second year, you have the option to transfer onto the four-year MSci programme (subject to grades achieved in year two and three). This includes an additional Biological Sciences: Computational Biology degree programme. Students on the MSci programme can apply to the international programme, where you spend the entirety of the third year studying in one of our partner institutions.
In your second and third year you will take a combination of compulsory and optional modules. The optional modules give you the opportunity to customise your own highly specialised degree.
Compulsory modules
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
Compulsory modules
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 2022-2023 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
CELL0009: Intermediate Cell Biology: Cell Structure and Function
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
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
BIOL0015: Second Year Core Skills
An additional 15 credit module to be confirmed
Either BIOL0013: The Biology of Development OR 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
Compulsory Modules:
For students on all degree programmes, you are required to take Core Skills Y3: Advanced Paper and Seminar Discussion (0 Credits) and 1 research project module from an option of 3:
BIOL0056: Collaborative Project in the Biological Sciences (30 Credits)
OR
BIOL0019: Advanced Research Project in Biological Sciences (45 Credits)
OR
BIOL0018: Advanced Investigative Project in Biological Sciences (30 Credits)
In addition, for students on the Genetics and Human Genetics degree programmes only, BIOL0021: Advanced Human Genetics is compulsory.
Optional Modules:
You are required to select between 60 and 90 credits (depending on the project selected and degree programme) from a wide range of optional modules in your chosen degree programme 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 courses 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 takes place in the south of Spain and the second in the Lake District, UK.
The academic year is split over three terms. Most teaching takes place in terms one and two (field-based modules generally run outside of this time period) and typically you would take 60 credits in term one and 60 credits in term two (totalling 120 credits in each 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, poster presentations, multimedia 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 Services team.
Visit us
Online - Open day
Biological Sciences (2023 edit) Information Session
Watch this video to find out more about UCL's Biological Sciences (2023 edit) programme, entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.
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. As well as careers in scientific fields, such as in the health service, conservation or the pharmaceutical industry, our graduates have also pursued further training or employment in management, teaching, accounting, the civil service and law.
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 presentation experience), which all enhance your employability skills.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £34,400 |
UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee increases and subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Fees may increase year on year – see [INSERT HYPERLINK TO 25/26 T&CS] for more information.
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 Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation are required to take the compulsory field-based module 'Introduction to Field Ecology'.
The exact cost of each field trip will depend on the location, prevailing exchange rates, and the price of travel and accommodation. It is estimated that students would need to contribute between £50-£150 depending on the location and previous year's cost.
Students will need to purchase a lab coat which 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
We are looking for independent and confident thinkers who have a genuine interest and curiosity in the subject.
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.
You will have the chance to talk to current students and staff and ask any questions you might have about studying biological sciences, or about UCL in general. If we have made you an offer, you will be invited to attend an offer-holder event. This may include talks from staff about the programme and the department. It could also include a research presentation, tours of UCL and the department, and a visit to a laboratory facility.
Got questions? Get in touch
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