Course starts: September 2027 Location: London, Bloomsbury

Biological Sciences MSci

On this four-year integrated master’s, you’ll build a broad foundation in the biological sciences before selecting a research-intensive specialist pathway, working alongside world-leading scientists as an active member of a research group. Specialist pathways include Biodiversity and Conservation, Cell and Developmental Biology, Genetics, Human Genetics, or Zoology. You’ll also have the option to spend a year abroad.

Key information

Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years full time
Fees (2026/27)
UK: £9,790 per year
International: £42,700 per year
Application deadlines
13 January 2027. Applications close at 6pm UK time.
Applications may stay open after this UCAS Equal Consideration deadline, please check UCAS for details.
Course starts
September 2027
View 2026 entry
UCAS code
C901
Location
London, Bloomsbury
Department
Division of Biosciences
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Entry requirements

Please note that the study options available after enrolment to this course may have additional requirements. Choose a study option for full details.

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

Grades
ABB
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

At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.

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 and International Education.

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not 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.

About this course

The Biological Sciences MSci at UCL equips you with the core knowledge and practical skills needed to understand and actively contribute to current biological research. You will tackle real research questions at one of the world’s leading biological science departments, with opportunities to develop expertise and make a meaningful contribution in your chosen specialism.

In Year 1, you will study core subjects spanning the biosciences from molecules to populations, while beginning to develop the computational, analytical, and communication skills essential for modern scientific research.

At the end of your first year, you can choose to specialise in Biodiversity and Conservation, Cell and Developmental Biology, Genetics, Human Genetics or Zoology. MSci students also have the option to spend a year abroad, broadening their academic and cultural experience.

In Year 2, you will build on this foundation by studying your chosen areas in greater depth, applying scientific principles to increasingly complex problems and refining your computational, collaborative, and communication skills.

Your third year combines advanced modules in your specialism, a literature-based research project, and further development of professional and technical skills, preparing you for a year-long master’s-level research project in Year 4.

In Year 4, you will design and carry out an independent research project under the supervision of an academic, working as part of a research group at UCL or one of our partner institutions, such as the Francis Crick Institute, Natural History Museum, or Zoological Society of London.

The course also offers extensive optional fieldwork and travel, with trips to Blakeney Point in Norfolk, the Lake District, southern Spain, and, for Biodiversity and Conservation specialists, a tropical field trip in Kenya.

We are looking for students who are curious about the living world, enthusiastic about investigating it, and who have a strong drive to perform biological research.

You should be keen to engage with quantitative and evidence-based approaches, using mathematical, computational and data-analysis techniques to tackle complex biological problems. Many of these challenges require interdisciplinary thinking, drawing on concepts from across the biosciences and beyond.

From the outset, you will be expected to show a willingness to develop new research and professional skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration, as you develop into a professional scientist.

Course structure

In Year 1, you will take eight 15-credit compulsory modules (120 credits), providing a foundational understanding across the full spectrum of biological sciences. You will also develop critical analytical, computational, and professional skills needed to investigate and communicate effectively as a scientist. A field course in Term 3 offers the chance to apply your learning in real-world environments.

In Year 2, you can choose to transfer to one of the following specialisms:  

  • Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation
  • Biological Sciences: Biodiversity and Conservation (with Study Abroad)
  • Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology
  • Biological Sciences: Cell and Developmental Biology (with Study Abroad)
  • Biological Sciences: Genetics
  • Biological Sciences: Genetics (with Study Abroad)
  • Biological Sciences: Human Genetics
  • Biological Sciences: Human Genetics (with Study Abroad)
  • Biological Sciences: Zoology
  • Biological Sciences: Zoology (with Study Abroad)
  • Biological Sciences: (with Study Abroad)

If you stay on the main Biological Sciences course, Year 2 consists of 4 compulsory modules (4x15 credits), along with three or four optional modules (60 credits).  

In Year 3, you will complete either a laboratory-based collaborative research project (45 credits) or a literature-based research project (30 credits). In addition, you’ll choose 75 to 90 credits of optional modules. 

In Year 4, your final year, you will complete a 90 credit compulsory extended research project, along with optional modules to the value of 30 credits.

Modules

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).

Please note that the list of compulsory modules given here is indicative. Up to 10 optional modules per year are displayed for this course: this may not be the full range of optional modules available for selection. 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. For more detail regarding module availability, please contact the department.

Compulsory modules

  • Biological Sciences Specialism 1 (BIOL0062)
  • Biological Sciences Specialism 2 (BIOL0063)
  • Foundations of Life (BIOS0066)
  • Organisms, Evolution and Ecology (BIOS0067)
  • Year 1: Fundamental Scientific Skills and Grand Challenges (BIOS0068)
  • Year 1: Foundations of Programming and Data Handling (BIOS0069)
  • Molecular Cell Biology (BIOS0074)
  • Cells to Organisms (BIOS0075)

In Year 1, you will take eight 15-credit compulsory modules (120 credits), providing a foundational understanding across the full spectrum of biological sciences. 

You’ll build your knowledge and skills through a varied range of teaching, lectures, seminars, tutorials, practicals, problem-based learning, e-learning and supported personal study.  

From the very first term, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in UCL’s world-leading research, working with academics from our research department or partner institutions. This includes access to analysing novel datasets and cutting-edge research, as well as hands-on experience in the laboratory.

You’ll also get opportunities to gain practical experience in the field, studying animals and plants in their natural habitats, and applying biological concepts in real-world contexts.

All Year 1 students will have the option of studying at our Blakeney Point field station in Norfolk. In Year 2, students on specific specialisms can participate in two further field trips: one to the south of Spain, and another to the Lake District in the UK, providing the chance to study plants, animals and ecosystems in diverse natural environments.

Students on the Biological Sciences (Biodiversity and Conservation) and Biological Sciences (Zoology) specialisms will have the option to undertake our tropical field trip in the fourth year (subject to completing pre-requisite modules).

Your progress will be assessed through a combination of examinations and coursework. Coursework may include practical reports, tutorial exercises, essays, scientific papers, poster and oral presentations, and multimedia projects, giving you the chance to demonstrate your understanding in a variety of ways.

Assessment methods may vary depending on the optional and elective modules you select, allowing you to tailor your learning and evaluation to your chosen areas of interest.

Your typical contact hours range from 10–20 hours per week, depending on your module choices, and include lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals, and e-learning activities.

In addition, you are expected to undertake 10–20 hours of independent study per week, developing your skills in self-directed learning, data analysis, and scientific inquiry.

Independent study increases in the third year, reflecting the greater emphasis on research and project work. Third-year contact hours also typically range from 10–20 hours per week, supporting your independent research and advanced study. Students on study abroad courses in Year 3 will have contact hours defined by the host institution. These will likely differ from contact hours at UCL.

Fourth year MSci students can expect to spend the majority of the working week working independently on their research projects, with approximately 5–10 hours per week of contact time for project supervision, research team meetings and taught modules. 

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you are unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Fees and funding

Study mode UK fee (2026/27) Overseas fee (2026/27)
Full time £9,790 £42,700

UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.

International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.

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

Some specialisms include national and international field courses, for which students are advised to provide basic field equipment such as a sleeping bag, torch, and suitable clothing or walking boots. To improve accessibility, our department maintains a library of field equipment (including clothing) which can be borrowed for the duration of the trip. All students can borrow this equipment for the period of the trip.

Students are expected to contribute to travel expenses, which vary depending on the location of the field course. For example, contributions are approximately £50 for UK trips and £200 for trips in Spain.

Field trip bursaries of up to £150 are available for students who have received a contextual offer, which can be used to cover some or all of the travel costs.

All students are recommended to purchase a lab coat for laboratory practicals; however, lab coats are available to borrow if required.

For in-person teaching, UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. 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).

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.

Why study this course at UCL?

  • Study within UCL’s Faculty of Life Sciences, a globally recognised research environment historically associated with multiple Nobel Prizes, and be taught by academics at the forefront of their fields.
  • Develop highly valued computational skills, gaining hands-on experience with real research datasets and widely used programming languages such as R and Python.
  • Immerse yourself in a world-leading research culture, with opportunities to engage with prestigious research groups at institutions including the Natural History Museum, the Francis Crick Institute and the Zoological Society of London.
  • Graduate well prepared for further study or professional careers, including PhD research and highly skilled roles or internships in the healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.
  • Build entrepreneurial and innovation skills, exploring pathways to launch your own start-up through UCL Innovation & Enterprise, which has supported over 300 start-ups since 2010, securing more than £280 million in investment.
  • Study in the heart of London at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, a district famous for its cultural and educational institutions. Take a virtual tour and see what our campus has to offer.
  • Broaden your academic and personal horizon through both national and international field trips, with the option to spend a year studying abroad in Year 3.

Discover Uni

To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.

What this course will give you

A degree in Biological Sciences equips you with a versatile set of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and essential for a wide range of careers. Core modules integrate analytical, computational and research skills, while a dedicated Key Skills module each year ensures you continue to develop abilities in data analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, and scientific communication.

These skills prepare you not only for careers in research and academia, but also for a broad spectrum of roles across the public and private sectors, including government and public administration, charities and international development, journalism, teaching, policy, and NGOs. Graduates leave UCL ready to apply scientific thinking and professional expertise in diverse and dynamic environments, making an impact locally and globally.

Since 2010, UCL has graduated over 1,000 students from its Biological Sciences degree courses. We maintain strong connections with our alumni community, many of whom actively support current students through careers events, mentoring and one-to-one conversations, offering valuable insight into a wide range of career pathways.

A significant proportion of our graduates progress to further study, including PhDs in areas such as Computational Biology, Biodiversity and Conservation, and related biological and biomedical disciplines, both in the UK and internationally.

Others pursue careers across a broad range of sectors, reflecting the versatility of a Biological Sciences degree. Recent employers of our graduates include Albany Partners, British Ecological Society, Deloitte LLP, Frequentis Health, Havas Media, Sky Media, HSBC Bank, Barclays Bank, and various NHS Foundation Trusts.*

*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), reporting destinations of graduates from the 2017–2023 cohorts.

  • Energy, natural resources and the environment
  • Scientific research, development and analysis
  • Banking and investment
  • Veterinary services
  • IT, technology and telecommunications
  • Charities, NGOs and international development
  • PR, advertising and marketing
  • Academic research and HE
  • Media
  • Hospitality, leisure and tourism
  • Teaching and other educational activities
  • Consultancy
  • Retail and wholesale activities
  • Accountancy and financial services
  • Law
  • Health and social care
  • Publishing, journalism and translation

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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.

You will have the opportunity to speak with our staff and current students to ask questions about the Biological Sciences BSc or life at UCL more broadly. If you receive an offer, you will be invited to an offer-holder event, which may include:

  • Talks from academic staff about the course and the department
  • Research presentations showcasing current projects
  • Tours of UCL and departmental facilities
  • Visits to laboratories to see practical work in action

These events are designed to give you a first-hand insight into studying Biological Sciences at UCL and help you prepare for the next steps in your academic journey.

Selection

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

Apply for this course

You are applying for the Biological Sciences MSci course. Please note that the study options presented as post-enrolment specialisms will be available for you to choose once your enrolment is confirmed. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.

Course starts: September 2027

UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.

Got questions? Get in touch

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Division of Biosciences

Division of Biosciences

Click to email. biosciences-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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