About the course

Reasons to study

1. This course has advanced accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology, which provides you with industry-wide recognition regarding the quality of your qualification.
2. Your learning will take place in new £18.2 million facilities such as our modern biological science labs, using scientific instrumentation.
3. Experience working in an active research environment and undertake your own research project during a Research Placement Year.

From developing effective vaccines to bringing about advances in DNA forensics, molecular and cellular biology has been behind many modern scientific breakthroughs. If you have a passion for biology, an enquiring mind and you’re looking for an accredited course with an emphasis on providing experience in a research setting, then this could be the right choice for you.

• 92.06% of responders to the National Student Survey 2022 agreed that they have been able to access course-specific resources (e.g. equipment, facilities, software, collections) when they needed to.
• This course has advanced accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology.
• This course follows the same framework as our Biology (Molecular and Cellular) degree. Where it differs is you'll spend your third year work placement in a research setting.
• You’ll be able to get a well-rounded introduction to biological sciences. Covering topics across biochemistry, genetics and cell biology, you’ll have the chance to build your understanding of the molecular explanations for life processes. As you progress, you’ll get to delve deeper into the subjects you’re interested in by choosing from a list of optional modules. It’s all designed to help you stand out from the crowd and boost your employability once you graduate.
• You’ll be taught by academics with doctoral-level expertise in their subject areas through a combination of lectures, in-depth tutorials and sessions in our modern biological sciences labs. Here, you’ll have the chance to use scientific instrumentation and develop invaluable practical skills.
• As a student on this course you’ll be able to apply for undergraduate membership of the Biochemical Society and The Physiological Society (UK). You’ll also be eligible for student affiliate membership of the Royal Society of Biology and upon successful graduation be eligible to apply for one year associate membership, this can help open up networks at a crucial time when applying for jobs.

Course detail

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 - research placement year

Final year

Teaching and assessment

Teaching excellence

Global Professional Award

Entry requirements

BBB-BBCat A Level including a minimum grade B in Chemistry and one other relevant Science subject. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.

120-112UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications including a minimum grade B in A Level Chemistry and one other relevant A Level Science subject. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.

Meritat T Level in Science including a grade B in A Level Chemistry and one other relevant Science subject.

In addition you must have GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.

If you do not have the appropriate qualifications for direct entry to this degree you may be able to apply to our Science Extended Degree (BCF0).

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our Where are you from information pages.

Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.