A level Typical offer
AABAAB in three A levels including A in Biology and A in a second science or mathematics subject.
Study life on all scales, from the molecular to the global ecosystem, with a focus on evolution acting at the level of DNA.
Biology encompasses the study of life from molecules to ecosystems. It's an exciting area of study that has a significant impact on our daily lives and is vital to solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.
You'll gain a broad foundation of skills across areas such as evolution, ecology, biodiversity, genetics, cell biology and microbiology, equipping you with the knowledge for a range of careers in the biosciences and beyond.
As the broadest of our biosciences courses, from year two you'll get to choose from a variety of units alongside the core units in evolution and genomics. You'll be able to choose the other areas that interest you. The options we offer are related to topics our staff are actively researching, such as developmental biology and food security.
If you want a more in-depth study experience, you could consider applying for our MBiol (Hons) Biology course.
In your final year, you’ll carry out your own research project, giving you first-hand experience as a researcher and the opportunity to contribute to the leading research of our academics. We have world-leading research centres, covering areas including evolution and mathematical biology.
You'll be exposed to a wide variety of opportunities to develop transferable professional skills, including problem-solving, IT, communications, time management, research and analysis, and team working. We aim for our graduates to be adaptable and creative problem solvers, ready for a career in an ever-changing world.
You’ll spend time learning practical scientific techniques in our well-equipped teaching labs. You’ll also have access to a computer lab for bioinformatics. In the final year, you'll have the opportunity to work in our state-of-the-art research labs and with some of the broad range of biological materials used in our research.
Find out more about where you'll be studying with our biosciences undergraduate facilities tour led by three of our students.
You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills to be part of the next generation of scientists, helping make you highly sought after by employers. You'll also be well equipped to apply the skills you've gained in a range of other careers such as business, management or marketing or even go on to further study, such as a master’s or PhD. Biological sciences at Bath is ranked 9th for graduate prospects in the Complete University Guide 2023.
Examples of recent employers include:
Find out more about what our biology graduates go on to do, what our biochemistry graduates go on to do and what our biomedical sciences graduates go on to do.
You can find out more about studying a biosciences degree at Bath by visiting our Biosciences Virtual Experience page to watch videos and read case studies from staff and students in the Department.
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2024 and ends in 2027. Welcome week starts on 23 September 2024.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. For Natural Sciences, these will usually be made up of 20 credits in each main subject with the rest made up from a Natural Sciences unit and one additional subject.
120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
10 credits
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30 credits
60 credits
We also offer this course with a professional placement where you can take advantage of our excellent links with industry and leading research institutions. It's a great way to gain valuable experience to add to your CV, try out a possible career path and even earn some money or experience a new culture.
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 10 and 18 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 17 – 30 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.
You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. These will include examinations, essays, reports, data analysis and presentations. Around 15 to 50% of your degree result will be assessed through examination and around 50 to 85% will be assessed through coursework, depending upon which optional units you take in Years 2 and 3.
The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree and depending upon which options you undertake. In your final year, you will be expected to complete a project. You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
Our courses have been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for several years. The RSB conducts a reaccreditation exercise every few years or when we make changes to the course. We are currently going through this reaccreditation process and are awaiting the outcome of this evaluation.
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying biology. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
You will need a strong performance in Biology and a second science or mathematics subject as part of your entry qualifications. The second subject can be:
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
AAB in three A levels including A in Biology and A in a second science or mathematics subject.
ABB in three A levels including A in Biology and B in a second science or mathematics subject.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
We know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
ABB in three A levels including A in Biology and B in a second science or mathematics subject plus one of:
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Biology and 6 in a second science or mathematics subject.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
We may be able to consider for you for this course if you study either Biology or your second science or mathematics subject at Standard Level (but not both). In this case the typical offer is 36 points with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Biology or a second science or mathematics subject plus 7 in the Standard Level subject.
Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations cannot be accepted as a second science or mathematics subject.
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
To be considered for this course you will typically need to study Biology at Higher Level.
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
Your qualifications will need to include sufficient Biology and other science or mathematics content.
35 points overall and 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Biology and 5 in a second science or mathematics subject.
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
You must study Biology and a second science or mathematics subject at Higher Level to be eligible for a contextual offer for this course.
DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF).
We are able to consider the above qualifications in Applied Science. It is important that you are covering enough of our essential optional units to make sure that you have sufficient Biology and Chemistry/Mathematics preparation for our course. You will need to have studied a minimum of one unit (from units 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12). We prefer applicants to be studying more than one unit; however, we do consider on a case-by case basis.
You must also have achieved a grade 6 or B in GCSE Mathematics.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
Your qualifications will need to include sufficient Biology and other science or mathematics content.
Distinction overall with grade A in the core component in a Science T Level plus grade A in A level Biology.
You must be studying A level Biology alongside your T Level qualification.
We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Science. You must be studying the Laboratory Sciences specialism.
Your GCSE profile will be an important part of selection if you apply with a T Level. You will also be required to undertake an interview as part of the application process if your application is assessed as suitable.
AB in two Advanced Highers including A in Biology and B in a second science or mathematics subject.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAAAB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
A pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering), with at least 33 credits achieved at Distinction and 6 credits achieved at Merit or above. This must include at least 30 credits achieved at Distinction from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) units, of which at least 12 credits must be from Biology units.
Pass units worth 120 credits, including a minimum of a Pass 2 with 70% in a relevant Level 2 Biology unit.
You are typically expected to study at least 120 credits including 30 credits at Level 2. You should ideally be taking units including S112: Science: concepts and practice and a Level 2 unit/s in Biology. This information is a guide and we consider students applying with Open University Credits on a case-by-case basis. We will consider your application carefully and take note of any previous qualifications or relevant work experience. We may be able to consider alternative units to those listed. Please contact us to discuss your profile.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route may be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Taking OU credits may be counted as degree-level study by the Student Loans Company and therefore may be counted as previous study and have an impact on your ability to access student loans for the entirety of your chosen degree. We recommend that you discuss this in detail with the SLC before following this progression route to the University of Bath.
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Biology (or equivalent) and sufficient additional science or mathematics content.
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAB in three subjects including A in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
We do not accept General Studies as one of these three subjects. We do not accept grade A- in place of grade A or grade B- in place of grade B.
CGPA of 3.3 in the science stream.
Diplomas are accepted case-by-case depending on your profile. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for a Canadian Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
9.0 overall with 90, 90, 85 in three state exams including Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
85, 85, 80 in three extended subjects including 85 in Biology and one other science or mathematics subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
8.8 overall with 9.0, 9.0, 8.5 in in three subjects including 9.0 in Biology and one other science or mathematics subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 80% across four subjects with 85% in Biology and 80% from one of Agriculture, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.
We do not accept Physical Education as one of these four subjects. Other subjects with a less academic focus may also be excluded. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk if you would like to discuss your subject choices.
These requirements are for the CBSE and CISCE boards. Please contact us if you are taking this qualification with a different board.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5.5 overall with 5.8 in the Biology state matriculation exam and 5.8 in a second mathematics or science subject.
Any subject in your offer in which you do not take a state matriculation exam must be studied in your final year of school.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5, 5 in Biology and a second science elective plus 4 in a third elective or core English or 5 in Biology and 4 in a second elective subject plus 5 in core Mathematics.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Due to the variety, structure and grading of these qualifications, applications are welcomed from students with these qualifications but we consider them on on a case-by-case basis. If you are interested in applying, please contact us on admissions@bath.ac.uk for further advice. Please provide copies of your school reports within your email for our consideration.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
AAB in three H2 level subjects including A in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
3.3 overall in Biotechnology or Biomedical Science with a minimum B+ in Biology and one other science module.
We are unable to consider applications for entry into year 2 with a Polytechnic Diploma for this degree.
These entry requirements have been updated for the 2019 entry (last updated August 2018).
We accept GCE and International A levels and the IB Diploma whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
We accept the Indian 12th Standard and our entry requirements are listed under the 'India' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section. You will need to hold an English language qualification (such as IELTS) in place of ACT or SATR scores as we can only accept these for United States citizens.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
19 in the Apolytirion, plus AB in two A levels including A in Biology and B in a second mathematics or science subject.
We cannot accept the Apolytirion unless it is studied alongside A levels. We do not accept Pan Hellenic examinations in place of an A level.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A score of 8.5 overall with 9 in Biology and one other science or mathematics subject.
These entry requirements have been updated for the 2019 entry (last updated August 2018).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
CGPA of 75% with 85%, 80% in Biology plus one other science or mathematics subject from the final year. The 85% can be in either Biology or the second science or maths subject.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
1.6 overall with 13 in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
The required grades in Biology and another mathematics or science subject must be achieved in your final examinations if you take them. If you do not take one of these subjects in your final examinations, you will need an average grade across 4 semesters in it.
These entry requirements have been updated for the 2019 entry (last updated August 2018).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An average of 4 in the common core subjects and an average of 4.6 across six optional programme courses including 5 in Biology 1 and 2 and 5 in two other science or mathematics courses.
These requirements are for the Specialisation in General Studies programme. Please contact us if you are taking a different programme
We consider your grades in final assessment for each subject, or in examinations where you do not have a final assessment for that subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
A weighted average mark of 10 with 10 in Biology A and one other level A science or mathematics subject.
If you sit written and oral examinations in a subject, you must achieve the required grades in both.
We may be able to consider your application if you are taking the Højere Handelseksamen (HHX), Højere Teknisk Eksamen (HTX), Højere Forberedelseseksamen (HF). Please contact us to discuss our requirements.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Pass with A in Biology 1 and 2 and A in 200 credits in one other science or mathematics subject plus A in a further 400 credits and B in a further 1200 credits.
We only accept Mathematics 3b, 3c, 4 or 5 as a mathematics subject for this course.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of this qualification alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall grade of 4.5 with 5, 5, 4 including Biology and a second mathematics or science subject at Advanced Level.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
13 overall with 15, 14 in two speciality subjects in the final year including Biology & Earth Sciences and a second science or mathematics subject
12 overall with 15, 14 in two speciality subjects in the final year including Biology & Earth Sciences and a second science or mathematics subject
By speciality subjects, we mean the subjects studied as 'enseignements de spécialités' as part of the General Baccalaureate. The grade we require is the grade awarded in the speciality subject from the written examinations taken in your final year.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 in six subjects from the Irish Leaving Certificate with H1, H2 in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
These entry requirements have been updated for the 2019 entry (last updated August 2018).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept this programme for direct entry and our requirements are the same as for a Canadian Secondary School Diploma. These are listed in the 'Canada' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall score of 87% in the scientific pathway with 9, 9, 8 in three subjects from your final report card including 9 in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
83% average across 5 or 6 grade 12 subjects including 88% in Biology and one other science or mathematics subject
The number of grade 12 subjects we require will depend on your province or territory. Subjects with a less academic focus may be excluded.
83% average in a pre-university programme with 88% in all Biology courses and 88% in all courses in another science or mathematics subject
We accept the following pre-university programmes, depending on the Biology courses you have taken: Arts and Sciences; Science
We accept Advanced Placement Tests. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United States of America' section.
We accept the IB Diploma and our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section. If you are studying a mixture of IB courses and College Board qualifications please contact us for advice.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Level 3 Diploma achieved with Merit including Level 3 Biology and one other mathematics or science subject with 14 credits at Excellence (E) and one other Level 3 subject with 14 credits at Merit (M).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Pass the relevant certificate with an ATAR or TER of 93 with grade A or 80 in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
We can accept any of the following school leaver qualifications meeting these requirements:
-Australian Capital Territory Year 12 Certificate -New South Wales Higher School Certificate -Northern Territory Certificate of Education -South Australian Certificate of Education -Tasmanian Certificate of Education -Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning -Victorian Certificate of Education -Western Australian Certificate of Education
Our requirements for the Queensland Senior Certificate of Education are:
Overall Band Position of 2 with HA in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
80% and 75% in two Higher subjects including Biology and one other mathematics or science subject plus 5, 5, 4 in three Standard subjects.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
77666 in five subjects with 82% in Life Sciences and either Mathematics or Physical Sciences.
We do not accept Life Orientation as one of these five subjects. You will also need a minimum of 3 in Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
84% overall with 9.0 and 8.5 in Biology (4 periods) and one of Chemistry (4 periods), Geography (4 periods), Mathematics (5 periods) or Physics (4 periods). .
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
An overall average of 17.5 with 18, 18, 17 in three subjects including 18 in Biology and one other mathematics or science subject.
Your subjects grades will be taken as an average of your school results and external exams where relevant.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
We accept the European Baccalaureate and our entry requirements are listed under the 'European Baccalaureate' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
18 in the Apolytirion plus AB in two A levels including Biology and a second mathematics or science subject.
We can often consider applications from students taking the Apolytirion in public schools in Cyprus without any additional A levels. This will depend on your subject stream and the advanced level subjects you are taking. Please email admissions@bath.ac.uk to find out more about our requirements.
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
5, 5, 4 in three Advanced Placement Tests including 5 in Biology and 5 in one other science or mathematics subject.
We accept no more than one Calculus AP as one of these three subjects.
AP Seminar and AP Research are not accepted as one of these AP subjects
We assess applications from students taking AP examinations on an individual basis.
When assessing your application, we will also be looking for evidence of a high academic standard across a breadth of study, for example through additional AP Tests, your wider school curriculum and SAT or ACT scores if you have taken them.
If you would like advice about your own set of qualifications, please email admissions@bath.ac.uk
We do not accept SAT Subject Tests for direct entry to our degrees.
These entry requirements have been updated for the 2019 entry (last updated August 2018).
We accept these qualifications whether you have studied them in the UK or abroad. Our entry requirements are listed under the 'United Kingdom' section.
If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept, or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies, you may wish to consider an International Foundation Year.
We accept International Foundation Years offered by other UK colleges and universities on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice.
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept students onto our degrees on the basis of these qualifications alone. You will need to take an additional course before applying to us. This could be A levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma or a recognised foundation course. Please contact us for further advice. If you have not studied qualifications we typically accept or you do not expect to meet our requirements in your current studies you may wish to consider a Foundation Year or if you are located here in the UK, explore the qualifications that may be available to you. Please contact us for further advice on admissions@bath.ac.uk
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
Fees and funding information for Biology BSc (Hons)
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusThese fees are for the academic year 2024/25 only. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
£9,250
UK undergraduate fees are regulated by the government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval.
£28,800
You should budget for an increase of up to 5% each year for every further year of study; we will not increase your fees each year by more than this percentage and the amount will be set out on our fee page in December for the following academic year.
If you aren't paying your fees in British pounds, you should also budget for possible fluctuations in your own currency.
Optional field course to Algarve, Portugal: £330, payable during the first semester of the second year. If you receive a University of Bath bursary these charges will be waived.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansYou could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsYou can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsYou will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as a Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma or T Level, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experienceAbout 2 billion species make up the astonishingly rich and varied biodiversity of bacteria, single cell organisms, fungi, plants and animals on Earth. In this unit, you will explore the anatomical, structural and chemical features of the major groups, how their form relates to their ecology, and how they fit together on a single, phylogenetic Tree of Life. The importance of biodiversity for ecosystem services, human health, and in relation to an emerging sixth mass extinction, will be emphasised
You will be introduced to fundamental aspects of how eukaryotic cells function; you will explore comparisons with other domains of life. The diversity, structure, organisation, communication, regulation and energy acquisition of cells will be explained, and you will gain an appreciation of how cells acquire specialist functions, organise into tissues and develop into multicellular organisms. You will become familiar with methodologies commonly used to study cells and their functions.
Through a combination of lectures, small group workshops,and individual and group assessments, you will become familiar with and practised in,a range of key academic skills necessary for both your studies and future careers. These include: effective study skills, scientific communication (data, written and oral presentations), literature searching, referencing and citation, numeracy, an introduction to computer programs, general scientific principles and a careers perspective.
You will be provided with a broad introduction to key concepts and terminology related to aspects of genetics and genomics: from the structure and organization of DNA to the laws of inheritance. The material covered in this unit will aid your understanding of the function of different components of the genome, how genetic information encodes proteins and characteristics of an organism. You will also gain an understanding of the basis of genetic diseases.
This unit introduces you to core techniques and research skills in biology that will support you through your academic studies and beyond. You will use skills-centred and project-based approaches to develop the integration of multiple techniques to address biological questions.
This unit introduces the key concepts and skills necessary to understand the main topics in ecology and evolution. You will explore topics from an organismal perspective, increasing in complexity to ultimately consider how whole ecosystems function. You will develop an understanding of concepts that are fundamental for topics such as adaptation to climate change, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management and antimicrobial resistance.
Through a combination of lectures, small group tutorials, individual and group assessments, you will review and extend a range of key academic skills necessary for both your studies and careers. These include research integrity and professional practice principles, biological numerical data analysis and presentation, statistical design, citation software, practical molecular biology skills, scientific communication, bioinformatics, computer programming, critical thinking, and career planning.
Through lectures and workshops you will develop an understanding of evolutionary processes operating at all levels: from genes to genomes, populations, species and clades. You will explore how to infer evolutionary history using phylogenetics. Concepts from evolutionary theory, optimisation theory, behavioural ecology and ecological genetics will be covered. You will develop an understanding of the biological and physical factors that have shaped the evolution of biodiversity through deep time.
You will develop a broad knowledge of prokaryotic and eukaryotic genomics and associated technologies for genome sequencing and analysis. You will explore fundamental population genetics, the genetic basis of complex traits and the causes and interpretation of genetic variation. You will explore genotype-environment interactions, pathogen evolution and spread, population genetics, maternal and social effects, mating systems and other areas of comparative and functional genomics.
You will take 30 credits of optional units. The optional units are a mixture of 10-credit year-long units and some shorter 5-credit units. You have a free choice of these provided you balance your workload across the two semesters.
Some of your options are in cell signalling, gene regulation, ecology, infection and immunity, plant sciences, cancer biology and mathematics. There is also an optional residential field course unit, which runs outside of semester time. Those wishing to acquire the methodology for field studies without taking the field course can choose modern methods in biology.
In the Final Year you will choose one 15-credit capstone project option. You must also take the 5-credit grand challenge unit. You select the remaining 40 credits from the optional 10 or 5-credit units. There are units which follow on from the Year 2 units, so you can explore further those areas in which you are already familiar, such as evolution, conservation/ecology, infectious diseases, developmental biology, and mathematics. Or you can broaden your experience into other areas such as entrepreneurial biotechnology, science education, science communication, business strategy and ethics.
Further optional units allow you to explore current topics in biosciences through your own presentations and discussions. These options are each guided by a member of staff, but you will have greater scope to focus on what interests you most.