The ongoing pandemic and biodiversity crisis on our planet have highlighted how central the study of Life Sciences is to our future. Our Biology course brings natural history and medical science together to offer a wide-ranging and flexible degree.
Our biology courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction, and 11th in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
After Year 1 you can maintain a broad interest in Biology or specialise. You can also choose to switch degree entirely to our BSc Zoology or BSc Wildlife Conservation Biology courses if you wish.
If you have an interest in field research, you’ll have the opportunity to progress from field training in the UK in Year 1 to overseas field research in Year 2 and field placements in Year 3, spanning the savannah of South Africa, the tropical rainforests of Borneo or mountains of Switzerland.
Back in the lab, we’ll prepare you for a future in industry or the health service in our leading-edge facilities set in the heart of our historic campus.
With a focus on small class, practical and field learning, you will be assessed entirely through coursework to gain a truly representative measure of graduate attributes sought by future employers and for postgraduate study.
Find out more about the range of fee waivers, scholarships, bursaries and awards on offer for both UK and International students.
104 – 120 UCAS tariff points, BCC – BBB at A levels, MMM – DDM at BTEC, or a Merit in your T-Level.
If you are unsure whether we could make you an offer or you have any questions, just get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.
English Language or Literature and Maths Grade 4/C in GCSE (or equivalent) are normally required.
We welcome and encourage applications from mature students (aged 21 and over). If you are taking an Access to Higher Education Diploma you will need to pass 60 credits with at least 45 credits at Level 3.
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and you’re welcome to contact our admissions team if you have questions.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) per year |
Fee (international) per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2023 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | C103 | £9,250 | £15,450 |
| Sep 2024 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | C103 | £9,250 | TBC |
| Sep 2025 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | C103 | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
Graduates from this course can go on to work as:
We offer short-term internships and year-long placement options – so you can gain workplace experience, network with potential employers and obtain academic credit towards your degree. Recently students have interned with the NHS, the RSPB and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Others have gained teaching experience in schools to support their teacher training applications. And some have joined us in our research in bacteria and stomach ulcers, immunogenetics, and automatic bat detectors in ecological consultancy.
You’ll learn in a supportive and personal environment with consistently excellent levels of student satisfaction.
The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme celebrates lecturers who’ve made an outstanding impact on student learning. Only four lecturers in the country for Biology have been awarded this honour, and two are at the University of Gloucestershire – Professor Adam Hart and Dr Anne Goodenough.
Work with leading practitioners, coaches, and professionals in specialist environments where you will develop your skills and gain real-world experience.
Our biology courses are ranked in 11th in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
Our biology courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2023.
Our biological sciences courses are ranked in the top 10 in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2023.
As part of your course you can gain valuable experience on an optional placement year.
“I guess growing up on the coast and spending my summers going through rock pools probably helped. It’s that fascination that’s taken me to some remarkable places and found me working with organisations such as the BBC, The Society of Biology and the EU Cooperation on Science and Technology. I’m recognised at the highest national levels as a biologist, entomologist, teacher and science communicator – and I think that’s a reflection of the enthusiasm I have for my subject.”
Adam Hart, Professor of Science Communication
“We spent a lot of time outside in nature doing surveys and research. We went on a trip to The Rocky Shores in Snowdonia National Park to research plants and crustations. There were geographers, animal biologists and climate researchers. I met my future husband on that field trip! I got a lot of support from lecturers around the modules best suited to my career goals – and I’m now Clinical Governance Facilitator for NHS Shetland.”
Sally Hall, Biology student
“My particular passions are ornithology and conservation (anything connected with birds and how to conserve both birds and other species fascinates me). I frequently invite students to work with me on my research projects. I’ve now published 18 papers jointly with students – and I’m always delighted with the level of commitment and skill they demonstrate.”
Dr Anne Goodenough, Professor in Applied Ecology
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