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 Biosciences courses were ranked 2nd in the UK for academic support and 6th in the UK for teaching according to the National Student Survey 2024. They’re also ranked 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025.
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.
To support your undergraduate journey, we also offer fee waivers, bursaries and awards, for both UK and International students. At the end of your degree, as a Gloucestershire graduate you can choose to pursue one of our postgraduate courses, receiving a priority offer and an alumni fees discount.
Don’t worry about your results. We may be able to offer you a place on this course through UCAS Clearing even if you don’t meet the entry requirements below. Call us on 03330 432 414 to discuss your options.
104 – 120 UCAS tariff points, from any level 3 qualification, which includes A-levels, BTEC, T-levels and many other qualifications. Please see the UCAS tariff calculator for a list of level 3 qualifications and associated tariff points.
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 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.
You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.
| Start date | Location | UCAS code |
Fee (UK) Fee per year |
Fee (international) Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2024 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | C103 | £9,250 | £16,600 |
| Sep 2025 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | C103 | £9,250 | TBC |
| Sep 2026 | 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 | |||
At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.
95% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.
*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers
Discover our promisesWe offer a range of short-term and year-long placement options – so you can gain workplace experience, network with potential employers and obtain academic credit towards your degree.
Recent 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.
With this knowledge and experience, you’ll graduate career-ready and can go on to work as a biologist, ecologist, wildlife journalist, laboratory technician, conservation biologist, microbiologist, biotechnologist, researcher/teacher or environmental consultant.
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 biosciences courses are ranked 2nd in the UK for academic support according to the National Student Survey 2024.
Our biosciences courses are ranked 6th in the UK for teaching according to the National Student Survey 2024.
Our biological sciences courses are ranked 2nd in the UK for student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025.
Our biology courses are ranked in 11th in the UK for career prospects by the Guardian 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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