DEGREE GUIDE

Biology

What do Biology degrees involve?

Biology degrees teach you how living organisms function, evolve, and interact with their environments, covering a broad range of life sciences. You will explore key areas such as genetics, ecology, microbiology, biotechnology, and physiology. These courses help you develop strong analytical, research, and laboratory skills while understanding the complexities of the natural world, from molecular biology to ecosystems. You will also gain hands-on experience through lab experiments, fieldwork, and independent research projects. With a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, you’ll be prepared for careers in healthcare, environmental science, biotechnology, and research.

Example
Modules

Molecular Biology: Learn how DNA is copied, transcribed and translated into proteins, and how cells control gene expression in different conditions.

Cell Biology: Explore how cells are structured, how they divide and communicate, and how organelles work together to carry out vital life processes.

Genetics: Understand inheritance, genetic variation and mutation, and how genes influence traits in individuals, populations and species.

Common Degree Names

💼 Most Biology courses offer placement years in labs, conservation organisations, or industry.
🌍 Study abroad is commonly available.

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
BSc (Hons) Biology
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Zoology
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences and Genetics
MSci Biological Sciences

MSci is an integrated Master’s degree that includes advanced study and research.

Level 3 (A-level / IB Diploma (HL) / Scottish Highers)

Biology degrees explore life at every scale – from molecules to ecosystems. Most universities expect a solid science foundation, especially in Biology, and many also look for Chemistry.

You'll need:

Biology – essential for almost all Biology degrees

Subjects that strengthen your application:

Chemistry – often required or preferred, especially for molecular or biomedical pathways
Maths or Physics – useful for courses with strong data or lab elements

✨ Biology and Chemistry together keep the widest range of options open. Many courses also accept Biology plus another science or Maths.

Other accepted qualifications may include:

BTEC Extended Diplomas in Applied Science, often with specific grade and unit requirements (and sometimes alongside an A-level in Biology or Chemistry)
T-levels in Science may be accepted by some universities—check course specifics

✨ Some universities are flexible, but others have firm subject requirements. Always check each university’s course page for the most accurate information.

Level 2 Qualifications (GCSE / MYP / National 5)

You’ll usually need:

GCSE English Language, Maths, and Science at grade 4/C or above, or National 5 passes or MYP equivalents

📘 Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) are ideal—but Combined Science is also widely accepted.

Some competitive universities may ask for higher grades in Science and Maths (e.g. grade 6/B or above).

💬 Interviews
Most Biology courses don’t require interviews. If you're applying to Oxford or Cambridge, you may be invited to an academic interview as part of the selection process.

📝 Admissions Tests
Only required for a few universities:

Oxford applicants may take the BMAT or TSA, depending on course structure
Cambridge applicants often sit a science-based written assessment during their interview

For most universities, no admissions test is needed.

🔍 Work Experience
Not required, but helpful. Lab placements, science summer schools, or volunteering in conservation, veterinary, or healthcare settings can show interest and enhance your personal statement.

If your qualifications don't match the usual entry requirements, there are some other possibilities.

🌱 Science Foundation Year
Many universities offer a foundation year for students who haven’t met the subject or grade requirements. After successful completion, you can progress directly onto the Biology degree.

🎓 Access to HE Diploma (Science or Biology)
This is a popular route for mature students or those without A-levels. Look for an Access course with Biology and Chemistry units, and aim for Distinctions in science modules.

💼 Level 3 Apprenticeships
Relevant apprenticeships—like Lab Technician or Ecology Assistant—can offer practical experience and sometimes lead into university study, especially if followed by a foundation year or additional academic qualifications.

Is this degree right for you?

Members can explore whether this degree fits who they are:

Skills you'd develop and whether they match your strengths
How this aligns with your interests, motivators and values
Career paths and where graduates end up

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Skills you would develop in a Biology degree

Scientific & Laboratory Methods: Learn to carry out experiments, fieldwork, and lab techniques to study living organisms.
Research & Data Analysis: Collect, interpret, and present data on plants, animals, ecosystems, and cells.
Analytical & Critical Thinking: Evaluate scientific evidence and develop well-reasoned conclusions.
Problem-Solving: Tackle biological questions, from genetics to ecology, using evidence-based approaches.
Attention to Detail: Develop accuracy when working with data, experiments, and biological samples.
Digital Literacy & IT Skills: Use specialist software and digital tools for research, modelling, and analysis.
Communication (Written, Verbal, Digital): Share scientific findings and complex ideas clearly with different audiences.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Work effectively with others during field studies, lab work, and group research.
Adaptability & Resilience: Adjust to new discoveries, research methods, and unexpected results.
Sustainability & Ethical Awareness: Understand the ethical and environmental issues linked to biology and conservation.

Is this a good fit for you?

Use the tabs to explore the kind of person that this would be a good fit for. Do you share the Interests, Motivations and Values that people who thrive in this course tend to have? How does it compare to your Holland code?

Not sure what your Holland Code is? Want to get a better understanding of yourself to help you understand if this would fit you? Explore our pages on Self-Knowledge here.

Interests that would make a Biology degree a good match for you

Careers a Biology degree could lead you to