Ranking
Top 20
In the UK
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Course overview
Discover what it truly means to be human. This course dives deep into our biology, psychology, and behaviours, exploring our shared responsibility as the only species capable of safeguarding or endangering our planet and its ecosystems. This course will transform your approach to global challenges. You'll gain the skills and mindset to tackle complex issues with confidence, uniting innovation and human insight to drive real-world impact.
Study Human Sciences at the University of Birmingham
Lecturers are very passionate about what they're teaching you as that in turn makes you more motivated to learn
Join our three-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
In your first year, explore the foundations of human behaviour and global environmental challenges while engaging in hands-on learning experiences. Develop your academic skills and personal insights through a collaborative approach, including discussions on a popular science book that shapes your understanding of our world and our role in it.
Why study Human Sciences at Birmingham?
- 14th
in the UK
QS World University Rankings 2024
- Entrepreneurial training: Gain entrepreneurial skills with final-year modules, empowering you to launch your own start-up or innovative project.
- vibrant interdisciplinary structure: Seamlessly integrating genetics, psychology, sociology, and more to examine humanity's role in shaping ecosystems. alongside the flexibility to tailor your learning experience to your interests, ensuring that every student finds their passion while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the human condition and its global implications.
- Exciting field opportunities: Join an optional field trip to Norway, studying glacial ecosystems and their vulnerability to human impact.
- Join BioSoc: Connect with fellow Biosciences students through team sports, events, and specialist career conferences.
- Outstanding employability prospects: Prepare for dynamic careers in global organizations, start-ups, NGOs, government, and more, addressing urgent global needs.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
Your Human Sciences degree includes a mix of study modes including lectures, interactive tutorials, seminars, labs, and field trips. In your final year, you will specialise in either human or physical geography, diving deeper into what interests you most.
Lecture
Projects
Tutorial
- Blended Learning: Enjoy the flexibility of recorded lectures for self-paced study, paired with engaging face-to-face sessions focused on deeper exploration, problem-solving, and group discussions.
- Flipped Classroom: Prepare ahead with course material, then dive into interactive sessions that emphasize problem-solving, Q&A, and collaborative exploration with peers and lecturers.
- Hands-On Practical Classes: Gain essential lab experience with 3-hour sessions, developing critical research skills alongside academic and postgraduate researchers in cutting-edge facilities.
- Seminars and Workshops: Participate in seminar-style learning, workshops, and unique opportunities to engage directly with research in labs and large-scale facilities across the college.
Support during your studies
At the University of Birmingham, we’re committed to your success with comprehensive support tailored to your needs. Here’s how we ensure you thrive:
- Personal Tutors: Receive tailored academic support and guidance from a dedicated tutor who will track your progress and help you excel.
- Wellbeing Officers: Access professional support for a range of personal and academic issues, including extensions, adjustments, and overall wellbeing.
- Student Experience Team: Maximize your university experience with research opportunities, career preparation, and social events to connect with fellow students.
Assessment methods and feedback
Human Sciences uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that particular area of study.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Each academic year consists of 120 credits, typically divided into 20-credit modules. The final year includes a 40-credit research project, providing an opportunity to engage deeply with a specialised area of your interest.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Global Environmental Issues A | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LC Global Environmental Issues B | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LC Introduction to Human Sciences at Birmingham | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Personal and Academic Development in Human Sciences | 10 | Semester 2 |
Optional Modules
Choose 40 credits of optional modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Cities in Transition | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Cognitive Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Genetics I | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Sport, Exercise and Health Psychology | 20 | Semester 2 |
Students must choose 30 credits from the following list. They cannot take BOTH 23319 and 23318 and they cannot take BOTH 22924 and 39437.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Cell Biology & Physiology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Essentials of Cell Biology & Physiology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LC Evolution and Mammalian Biology | 10 | Semester 1 |
| LC Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology | 20 | Semester 1 |
Teaching staff
Admissions Tutor
Dr Michael Tomlinson
Admission tutor for Biosciences
Dr Mike Tomlinson has an international reputation in the two fields of platelets and cell surface biology, and has published in numerous edited books and scientific journals in these areas.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
AAB including two science subjects
- IB
6,6,5 including two science subjects
- BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance
Number of A levels required: 3
-
Required subjects and grades
Typical offer: AAB
AAB including two science subjects of Biology/Human Biology, Geography, Geology, Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics or Statistics), Physics, Economics, PE/Sports Studies
General studies
We do not accept General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Applied Science, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Global Perspectives, Science in Society and World Development
BTEC Qualifications
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance
Extended Project Qualification
Applicants who take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for the programme, plus an alternative offer, which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ.
Deferred Entry
Deferring admission is usually not a problem but please inform the School or central Admissions. The university has a neutral attitude to gap years. You can still apply in advance for deferred entry and would be advised to do so.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBB including two science subjects
- Contextual Offer
ABB including two science subjects
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
- £9,535
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 29 January 2025
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Career opportunities
Our graduates are highly regarded among employers in the UK, as evidenced by the fact that we’re the UK university most targeted by top graduate employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2024’ report). Our courses are committed to your future career, and university is just the start.
I would definitely say that the highlights of university come from my placement year where I was able to independently carry out a research project then present it at a national research conference.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
With a Human Sciences degree from the University of Birmingham, you’ll unlock endless possibilities in an evolving global job market.
Whether in start-ups, global corporations, NGOs, or agencies like WHO and UNICEF, this program equips you to lead, innovate, and drive change. As the UK’s most targeted university by top employers, you’ll gain unmatched career support and become a sought-after graduate ready to tackle the world’s biggest challenges with confidence.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.