Biological Sciences with an International Year BSc

• Placement Year: What sets this course apart is its 10-11 month industry placement, giving you a real taste of the professional world and allowing you to work with prestigious organisations like GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, and Kew Gardens.
• Field Courses: Learn beyond the classroom by travelling to exciting locations like Norway and Pembrokeshire. Explore new environments and gain practical experience in the field.
• Study Abroad: Spend your third year in France, Spain, Germany, or one of 300+ global destinations, immersing yourself in new cultures and learning from experts with our year abroad option.
• Royal Society of Biology Accreditation: Our degree ensures you meet employer needs and stand out in the job market.
• Join BioSoc: Connect with fellow Biosciences students through team sports, events, and specialist career conferences. Make friends, have fun and build your network.

Specialist Degree Labels

Across all of our Biological Sciences programmes, you have the exciting opportunity to reflect on your journey and add a specialised pathway in your final year (if you meet the requirements). These pathways allow you to showcase your unique strengths and areas of interest, giving you a competitive edge as you step into the next phase of your career. The following labels may be added to our Biological Sciences degree programmes:

• Human Health and Disease
• Microbiology and Infection
• Genetics
• Food Security and Sustainability
• Conservation Biology
• Zoology

• Innovative Lectures: Experience interactive, recorded lectures with instant polling and 'flipped' classroom techniques for deep, engaging learning. Explore topics through problem-solving and group discussions, enhanced by active online participation.

• Hands-On Practical Classes: Dive into 3-hour lab sessions, working at your own pace with direct guidance from researchers. Develop vital skills and gain real-world experience, crucial for future research careers.

• Research-Driven Teaching: Benefit from cutting-edge research that informs your studies, including live projects and past experiments. Engage with world-leading biochemists and apply research findings in practical settings.

• Advanced Facilities: Utilize our award-winning virtual lab-casting and state-of-the-art labs for hands-on training. Access high-tech resources during your final-year project to hone your skills and expertise.

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

Biological 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.

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.

To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.

Number of A levels required: 3

Required subjects and grades

Typical offer: AAA

AAA including Biology / Human Biology

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 or a Presessional English course.

• 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

Presessional English courses

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

Core Maths qualification

Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.

*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. 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. The fee for September 2025 entry was £9,535 for UK students. If you are applying for 2026 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.

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.

View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.

The Biological Sciences degree from Birmingham opens doors to a world of exciting career possibilities across diverse industries.

Graduates are highly sought after, consistently ranking among the top in the Russell Group for employability. With specializations in fields like biotechnology and conservation, and support from our dedicated Careers Network, you’ll be equipped to navigate a dynamic job market, whether you pursue research, healthcare, or education. Your future starts here!

Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:

The Binding Site
University of Birmingham
GSK
Elpida Therapeutics
Thermo Fisher Scientific
King's College London
UK Health Security Agency
Amgen
AstraZeneca
Wellcome Sanger Institute

Their job roles include:

Executive Assistant
Engineer Intern
Modelling and Simulations Engineer
Design Engineer
International Student Representative
Graduate Innovation Engineer
Healthcare Assistant
Social Research Officer
Operations Director
Content Marketing Manager

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.

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.

Flexible programmes to suit you

Not sure what you want to study?

Explore your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.