(Full time) 2022 start
Biology MBiol, BSc
Overview
Studying biology at Leeds will provide you with a holistic understanding across the breadth of the topic, from genes to behaviour and evolution to ecology. Building on a foundation year that includes core subjects of organismal biology, genetics and molecular cell biology, you have the option to tailor your degree as you progress through to the final year. Options you may select include human biology, conservation, immunology, microbiology, population genetics, bioinformatics, genetic engineering and many more.
You will be able to make an impact with this degree as biology has important applications in key global challenges. Current challenges include those arising from a growing world population and its impact on the environment, food security, medicine and health. Pressures on resources threaten endangered species and agricultural production, and biology is at the forefront of providing sustainable solutions to these global issues.
In addition, a revolution in genomics, gene modification and biotechnology are transforming the world around us and the way we live. You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge of the fundamental biological processes to understand and push forward these science-based solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.
Our optional Integrated Masters (MBiol) offers you an additional year of specialist training in biosciences and an extended research project.
Course highlights
Field course options include trips to Scotland, the Yorkshire Dales, Spain, South Africa and Kenya. These field courses will enable you to develop practical field-based skills in a wide range of habitats.
Access to visit and conduct research at the University’s state-of-the-art National Pig Centre.
Contribute to science with your final year research project with an expert in the field. For example, you could work with Dr Maria Beger on her project 'How can we manage coral reefs threatened by climate change?'.
Build practical experience undertaking modules including practical genetics, parasitology and field course options.
Flexible degrees
Biology is a broad-based degree within the School of Biology that offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.
Many of our School of Biology degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in zoology, ecology and conservation biology and genetics. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.
Biology or Biological Science?
Unsure of the difference between biology and biological sciences?
Accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
This accreditation is applicable to the following course variants: BSc Biology (Industrial); MBiol Biology; MBiol Biology (Industrial); MBiol Biology (International).
Course content
Year 1
You will be provided with the foundation for the rest of the degree programme, incorporating core elements of genetics, organismal biology, molecular and cellular biology. In addition, skills modules will cover statistics, study skills, laboratory techniques and a residential field course.
Modules span the breadth of biology including sustainable agriculture, marine biology, conservation of tropical forests, genome engineering with CRISPR Cas technologies and intracellular signalling. There is an extensive range of optional modules to choose from including immunology, virology or even learning a new language.
Year 1 compulsory field course: coastal and uplands habitats in Millport, Scotland.
During this residential field course on the Isle of Cumbrae, you will study coastal and upland habitats, where your research ethos is developed and fostered from the start through practicals and tutorials.
At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure offers you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable degree courses.
Year 2
You’ll advance your understanding, analytical expertise and study skill with core modules in evolution, animal and plant biology.
Your degree can be tailored with a wide range of optional modules that include topics in ecology, human genetics, genomics, development and parasitology. You will also have the opportunity to visit the University Farm, home to the new £11 million National Pig Centre, to learn about animal nutrition and behaviour in optional modules.
Year 2 optional field courses: mediterranean ecology in Spain; terrestrial ecology and behaviour in the Yorkshire Dales.
At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This adds an additional year of study to your degree.
Year 3
Select a mixture of your favourite modules from our four-module groups:
Animal - includes social insect biology and a series of research-led advanced topics modules focussing on behaviour, ecology and evolution.
Genetic - includes teaching from clinical geneticists at St James hospital whilst other modules cover important themes such as sustainable agriculture, biotechnology as well plant and animal development.
Plant biology.
Ecology.
Conduct your own independent research project, selected from a list of potential supervisors based on the topic that you find most interesting. Examples of recent projects include:
Impacts of climate change on birds – field-based project.
Epigenetic influences on fitness – lab-based project.
Oncogenic reprogramming of the immune system - clinical labs-based project at St James Hospital.
Projects are usually closely aligned to the research of the academic supervisor and provide access to our state-of-the-art faculties from super-resolution microscopy to supercomputing.
Year 3 optional field course: South Africa field course.
Integrated Masters (MBiol)
Our integrated Masters MBiol programme shares the same year 1 and 2 studying with our BSc programme, providing a foundation knowledge and skills.
Year 3 (MBiol)
You will conduct two short research projects that will provide essential preparation for your year 4 extended research project. The emphasis in this year is placed on project design and planning, as well as providing the practical skills that will be essential in the final year.
Year 4 (MBiol)
Your extended research project is the pinnacle of your MBiol studies and can be field or lab-based. Most of year 4 is devoted to your research project, allowing you to work alongside our experts to explore a specific topic in biology. This helps to develop the high-level research and professional skills that will serve you well in your future career.
Alongside this, you will study a range of Masters-level optional modules including bioscience and conservation.
You can also build your skills in statistics or study medical diagnostics, while the African field ecology module gives you another chance to apply your knowledge to fieldwork in Kenya.
Year 4 optional field course: African field course is based at Mpala Research Centre, Laikipia, Kenya.
This field course will provide you with a first-hand appreciation of the ecology and conservation concerns of an African savannah community, both for the wildlife and the people who live in the area.
Part time study
This course is also available to study part-time over 6 years. If you choose this option you'll study alongside our full-time students and the course content will be the same, but delivered at 50% of the intensity. As these courses are delivered primarily for full-time students you may need to attend the University on several occasions each week. Times are likely to vary with each new semester and will depend on the scheduling of compulsory modules and your choice of optional and elective modules.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.
Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study.
As a guide, a typical week in your first year will include nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.
Independent study and research are also crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers training to help you make the most of them.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAB
BSc: AAB
MBiol: AAA
Including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If biology is the only science subject then an A grade is required. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.
We accept the following:
Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics.
Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, PE, psychology, statistics.
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ (BSc applicants) or AAB and grade A in the EPQ (MBiol applicants).
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
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Access to HE Diploma
BSc:
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at D39M6P0 including distinctions in biology and mathematics or chemistry. Accept Access courses in Applied Science and Science. Will also consider (depending on subject content):biochemical sciences
biological and environmental science
biological and health science
biological sciences
biosciences
combined sciences
environmental science
life and biological science
life science
medical and health science professions
natural sciences
physical & natural sciences.
MBiol:
We do not accept Access to HE. -
BTEC
BSc:
Applicants with BTEC qualifications (Diploma or Extended Diploma) are required to have A2 level biology (maths, chemistry and physics may be acceptable alternatives depending on the BTEC subject). Distinctions in the BTEC subject and an A or B grade (BTEC subject dependent) for the A-level subject are required.Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must have at least 2 A2 levels and at least one of these must be in biology.
MBiol:
We do not accept BTEC qualifications. -
Cambridge Pre-U
BSc:
D3/D3/M1 including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If biology is the only science subject then a D3 grade will be required. Global Perspectives excluded.MBiol:
D3/D3/D3 including biology and preferably another science subject. Global Perspectives excluded.When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (BSc applicants) or D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (MBiol applicants).
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International Baccalaureate
BSc:
34 (with 17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at higher level.MBiol:
35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at higher level. -
Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
BSc:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at higher level.MBiol:
H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject at higher level. -
Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
BSc:
Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AB in 2 Advanced Highers including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. General studies and critical thinking excluded. If biology is the only science subject then an A grade is required.MBiol:
Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. General studies and critical thinking excluded.Science subjects include: biology, human biology, chemistry, maths and physics.
Science-related subjects include: computing, environmental science, geography, geology, P.E, psychology, science in society, statistics, food science and use of maths.
Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds offer
BSc – A level: BBB
MBiol – A Level: ABB
Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.
GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
Access to Leeds: Pass
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions guidance
Visit our admissions guidance page for more information about applying to undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.
Application process
The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants
As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.
Interviews
Interview methods may vary depending on the circumstances and/or geographical location of the applicant. For example, interviews may take place on a one to one basis or via Skype, video conferencing or telephone. Where possible the Faculty of Biological Sciences will accommodate requests for alternative interview dates, however an alternative cannot be guaranteed.
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £25,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem-solving.
Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the faculty student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.
Our graduates have, for many years, experienced high employment rates and a high proportion quickly gain employment upon graduation. With the expansion of the biosciences comes the generation of new and varied career opportunities. The skills and knowledge you develop will be relevant to biology-related careers as well as broader opportunities after graduation.
Typical graduate careers include:
Academic researcher
Marine Biologist
Secondary school teacher
Medical writer
Clinical Scientist
Nature conservation officer
Examples of recent graduate destinations include:
MSc Biodiversity & Conservation
PhD Biological Sciences
Physician Associate
Regulatory Affairs Assistant
Trainee Clinical Scientist
PGCE Secondary Science (Biology)
Careers support
We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.
We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield NHS Ecological consultancies, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.
Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.
Combined study and working abroad
Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.
Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.
Field courses
One of the most exciting aspects of our degrees is the range of opportunities for fieldwork on offer. Field courses offer valuable opportunities to apply your knowledge and practical research skills outside of the lab, so we offer the option of a field course in every year.
Year 1: Coastal & Upland Habitats, Millport
Compulsory module: A week’s in-depth study of animals and plants in their natural habitats. Students are allocated to a group and each group has its specialist topic. For example, you may explore diurnal rhythms in insects, rocky shore diversity, seaweed ecology or how parasitic disease affects animal distribution. You will have a chance to observe birdlife, seals and even whales (and the ice cream shop!).
Year 2: Mediterranean Ecology Field Course
Optional module: Usually involving a trip to the Iberian Peninsula, this course allows you to explore issues surrounding biodiversity conservation across Europe, including the challenges of growing human populations and habitat restoration. You’ll work in groups of two or three to conduct independent research projects. Recently these have included social interactions between macaque troops, the effects of feather parasites on bird performance and thermoregulation in lizards.
Year 2: Terrestrial Ecology and Behaviour, Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales
Optional module: Based at Malham Tarn in the Yorkshire Dales, an internationally important reserve in a spectacular limestone landscape with a wide variety of terrestrial and freshwater habitats. Projects may include territoriality and habitat preferences of woodland birds, the ecology of carnivorous plants, cave spiders and limestone pavement ecology. Plus there’s our infamous treasure hunt and pub quiz.
Year 3: South Africa Field Course
Optional module: Based at the Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The area is rich in plants, birds and mammals (including the ‘big five’ – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard). Group projects designed by the students centre on the theme of a ‘landscape of fear’, and there are also guest lectures by local experts, a bird diary to complete, night drives in safari vehicles and a boat trip to watch birds and sometimes even whales.
Year 4: (MBiol) African Field Course
Our MBiol also offers you the chance to go to Kenya in your final year to conduct research at the Mpala Research Centre with a focus on ecological, conservation and wildlife management challenges in a semi-arid savannah environment. The course will be based primarily around small-group projects that are of ecological or conservation relevance to the region. This will reinforce and broaden your knowledge and understanding of the area and build upon aspects of the ecological training received at Leeds.