Biological Sciences

University of Salford

United Kingdom, Salford

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945

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Home/United Kingdom/Salford /University of Salford/Biological Sciences

University of Salford

United Kingdom , Salford

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

Course ID C200

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 18,120 / years

Next Intake September-2026

Biological Sciences

About

Introduction

In a nutshell

The COVID-19 pandemic highlights how much there is still to learn about how humans interact with and influence the natural environment. Gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us with our Biological Sciences degree.

Biological Sciences is the study of life. We've shaped our course, which is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, so you can explore and appreciate the diversity of living organisms, biological principles and processes, but also gain the competencies and employability skills that can help you to secure exciting graduate career opportunities emerging in laboratories and out in the field.

During your studies, you will experience hands-on learning where you apply theory to practice. Along with fieldwork opportunities, you will use our advanced Bodmer laboratories to develop scientific and transferable skills ready for your career in biological sciences.

This programme includes an optional placement year approved by an academic placement coordinator, which offers you the chance to put your studies to use in a real working environment. There may also be the opportunity to spend a year studying biological sciences in the USA as a part of this programme.

Start your study journey

Register for our next Open Day to learn more about studying biological sciences, explore our facilities and meet the course team

You will:

Benefit from hands-on experience in our advanced Bodmer laboratories
Gain additional workplace skills by choosing to include a placement year
Learn from internationally-leading researchers in parasitology, biomedical science and molecular biology

Placement

options available

International

students accepted

Course accreditations

Build practical biology skills in our Bodmer labs

Learn biological sciences in a supportive environment

Work with other biological science students

Use our professional laboratory facilities

Get support from our experienced tutors

Gain practical experience for your career

Carry out experiments in our Bodmer Labs

This is for you if...

you are fascinated by human and natural sciences, and want an opportunity to study a broad range of biological science topics

you want to develop advanced laboratory skills ready to apply in real-world scenarios

you want to enhance your degree with an industry placement or study abroad

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Requirements

How to get acceptedon the biological sciences course

Applicant profile

Along with a passion for science, we are looking for applicants with a keen interest in the living world and a desire to develop fieldwork and laboratory skills.

English language requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications.

If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

Accreditation

This biological sciences course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, which means that it meets their requirements for receiving up-to-date knowledge in the right learning, support and teaching environment. Studying an accredited course is one way of showing employers you have the knowledge and skills that they are looking for in graduates and has the potential benefits of greater employability prospects and enhanced competitiveness in a crowded global jobs market.

Standard entry requirements

UCAS tariff points

104 - 112 points

A level

104 - 112 points including a C grade in A2 biology. A pass in the practical element of science A level must be achieved

BTEC National Diploma

DMM in a suitable science subject, which must include biology

BTEC Higher National Diploma

Possible entry to year three

T Level

If applying for this course, you will need 120 UCAS points in T Level Science.

Foundation degree

Possible entry to year three

Scottish Highers

104 -112 points from Higher Level, including Higher Level Biology

Irish Leaving Certificate

104 -112 points from Higher Level, including Higher Level Biology

International Baccalaureate

30 points including grade 4 in Higher Level Biology

European Baccalaureate

Pass in Diploma of at least 60% including at least one science subject

Access to HE

112 UCAS points from QAA-approved Science access course, must include Biology.

GCSE

English language and mathematics at grade C or 4 or above.

You must fulfil our GCSE entry requirements as well as one of the requirements listed below

International students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements.

If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

Alternative entry requirements

Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

The cost of studying biological sciences

Your tuition fees are regulated by the UK government who has proposed changes to tuition fees for UK students studying in England from 1 August 2025. The fee stated reflects this proposed change, but remains subject to parliamentary approval. Your tuition fees may increase in your first and each subsequent year of your programme to the maximum amount permitted by UK law or regulation for that academic year.

Type of study	Year	Fees
Full-time home	2025/26	£9,535.00per year
Full-time international	2025/26	£17,650.00per year
Part-time	2025/26	part time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis

Additional costs

You should also consider further costs which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Biological Sciences field trips

All field trips are funded by the school but you may need to consider additional costs such as food and spending money.

International field trips that are part of core modules are also funded by the school but you will need to pay towards international field trips that are part of optional modules (although these are subsidised by the school) and you will be made aware of these costs before selecting the module.

Year in the USA Option

The major additional costs (as of June 2023) for the year in Toledo are as follows:

Flights – in recent years the cost for a return flight has been approximately £1,200 - £1,500.
Visa – currently $340; in addition all applicants must attend a visa interview in London, so will need to cover the travel costs incurred.
Health insurance – this will vary from one individual to another, but it will cost approximately $1,500 if obtained in the USA. There are also options to purchase a plan from the UK prior to departure.
Living costs - approximately $10,000 for 9 months.
Students pay only a reduced tuition fee to Salford while undertaking their studies in the USA and all tuition fees to the University of Toledo are waived. However students will have to pay approximately $200 on arrival to cover various services.

Most students are able to claim back a reasonable proportion of the above costs from Student Finance England as a grant: “You must pay the first £303 of your travel costs - and your travel grant will be reduced by £1 for each £8.73 of household income over £39,796.” See Travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (Gov.uk) for more information.

All registered Salford students are eligible to apply for funding under the Turing scheme, which is a UK government programme providing funding for International Opportunities. For more information on the Turing Scheme, please contact salford-iot@salford.ac.uk.

Scholarships for international students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships to study biological sciences. Explore our international scholarships.

English Program Requirements

Equivalent qualifications

English language requirements are shown on individual course pages. Generally, this is shown as an IELTS grade, however we accept a range of equivalent qualifications.

As a general guide:

For undergraduate courses we require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent

For postgraduate courses, we require IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent

For the International Foundation Year, we require IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum 4.0 in each component) in UKVI IELTS for UKVI (Academic)

The approved equivalent qualifications list includes the following:

Secure English Language Tests (SELTs)

University of Salford English language courses

Regional-based qualifications

Majority English Speaking Countries as deemed by UKVI

Medium of English Institutions

Applicants who require a Student Route visa to study in the UK may require evidence of a Secure English Language test rather than an examination or qualification due to visa requirements, as deemed by the UK Government Home Office, Visa and Immigration (UKVI).

Career

Employment and stats

After your Biological Sciences degree

Employment

We have shaped this biological sciences courses so you can develop a range of personal and professional skills which will make you highly employable. Alongside scientific skills in laboratory, field work, report writing, you also develop transferable skills in communication, data interpretation, teamwork and project management.

The global COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how vulnerable we all are to the emergence of infectious diseases, and it is likely to lead to huge investment in healthcare and scientific research. With a world brought closer together, we can no longer respond in isolation. With the skills you develop on this biological sciences course, you will be well-placed to apply for roles that require laboratory skills, develop treatments and better understand global health challenges.

Biological sciences graduates typically find roles in biomedicine, biotechnology, conservation, the pharmaceutical or food industries, research or teaching. Prospective employers include pharmaceutical companies, environment agencies, hospitals, forensic laboratories, clinical trials companies, medical writing companies, scientific sales and general management jobs.

Further study

You might find you want to learn more about biosciences. Building on our scientific expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses that can take your interests and career opportunities further. Salford graduates and alumni also receive a generous fees discount.

Biological Science graduates can also choose to follow a research programme with our Biomedical Research Centre or our Ecosystems and Environment Research Centre to further their knowledge in topics such as microbiology, parasitology and conservation. Learn more about postgraduate research opportunities available through our Doctoral School.

Some course alumni have also returned to Toledo to complete a PhD, and now have prestigious academic roles at Harvard University and Cornell University in the USA.