Biological Sciences BSc(Hons)

Professional accreditation

Our Biological Sciences BSc(Hons) degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

This programme has been accredited following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.

By choosing a course with accreditation, you can be confident that your course meets a set of criteria determined by bioscience professionals independent of the university. Accreditation provides a mark of good practice and provides an assurance that you will graduate with appropriate knowledge and skills.

Prepare for your career

Apply what you learn by putting scientific theory into practice both in the labs and in the field.

You will learn from researchers who are recognised experts in their field, equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to begin your career in the biological sciences.

You will study alongside students across our natural sciences courses, working together to solve problems and share your knowledge and experience. By working in this way you gain transferable skills that will be useful in your career.

Facilities for learning

Your lab-based learning is in our specialist laboratories which are purpose-built for studying molecular biology, microbiology and ecology.

Facilities include a dedicated microbiology lab, primary cell/tissue and secondary cell culture facility, molecular biology lab with access to RT-PCR equipment, an Image Analysis Suite with electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes, and a genomics/proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have gone on to careers in fields including laboratory science, forensics and scientific consultancy, education, and biological research. Roles include research scientist, researcher, hospital scientist, toxicologist, biotechnologist and laboratory analyst. Some choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level.

Further study

If you achieve the required standard in year 2 of your Biological Sciences degree, you can progress to the third year of the Biological Sciences MSci degree and study towards a masters-level qualification.

This degree also opens up a range of postgraduate study options. We have opportunities for further postgraduate study in the following fields, all of which can be a springboard to PhD level.

• Biological Sciences MRes
• Biomedical Sciences MRes
• Regenerative Medicine and Devices MRes
• Stress, Ageing and Chronic Disease MRes.

Supporting your employability

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

• Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
• Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
• Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
• Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
• Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
• Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more about our Careers Service...

Route to medicine

Students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine. You have the opportunity to apply either after year 1 or after your final year.

Entry requirements (after year 1)

• GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
• If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
• AAA at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade A; neither General Studies nor Critical Thinking are acceptable)
• If you took the International Baccalaureate, 36 overall with grade 6 in Higher level chemistry and biology
• Excellent term 1 class attendance record
• A 70% average for term 1 modules

Entry requirements (after the final year)

• GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
• BBB at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade B; General Studies and Critical Thinking are not acceptable)
• If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
• At least an upper second class degree
• A 70% average for year 2 modules

You also need to:

• take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) in your year of application
• make a UCAS application to BSMS by 15 October in your year of application
• have an excellent record of class attendance (80%) and assignment submission by deadline (if applying after final year).