BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year
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    BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year

    University of Birmingham
    University of Birmingham
    United Kingdom
    United Kingdom, Birmingham
    University Rank:#80
    Go to Official Website
    Duration4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 38,503 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026

    BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year

    About

    Biological Sciences at the University of Birmingham

    Study Biological Sciences with an International Year BSc at Birmingham and you'll learn about animals, plants and microorganisms - their genetic make-up, their cellular structure and how they interact in our natural environment.

    This Biological Sciences with an International Year BSc degree gives you a solid base in the subject and also gives you the opportunity to specialise in areas such as genetics or zoology. You'll benefit from some of the country's best facilities and technology, being taught by experts in the field renowned the world over for their cutting-edge research.

    Specialist Degree Labels

    Across all of our Biological Sciences programmes you are able to reflect on the modules you have taken and add a specific pathway (if you meet the requirements) at the start of the final year of your degree programme. These labels enable you to showcase a particular area of interest and skills that may act as a springboard to the next stage 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

    Read more about our Biological Sciences Specialist Degree Labels

    This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers.

    This Biological Sciences with an International Year BSc undergraduate degree enables you to understand the origins of life, how organisms function and how they interact in the natural environment. UCAS code C100.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    We will consider students who have taken GCE A Level examinations or the International Baccalaureate (IB) for entrance to onto our undergraduate programmes. Holders of the Thanawiyah are not normally eligible for direct entry onto our undergraduate courses without the completion of a suitable foundation programme, such as one of our foundation pathways.

    English Language

    You will need to demonstrate a certain level of English language, either through an English test such as IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, or we may be able to accept your previous or alternative qualifications as evidence. Please view the entry requirements for specific programme requirements, and details on our presessional English language courses.

    English Program Requirements


    Number of A levels required:
    3
    Typical offer:
    AAA
    Required subjects and grades:
    A level Biology/Human Biology and a second science°. Minimum of five GCSEs to include Mathematics, English and double award science at grade 4/C.

    °Subjects accepted as 'second science': Chemistry, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics or Statistics), Physics, Geography, Geology, Psychology

    Specified subjects excluded for entry: General Studies, Critical Thinking, Citizenship Studies, Applied Science, Communication and Culture, Critical Studies, Global Perspectives, Science in Society, Use of Maths and World Development.

    BTEC National Extended Diploma D*D*D* in Applied Science

    BTEC National Diploma D*D* in Applied Science or Forensic and Criminal Investigation and A Level grade A in Biology or Human Biology.

    BTEC National Extended Certificate D* in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, or Applied Psychology and 2 A Levels with grades AA, to include Biology or Human Biology.

    Or

    BTEC National Extended Certificate D* in any subject and 2 A Levels with grades AA, to include Biology or Human Biology and a second science subject.

    Access to HE (Science) with sufficient Biology and Chemistry content is considered. Contact Admissions Team for details.

    Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements.

    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.

    Alternative offers through our Pathways to Birmingham programmes and our Contextual Offer scheme

    Students who are eligible and successfully complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive special consideration from admissions tutors and an alternative offer (typically two grades below the standard offer). In addition, 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.

    International Students

    International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6, 6, 6 in Higher level subjects plus 32 points overall. Higher level subjects need to include the required subjects as defined for the A-level qualification.

    Standard English language requirements apply
    Learn more about international entry requirements

    Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in one of our foundation pathways, which offer specially structured programmes for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on Birmingham International Academy web pages.

    Career

    Graduates of the University of Birmingham are highly regarded among employers in the UK, and a Biological Sciences degree from Birmingham is an excellent qualification for securing your future career in a diverse range of industries and employment sectors. Our graduates have done consistently well over the last several years, ranking 5th in the Russell Group in terms of Graduate Prospects. Whether you have a clear idea of where your future aspirations lie or want to consider the broad range of opportunities available once you have a Birmingham degree, our careers and employability service, known as Careers Network, can help you achieve your goal.

    Typical Careers

    Advances in the biosciences are having a profound impact on our daily lives in areas from human health to conservation. Biotechnology, biological pharmaceuticals, and personalised medicine are key growth areas in the health sector. Over the next decade our increasing understanding of how genomes are regulated will revolutionise how we interact with the natural world. Environmental remediation, climate change and related themes pose multi-faceted challenges for the coming decades. Expert knowledge in biology and the life sciences will be in high demand for the foreseeable future, with excellent prospects for exciting and rewarding careers in research, education, media, industry, the NHS and the public sector.

    A significant number of our graduates choose to take a further degree, a postgraduate Masters or PhD. For many career paths, a further degree is an essential stepping-stone, including (but not limited to) careers in research. While many of our graduates remain in Birmingham and join one of our prestigious research groups, they are also highly sought after by universities around the world.

    Developing your career

    Careers Network, our unique careers guidance service is tailored to your academic subject area. Our team source exclusive work experience opportunities to help you stand out amongst the competition, with mentoring, global internships and placements available to you. Once you have a career in your sights, one-to-one support with CVs and job applications will help give you the edge. In addition, our employer-endorsed award-winning Personal Skills Award (PSA) recognises your extra-curricular activities, and provides an accredited employability programme designed to improve your career prospects.

    Professional Accreditation

    This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology 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.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    38,503 / year

    BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year

    University of Birmingham

    University of Birmingham

    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Birmingham

    Go to Official Website