BSc Biological Sciences with Study in Continental Europe

This 4-year Biological Sciences with Study in Continental Europe BSc offers the chance to develop your language skills, while studying for a fully-fledged Biology degree, including practical training and lab-based project work.

Biology is the science of life. Study for the accredited Biological Sciences BSc at Birmingham and you'll learn about animals, plants and microorganisms - their genetic make-up, their cellular structure and how they interact with the natural environment.

You will join one of our European partner universities in third year, with teaching delivered in the language of the host country. Ahead of the year abroad, you take language classes, replacing one Biology module in 1st and 2nd year. Adventurous, demanding and enriching, this course helps your CV stand out.

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.

Our Biological Sciences BSc undergraduate biology degree with study in Continental Europe. Understand the origins of life, how organisms function and interact in the natural environment. UCAS code C101.

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.

Number of A levels required:

3

Typical offer:

AAB

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, and grade 6/B in a relevant foreign language (French, German or Spanish).

°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.

Please note that this course is not suitable for native or bilingual speakers, as improved language skills is one of the main learning outcomes for the year in Europe. Overseas students who would like to spend part of their education in their native country could consider the course Biological Sciences with Professional Placement BSc as an alternative, which would allow them to apply for placements outside the UK.

BTEC Extended Diploma D*D*D in Applied Science

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

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma D* in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology, or Applied Psychology and 2 A Levels with grades AB to include Biology or Human Biology.

Or

BTEC Subsidiary Diploma D* in any subject and 2 A Levels with grades AB, 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.

International Students

International Baccalaureate Diploma: 6, 6, 5 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.