MSci Biological Sciences with Professional Placement

The Biological Sciences with Professional Placement MSci course offers the opportunity to combine an academic degree course with a full year of professional training in a setting outside the University.

This flexible Biological Sciences with Professional Placement degree programme combines academic education with professional training in a non­-University setting. The modular course programme allows you to explore the full spectrum of biology, from ecosystems and organisms to molecular biology, keeping either a broad perspective or focussing on a narrowly defined area.

The placement extends over 10-11 months, intercalated between the second and final year. The project you will pursue during your placement allows you to apply your skills at an early stage in industry, non-governmental or public sector organisations.

Over the past few years our students have worked for the following organisations and companies:

In today’s competitive jobs market having work experience will look excellent on your CV. The experience of working as a professional bioscientist during the course of your degree will also help you to define your career objectives.

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 following an independent and rigorous assessment. Advanced Degree accreditation highlights the degrees that have the potential to educate the life science leaders and innovators of the future.

This Biological Sciences with Professional Placement BSc undergraduate degree course enables you to understand the origins of life, how organisms function and how they interact in the natural environment. UCAS code C102

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:

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.

The typical offer for the Professional Placement course is higher than that for the corresponding three year BSc degree course. However, all candidates who firmly accept the offer as their first choice will be automatically offered a place on the corresponding three year course should they fail the higher, but meet the standard offer.

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.

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.