BSc Biological Sciences
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, a biological sciences and biology degree focusing on organismal biology, ecology, and molecular life sciences. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Global & Comparative Perspective. The course is available in three-year full-time, four-year full-time with foundation, and four-year part-time formats. Year 0 covers foundational science and academic skills through Professional and Academic Skills for University Study, Applied Learning Project, and Foundations in Science. Year 1 builds a broad base with compulsory modules including Introduction to Ecology, Lab and Field Skills, Diversity of Life: form and function, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Introduction to Microbiology, and Genetics and Molecular Biology. Year 2 introduces practical training and data manipulation through Fieldwork Module, Data Technologies, and Techniques in Molecular Biology, alongside optional modules such as Biogeography, Adaptations to Life on Land, in Water and Air, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems, Genes and Genomics, and Infectious disease. Year 3 involves independent research and contemporary debates through Contemporary Issues in Biology and Biological Science dissertation, with further options spanning Biodiversity and Conservation, Monitoring the Earth's Surface, Health, Risk and Environment, Integrated Medical Genetics, Applied and Environmental Microbiology, and Gene Regulation.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A typical offer for this biological sciences degree would be: BBC at A Level or, DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or, Merit at T Level Further Information: In addition, you are expected to have studied a natural science subject (preferably Biology or Human Biology but Chemistry and Physics are also accepted) in an A Level at grade C, or equivalent qualification such as International Baccalaureate. We welcome international applicants and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications, as well as applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications. For more information on how to make an application for this biological sciences degree, please visit our How to Apply page . Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) Entry Requirements: Admission to the BSc Honours Biological Sciences 4 year Programme with Foundation Study is normally: DEE at A Level or, MPP at BTEC or, Pass (D or E) at T Level In addition, you are expected to have studied a natural science subject (preferably Biology or Human Biology but Chemistry and Physics are also accepted) in an A Level at grade d, or equivalent qualification such as International Baccalaureate. However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 10 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 97%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 69%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 72%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 65%
- Left higher education: 25%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 12 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Therapy professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 110 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 43%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 13%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Professional and Academic Skills for University Study
- Applied Learning Project
- Foundations in Science
- Introduction to Ecology
- Lab and Field Skills
- Diversity of Life: form and function
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology
- Introduction to Microbiology
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Fieldwork Module
- Data Technologies
- Techniques in Molecular Biology
- Biogeography
- Adaptations to Life on Land, in Water and Air
- Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems
- Genes and Genomics
- Infectious disease
- Contemporary Issues in Biology
- Biological Science dissertation
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Monitoring the Earth's Surface
- Health, Risk and Environment
- Integrated Medical Genetics
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology
- Gene Regulation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at University of Northampton earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £22,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £32,500. The £27,500 median after five years is £7,000 less than the UK median for Biosciences.
What do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at University of Northampton do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2022-23).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biological Sciences at University of Northampton?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2024-25.
What grades do I need for BSc Biological Sciences at University of Northampton?
The typical offer is BBC at A level. The average entrant had 99 UCAS points.
Does BSc Biological Sciences at University of Northampton include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences at University of Northampton?
65% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.