Minimum entry requirements

Required subjects

English language requirements

Other suitable qualifications

Selection process

 Programme overview

A Biological Sciences degree will provide you with an opportunity to study the structure and function of cells, which are fundamental to this science. The knowledge you gain will increase your understanding of the natural world we live in and the impact of changes introduced into this balanced ecosystem. You will have an opportunity to apply your knowledge to a number of current areas including environmental impact, health issues and food security. You will develop lifelong skills including the ability to solve problems, evaluate evidence and analyse data. 

This programme will give you a sound and broad background in biological sciences. You will have opportunities to familiarise yourself with state-of-the-art methodology, and sample some of its most exciting applications. 

The modular structure of our programme, with a broad base at the beginning, ample opportunities for specialisation at the end and the professional placement in the middle, will give you both breadth and in-depth knowledge, which is part of the secret behind the outstanding employability of our graduates. You will have the chance to choose from a wide variety of specialised subjects across the University, allowing optimum flexibility to create particular module combinations according to your own interests and aspirations. As a versatile and knowledgeable biological scientist, you will have a wide choice of careers upon graduation. 

In year 1 you will be given a broad base of knowledge and skills. You will study eight core modules. Much of the teaching is practice-based, taught in our state-of the-art teaching laboratories. Starting from the basis of A-level Chemistry, you will be guided towards the specific chemistry of biological molecules and biological processes. You will also follow other key modules covering topics such as Microbiology, Cell Biology and Molecular Biology and Genetics. 

During year 2 you will be exposed to more in-depth knowledge where you will apply basic theories to more complex scenarios in problem-solving exercises. You will study subjects such as Molecular Biology and Genetics, and Physiology in greater depth, and acquaint yourself with important novel subjects such as Pharmacology and Immunology, all of which are important in preparing you for your Professional Training year. Finally, you will study numerous aspects which will contribute to your bespoke degree in Biological Sciences from Health Ethics, an international language, Bioengineering and Psychology to Biomedical Sciences, Analytical Biochemistry, Enzymology and Metabolism in Health and Disease. 

In year 3 you will have the opportunity to further tailor your own degree by choosing optional modules in specific topics that are of particular interest to you. You will be able to select specific module choices from the areas of Neuroscience, Toxicology, Pharmacology and Medical Biochemistry, all of which are supported by a strong teaching structure and state-of-the art research, as well as other modules from other faculties such as Chemical Sciences, Management and Languages. 

The largest single component of the year is the research project carried out as a member of a research group under the supervision of academic staff. This will give you the opportunity to explore a research area you are especially interested in and develop specialised lab-based skills and experience. 

This degree programme benefits from a strong emphasis on laboratory-based practical work, and includes modules that focus on the cutting-edge aspects of this area of science. 

The flexibility of this programme is designed to allow you to focus on your choice of specialism in year 3 so that you can tailor your degree and progress onto many different career routes.

 Programme structure

The vast majority of our students choose to undertake a Professional Training year. We take great pride in our Professional Training programme, which is one of the very best available. Our experienced tutors help you to choose suitable placements from a strictly vetted selection of excellent industrial, hospital and academic institutions. 

Most of our placements provide a salary, and to ensure their success, students are visited by a tutor during the year. We have placements across the UK, including major pharmaceutical, food and biotechnology companies and research institutes. 

We also provide placements outside the UK. Examples of organisations that have participated in the scheme include the New Zealand Food Safety Authority, Solvay Pharmaceuticals (the Netherlands), the University of Turku (Finland), Okayama University (Japan) and Cornell University Medical School (USA).

 Graduate prospects

Graduates from our Biosciences programme have gone on to enter employment in roles such as:

• Procter & Gamble – Microbiology Researcher
• ICON – Clinical Project Administrator
• AstraZeneca – Analytical Chemist
• GlaxoSmithKline – Biochemist
• Genzyme – Quality Control Scientist
• Teaching within the FE and HE Sector – Biologist
• Food Standard Agency – Biochemist
• Health Protection Agency – Biomedical Scientist
• NHS – Manager
• Journalism

 Career opportunities

University of Surrey Biological Sciences graduates are employed in academic and industrial research laboratories throughout the world. Look for Surrey amongst the top universities for employment in general and subject-specific league tables. The majority of our graduates go immediately into the job market, and many others choose further study such as MSc degrees and PhD studentships. The many transferable skills that you will gain during your studies ensure that you will be a suitable candidate for a career as a laboratory manager, science teacher or science journalist, amongst many others.

Teaching

We offer a modular degree based on a structured programme of advanced study which allows you to pursue the subjects essential to your particular degree, but at the same time offers you the flexibility to study other subjects of interest. During your first year, almost a third of your time is spent in laboratory classes. 

In your second year, the study becomes more specialised and you will focus on many different aspects of the subject. In your final year, you will be performing your own scientific research project, usually in one of our research laboratories.

Assessment

Each module is assessed individually and credits are awarded for the successful completion of each one. Assessment takes place through a combination of examination and/or coursework, practical examinations and practical reports as appropriate. Credits are accumulated towards the award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) with honours. 

On average you will have approximately 24 hours of contact time each week (lectures, practical classes and tutorials), and you will also be expected to undertake private study such as laboratory write-ups, essays and other coursework for a similar amount of time.

Academic support 

You will be allocated a personal tutor to guide you through the programme and to advise on option and career choices, helping you to get the most from your studies with us. You will also be paired with a student from the year of study above you so that you may benefit from their recent experience on the programme. As a student at Surrey, you will be treated as an individual. You will feel welcome from your very first day, and our low student-to-tutor ratio ensures that you will get to know your personal tutor and other academic staff members well during your years with us.