Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) – 2024 entry

Key information

Start date: September 2024

AwardUCAS codeCourse duration
BSc (Hons) UCAS: 7C533 years View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: 7C554 years with foundation year View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: 7C544 years with professional training View KIS data set
BSc (Hons) UCAS: 7C565 years with foundation year and professional training View KIS data set
View Biological Sciences - 2023 entry

Apply for your chosen course online through UCAS, with the following course and institution codes.

CourseUCAS codeInstitution code
BSc (Hons)7C53S85
BSc (Hons) with professional training7C54S85
BSc (Hons) with foundation year7C55S85
BSc (Hons) with foundation year and professional training7C56S85

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Open days

Prospectus

Clearing 2023

Why choose this course

90%

Satisfaction score for biological sciences in the National Student Survey 2022.

97%

Of our biosciences and medicine graduates go on to employment or further study - Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022.

  • Select modules tailored to your interests, with the option to specialise in either animal biology and ecology, cellular and molecular sciences, or infection and immunity.  
  • Access our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory to acquire practical experience that is essential for a research career and valued by a wide range of employers.  
  • Gain industry experience through our Professional Training placements, where you can work in one of our partner laboratories across the world.  
  • Conduct fieldwork both on campus and further afield, with the opportunity to practise your scientific skills in a non-controlled environment.
Undergraduate Biosciences | University of Surrey

What you will study

On this course, you’ll investigate biological structure and function at various levels, from molecules to cells, through to whole organisms, communities and ecosystems. 

In your first year, you’ll study topics that are fundamental to biosciences, ensuring you have a solid foundation upon which to build the rest of your degree. 

During your second year, you’ll have the option to specialise in either animal biology and ecology, cellular and molecular sciences, or infection and immunity. 

Alternatively, you can choose from a variety of broader modules including analytical biochemistry, cellular microbiology and neuroscience. 

In your third year, you’ll further your knowledge of your chosen specialism or broader study by exploring topics such as advanced pharmacology, genetics, and the impact of humans on the environment. You’ll also complete a research project, bringing together all the practical, analytical, and presentation skills you’ve developed. 

Related courses

Biochemistry BSc (Hons) or MSci (Hons)

Biomedical Science BSc (Hons) or MSci (Hons)

Food Science and Nutrition BSc (Hons)

Microbiology BSc (Hons)

Nutrition BSc (Hons)

Nutrition and Dietetics BSc (Hons)

Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)

Veterinary Biosciences BSc (Hons)

Fieldwork 

You’ll conduct fieldwork both on campus and further afield, with the opportunity to practise your scientific skills in a non-controlled environment. You’ll visit several sites, including Birdworld, the Natural History Museum, Merristwood College, the Millennium Seedbank and the Surrey Wildlife Trust.  

Facilities 

You’ll benefit from hands-on learning in our £12.5 million Innovation for Health Learning Laboratory, where TV screens are used to show you how to conduct experiments and follow scientific protocols.  

The Laboratory is fitted with the latest industry equipment that you’ll use to carry out a full range of experiments. These include studying the microorganisms used in biotechnology and those that cause human infectious diseases, exploring cell biology to understand the make-up of cells and tissues, and delving into molecular biology to study genes and their biochemistry, physiology and regulation. You’ll complete your first experiment within your first two weeks. 

The time you spend in our facilities will give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with biological science methodology and develop the practical laboratory experience that’s essential in a research career and valued by a wide range of employers. 

In your final year, depending on your research project, you may also get to use our dissertation laboratory. 

Teaching staff 

We have a research-led focus to our teaching, ensuring everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to employers. You’ll be taught by lecturers who are active researchers. These may include:  

  • Dr Kikki Bodman-Smith, an immunologist with expertise in inflammatory diseases 
  • Dr Alison Cottell, an expert in antibiotic and biocide bacterial resistance who’s previously worked as a biomedical scientist 
  • Dr Lorenzo Santorelli, an evolutionary biologist with expertise in co-operative behaviour in macro and microorganisms. 

Professional recognition

BSc (Hons) - Royal Society of Biology
Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Careers and graduate prospects

We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.

This course will prepare you for a wide range of careers, from scientific and technical roles in specialised areas, through to those which draw upon the breadth of biological sciences, such as teaching and science journalism. 

97% of our biosciences and medicine students go on to employment or further study.* Typical roles include:

  • Healthcare scientists 
  • Laboratory technicians 
  • Quality officers. 

Our alumni can be found in hospital, academic and industrial research laboratories around the world, with recent graduates working for: 

  • AstraZeneca 
  • GlaxoSmithKline 
  • Novartis 
  • Procter and Gamble 
  • Public Health England 
  • The Food Standards Agency 
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific. 

With the critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, decision-making, and communication skills learnt throughout the course, several graduates have sought alternative careers in leisure, management and retail industries. Many students also use this course to apply for further study, including postgraduate research, and graduate dentistry and medicine programmes. 

*Graduate Outcomes survey 2022, HESA

Staff

This course is taught by academic staff from the School of Biosciences.

Biological Sciences | On the sofa at the University of Surrey.

Dr Lorenzo Santorelli

Programme leader

Accreditations

RSB logo

Accreditation

RSB logo

Student support

Personal tutor

All taught students are assigned a personal tutor to support you while you study.

Student life

Our campus

At Surrey we offer the best of both worlds – a friendly campus university, set in beautiful countryside with the convenience and social life of Guildford on your doorstep.

Academic year structure

The academic year is divided into two semesters of 15 weeks each. Each semester consists of a period of teaching, revision/directed learning and assessment.

Modules

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.

The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff. Modules usually can be either 15, 30, 45 or 60, 75 and 120 credits, and additionally for some masters dissertations, 90 credits.

The structure of our programmes follow clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes.

Please note: The full module listing for the optional Professional Training placement part of your course can be viewed on the relevant programme specification.

Module titleStatusSemester
FOUNDATION YEAR FOR BIOSCIENCESCompulsoryYear-long

Optional modules for Foundation - FHEQ Level 3

For further information relating to FHEQ levels 4, 5 and 6, including learning outcomes, aims and module information please view the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences.

Timetables

Course timetables are normally available one month before the start of the semester. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday). Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities. View our Code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF).

Teaching

Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of: 

  • Fieldwork 
  • Group work (e.g. discussion groups) 
  • Laboratory-based practicalspractical's 
  • Lectures 
  • Online learning 
  • Role plays 
  • Seminars 
  • Tutorials. 

Outside of these, you’ll be expected to carry out independent study, including coursework, essays, laboratory write-ups and reading. 

There may be occasions when the delivery of your teaching is supported by graduate teaching assistants. The University has a set of procedures that govern the use of postgraduate research students in this way.

Assessment

We use a variety of methods to assess you, including: 

  • Coursework 
  • Essays 
  • Examinations 
  • Practical write-ups 
  • Presentations. 

Contact hours

You’ll have approximately 24 contact hours each week. You’ll spend almost a quarter of your first-year teaching in laboratory-based practicals or completing fieldwork. This will vary in your second-year, dependent on what modules you choose to study. 

Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.

Entry requirements

A-level

Overall: BBB.

Required subjects: Biology or Chemistry at grade B and a second science or Mathematics. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass.

Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade C(4) (or equivalent). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.

Foundation year: A-level CCC (or equivalent) to include one Science A-level.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade C(4) (or equivalent).

BTEC (QCF Level 3) Extended Diploma

Overall: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science) (please contact us if you are taking a different BTEC).

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade C(4) (or equivalent). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.

International Baccalaureate

Overall: 32.

Required subjects: HL5/SL6 in Biology or Chemistry and a second science or Mathematics. 

GCSE or equivalent: English and Maths HL4/SL4. Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.

European Baccalaureate

Overall: 75%.

Required subjects: Biology or Chemistry with at least 7.5 and at least 7.5 in a second science or Mathematics (5 Period).

GCSE or equivalent: English 6 (Language 1/2) or 7 (Language 3), and Mathematics 6. Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.

Access to HE Diploma

Overall: QAA-recognised Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits overall including 27 at Distinction and 18 at Merit.

Required subjects: This must include 15 Level 3 credits in Biology or Chemistry and 15 Level 3 credits in a second science or Mathematics.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade C(4) (or equivalent). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.

Scottish Highers

Overall: ABBBB.

Required subjects: Biology or Chemistry and a second science or Mathematics.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Maths Scottish National 5 - C. Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.

Welsh Baccalaureate

Overall: Pass overall with BBB from a combination of the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and two A-levels.

Required subjects: Biology or Chemistry and a second science or Mathematics. Applicants taking the Science Practical Endorsement are required to pass.

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics ­– Numeracy as part of the Welsh Baccalaureate. Please check the A-level drop down for the required GCSE levels.

Please note: A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not accepted.

T Level

Overall: Distinction

Required subject: Science

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at Grade C(4) (or equivalent). Applicants must have achieved these grades at the time of making their application.

Foundation year: T Level Pass

Required subject: Science

GCSE or equivalent: English Language and Mathematics at grade C(4) (or equivalent).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) will receive our standard A-level offer for this programme, plus an alternate offer of one A-level grade lower, subject to achieving an A grade in the EPQ. The one grade reduction will not apply to any required subjects.

Applicants can only receive one grade reduction from the published grades, an EPQ grade reduction can’t be applied in addition to other grade reductions made through other schemes such as Contextual Admissions or In2Surrey.

Do I meet the requirements for this course?

We require you to submit a full application so that we can formally assess whether you meet the criteria published. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an outcome based on an enquiry (via email, webform enquiry, phone or live chat).

International entry requirements by country

Other international qualifications

If you are an international student and you don’t meet the entry requirements to this degree, we offer the International Foundation Year at the Surrey International Study Centre. Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree course.

English language requirements

IELTS academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.

View the other English language qualifications that we accept.

If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.

Selection process

We normally make offers in terms of grades.

Foundation

On this course, you can choose to study a foundation year, designed to develop your skills and make it easier for you to get started at university. As a foundation student, you’ll study full-time for one year at foundation level. After successful completion of this year, you’ll move onto your chosen version of this course. 

Find out more about our entry requirements, fees and how to apply. 

Recognition of prior learning

We recognise that many students enter their higher education course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of professional, vocational and community contexts. 

If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning (RPL) process may allow you to join a course without the formal entry requirements or enter your course at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience. 

There are restrictions on RPL a for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please see the code of practice for recognition of prior learning and prior credit: taught programmes (PDF) for further information. 

Please contact Admissions on +44 (0)1483 682222 with any queries. 

International Foundation Year

The International Foundation Year provides international students with the study skills and English language training in preparation for undergraduate study.

Contextual offers

Did you know eligible students receive support through their application to Surrey, which could include a grade reduction on offer?

Fees

The annual tuition fees for courses starting in September 2024

BSc (Hons)

UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with foundation year)

UK
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with professional training year)

UK
To be confirmed
Overseas
To be confirmed
Professional training
To be confirmed

BSc (Hons) (with foundation and professional training year)

UK
To be confirmed
Professional training
To be confirmed

View a complete listing of all ongoing fees for our undergraduate courses.

  • Fees for UK students: The University will apply annual regulated increases in the fee rates as set by Government each year, in order to maintain the same value in real terms. 
  • Fees for EU students: The UK is now no longer part of the EU, we are awaiting further instruction from the UK government and we will publish this as soon as it is provided. Find out more information about Studying in the UK and the Scholarships for EU students.
  • Fees for international students: Annual fees will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements. 
  • Fees for international students with an integrated foundation year: The programme fee for Year 0 will match the lowest Year 1 overseas fee rate from across the substantive programmes for that year of entry. Students subsequently progressing into Year 1 will be liable for the same fee as overseas students joining at Year 1 for the same programme in that year. Annual fees after Year 1 will increase by 4% for each subsequent year of study, rounded up to the nearest £100, subject to any overriding applicable legislative requirements. 

The University will assess your fee status. If you are unsure whether you are likely to be considered a home, EU or overseas student for fees purposes, the UKCISA website offers more information.

Payment schedule

  • Students in receipt of a Tuition Fee Loan: will have their fees paid by the Student Loans Company in line with their schedule.
  • International students, or UK/EU students who have not taken out a Tuition Fee Loan: are required to pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
    • 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be early October of each academic year)
    • 50% in January of the same academic year.

The exact date(s) will be detailed on invoices. Students on certain part-time programmes, where fees are paid on a modular or stage basis, are not eligible to pay their fees by instalment.

If you are sponsored: you will provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of your study.

Professional Training placement fees

If you are studying on a programme which contains a Professional Training placement year there will be a reduced fee for the academic year in which you undertake your placement. This is normally confirmed 12 to 18 months in advance, or once Government policy is determined.

See the information about 2023/24 academic year Professional Training placement fees.

Additional costs

There are associated costs with this course:

  • Safety equipment and/or uniform: £23 – equipment pack (includes laboratory coat, laboratory glasses, laboratory books, pen and bag). You are responsible for the costs associated with maintaining/washing/replacing any equipment.

Grand total: £23.

These additional costs are accurate as of September 2022 and apply to the 2023 year of entry. Costs for 2024 entry will be published in September 2023. 

Placements

Our award-winning Professional Training programme offers you the option to spend a career-enhancing year in industry, either in the UK or abroad. We have thousands of placement providers to choose from or you can source your own placement. 

Most placements are paid, and we will support you every step of the way. 

Find out more about Professional Training placements and discover how these have transformed our students’ lives and career choices. 

Biological sciences placements

You can choose to work for a range of employers, including pharmaceutical organisations, food suppliers, hospitals and biotechnology companies, to practise and enhance your skills. 

Previous students have gained placements in: 

  • Animal welfare 
  • Cancer research 
  • Environmental research  
  • Genetics 
  • Microbiology 
  • Molecular research 
  • Neuroscience research  
  • Pharmaceuticals. 

We also have an extensive number of partner institutions that offer placements exclusively to Surrey students, giving you access to research laboratories across the world. Our partner institutions include: 

  • Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 
  • Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China 
  • Stockholm University, Sweden 
  • The Nature Conservancy, New York, USA 
  • University of Saskatchewan, Canada 
  • University of Wollongong, Australia. 

You can also explore your transferrable skills by working in other fields, including scientific communications, marketing and data analysis. 

Applying for placements

Students are generally not placed by the University, however we offer support and guidance throughout the process alongside access to a vacancy portal representing thousands of placement opportunities each year. We also provide support if you wish to source your own placement. 

Find out more about the application process.

Please be aware there may be travel costs incurred when attending interviews and assessment centres at the placement provider’s premises.

Biomedical Sciences Professional Training Placement - IDBS

Biomedical science student, Kathryn Moll, talks about her placement at ID Business Solutions (IDBS).

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and procedures, the student regulations , and our terms and conditions. These terms and conditions are provided in two stages: first when we make an offer and second when students who have accepted their offers register to study at the University. View our offer terms and conditions for the 2023/24 academic year and our registration terms and conditions (PDF) for the 2022/23 academic year as a guide as to what to expect. 

Please note: our offer terms and conditions will generally be available in the September of the calendar year prior to the year in which you begin your studies. Our registration terms and conditions will vary to take into account specifics of your course and changes for the specific academic year.  

Disclaimer

This online prospectus has been prepared and published in advance of the academic year to which it applies. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to course content or additional costs) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the course. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a course with us and before you accept an offer. Read our full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Stag Hill

Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught. 

Placement location

As part of this course you have the option to complete a Professional Training placement which would require attendance off campus, depending on where you secure your placement.

University of Surrey Admissions

Contact Admissions Team

Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH