BSc (Hons) Biology at Swansea University

Programme overview

Biology at Swansea provides a foundation in the study of life and ecosystems, combining fieldwork, laboratory research and theoretical study from the molecular scale to whole ecosystems. Students are based on the Singleton Park Campus overlooking Swansea Bay. The programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Department: School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics | Duration: 3 years full-time; 4 years with a Foundation Year, Year Abroad, Year in Industry or Year in Applied Research | Intake: September | Location: Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year one covers the diversity of life, cellular and microbial biology, animal behaviour, ecology, evolution, genetics and the oceans, plus scientific writing and data analysis. Year two includes a residential plant ecology field course before specialising in microbiology, whole organism biology or community biology and conservation. Year three spans molecular biotechnology to global challenges, an optional international tropical ecology field trip and a capstone research project.

Career pathways

Graduates have gone on to roles including biotechnologist, lecturer or teacher, microbiologist, nanotechnologist, ecologist, nature conservation officer, wildlife and education officer, hydrometry and telemetry officer, scientific technician, benthic taxonomist, writer, animal keeper, animal physiotherapist and soil scientist or crop technician, as well as sustainability, ecotourism and international organisations such as the UN, FAO, WWF, WHO and UNESCO. The degrees are accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

BSc (Hons), 3 years: A level typical offer ABB-BBB including A level Biology or Human Biology. BTEC: DDD in Applied Science, Countryside Management Environmental Sustainability, BTEC Level 3 Nationals in Countryside Management or City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Countryside Management. Access: in Biomedical, Forensic, Applied, Bio, Natural or Biophysical Sciences, a minimum of 24 Distinctions (3 must be Biology) and 15 Merits in Science at Level 3. T Level: Distinction in any subject to include a Grade B at A level Biology or Human Biology. Mixed qualifications: 120 UCAS tariff points from the 3 highest qualifications, including 40 tariff points in a relevant subject. International Baccalaureate: 32 including 5 at Higher Level or 6 at Standard Level Biology. The Foundation Year route (4 years) requires CDD-DDD at A level, DMM BTEC in a subject including Animal Management, Health Science or Land and Wildlife Management, 96 UCAS tariff points including 40 in a relevant subject, and IB 28 points with grade B/6 in GCSE Science or Biology.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time undergraduate tuition fee for Welsh, English and other UK students. International fee is shown on the course page. Source

International applicants: GBP 23,100 a year (2026/27). Year 1 tuition fee (full-time) Source

Intake: September

Duration: 3 years full-time; 4 years with a Foundation Year, Year Abroad, Year in Industry or Year in Applied

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