STEM

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences at University of Plymouth

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences covers biology from microorganisms to mammals without early specialisation, with laboratory and field skills training including field courses in the UK and Spain.

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Engineering | Department: School of Biological and Marine Sciences | Duration: 3 years (+ optional placement year) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Plymouth, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1: Introduction to Biology, Cells: The Building Blocks of Life, Ecology and the Diversity of Life, Principles of Physiology, Evolution and Behaviour, and UK and Spain Field Ecology. Year 2: Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biological Sciences Field Course, Methods in Biology, Plant Ecophysiology, Systems Physiology and Ecology. Final year: SoBMS Project plus options such as Plant Biotechnology, Global Change Biology, Ecotoxicology, Animal Nutrition and Biodiversity Conservation.

Career pathways

Graduates work in biotechnology, pharmacology, food, ecology, fisheries, the media and environmental consultancy; many progress to MSc or PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer 104 UCAS points. GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/4 or above. A levels: 104 points including grade C in Biology and preferably a second relevant subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or Studies, Applied Science, Marine Science); General Studies accepted. BTEC: DDM in Science (applicants must list exact modules). Access: science-based diploma with 33 credits in science units at merit including at least 12 credits in biology and 21 in a second science. T level: Merit in Science. International Baccalaureate: 26 points including Higher Level Biology and a second relevant science. Contextual offers are typically 8 points below the advertised tariff.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). Full-time UK tuition fee Source

International applicants: GBP 19,200 a year (2026/27). Full-time international tuition fee Source

Duration: 3 years