BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences with an International Year, a biology degree centred on the study of living organisms and life processes. Core topics include Data Analysis, Fieldwork, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students spend their third year studying abroad at an international partner institution. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Cell Biology & Physiology, Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences, Genetics I, and Molecular Biosciences and Microbiology. The second year builds on this with options addressing areas like animal biology, genetics, and ecology, including modules such as LI Field Course: Adaptations to Aquatic Environments and LI Genetic Engineering and Data Science. The final fourth year provides advanced study options spanning conservation, microbiology, and molecular biosciences, alongside independent research through modules such as Practical Project and Evidence-based literature review and critical analysis informed project proposal.
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 Level: AAA to include Biology / Human Biology. IB: 6,6,6 to include Biology / Human Biology. BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted, but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance
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What students say
Based on about 66 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 79%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 115 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 98%
- Left higher education: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 33 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 145 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 6%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 33%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 20%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 110 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 91%
- Access course: 1%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- Other qualifications: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- 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).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Cell Biology & Physiology
- Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology
- Discovering Biosciences Skills and Enterprise
- Ecological Concepts and Plant Sciences
- Genetics I
- Molecular Biosciences and Microbiology
- Academic Communication Skills for Biosciences
- Essentials of Cell Biology & Physiology
- LI Communication and Enterprise
- LI Genetic Engineering and Data Science
- LI Animal Biology: Principles and Mechanisms
- LI Evolution of Humans and Other Animals
- LI Field Course: Adaptations to Aquatic Environments
- LI Genetics II
- LI Alpine and Glacial Ecology in Norway
- LI Critical Issues for 21st Century Ecosystems
- LI Plant Sciences: from cells to the environment
- LI Cell and Developmental Biology
- LI Human Structure and Function
- LI Microbiology: Medicine, Environment, and Industry
- LI Topics in Medical Biosciences
- International Year
- Evidence-based literature review and critical analysis informed project proposal
- Introduction to Teaching Biosciences in Schools with Evidence-Based Literature Review
- Practical Project
- Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems
- Conservation: theory into practice
- Evolution of Vertebrates
- Bacterial Gene Regulation
- Cancer Biology
- Current developments and advances in Eukaryotic Genetics
- Eukaryotic Gene Expression
- Omics for Biomedical Research
- Responses to Global Environmental Change
- Microbial Pathogenicity and Disease
- Molecular and Cellular Immunology
- Cellular Neurobiology
- Structures of Destruction: the structural biology of pathogenicity
- Arctic Microbiology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £44,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £4,000 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year at University of Birmingham do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year at University of Birmingham?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 135 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. 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).
Does BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences with an International Year at University of Birmingham?
98% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.