BSc Biology with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biology, an interdisciplinary programme integrating biological sciences with chemistry and environmental studies. Core topics include laboratory techniques, fieldwork, data analysis, statistics, research methods, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. A placement year is typically completed between the second and final stage, and the programme culminates in an independent research project.
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
UCAS tariff: 72 A level: DDD T Level: Pass BTEC: MMP GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 75%
- Learning opportunities: 78%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 68%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 55%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 105 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 7%
- East Midlands: 43%
- West Midlands: 13%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 9%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 15%
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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement Learning and Professional Development
- Study Skills and Research
- Biomedical Science
- Cellular Biology
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Organisms and their Environments
- Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Bioscience in Practice
- Global Citizenship and Professional Development
- Ecology and Evolution
- The Science of Life
- Biodiversity & Ecophysiology
- Clinical Genetics
- Biological Problem Solving
- Understanding life through Data
- The Cell
- Microbial Ecology
- Human Physiology and Disease
- Adaptation to Environment
- Diagnostic Molecular Biology
- Field Biology
- Independent Studies
- Biotechnology
- Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
- Habitat Management
- Oncology and Immunology
- Student Initiated Module/Other
- Marine Biology
- Science Communication
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £19,000 after 3 years, £23,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £20,000 and £28,500. The £23,500 median after five years is £7,000 less than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
75% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
The typical offer is DDD at A level. The average entrant had 101 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby 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 Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.