BSc Human Biology with Foundation Year
About this course
The BSc (Hons) Human Biology with Foundation Year is an undergraduate biology degree focusing on the study of human health, disease processes, and medical biosciences. Core topics include Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students complete a compulsory foundation year before progressing to degree-level study, and have the option to undertake a professional placement year or a period studying abroad. The course begins with Year 0 foundation modules such as Study Skills and Research, Biomedical Science, Cellular Biology, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Organisms and their Environments, and Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences, easing the transition into higher education. Year 1 builds core knowledge through Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry of Life, Research and Practical Methods, Introduction to Biological and Developmental Psychology, and Clinical Genetics, alongside optional choices like Concepts of Human Health and Wellbeing. Year 2 advances into Diagnostic Molecular Biology, Human Physiology and Disease, and The Cell, with options including Forensic Anthropology and Microbiology. The final year centres on an independent Research Project, complemented by diverse optional modules covering areas such as Cell Signalling in Health and Disease, Oncology and Immunology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Biotechnology.
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 16 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 79%
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: 60%
- Left higher education: 40%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 30%
- Caring personal services: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Research and Development (RandD) and Other Research Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
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 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- A degree: 10%
- Other qualifications: 10%
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
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry of Life
- Research and Practical Methods
- Introduction to Biological and Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Genetics
- Concepts of Human Health and Wellbeing
- Principles of Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health
- Diagnostic Molecular Biology
- Human Physiology and Disease
- The Cell
- Forensic Anthropology
- Psychopathology: Diagnosis, Treatment and Issues
- Physical Activity and Health
- Microbiology
- Special Topics in Medical Biosciences
- Research Project
- Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
- The Human Genome
- Oncology and Immunology
- Science Communication
- Vocational Module
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Emerging Diseases and Responses
- Addictive Behaviours
- Neuropsychology
- Biomedical Implications of Exercise, Activity and Health
- Biotechnology
- Drugs of Abuse
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Human 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 Biosciences (other).
What do graduates of BSc Human Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Human Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Human Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
The typical offer is DDD at A level. The average entrant had 91 UCAS points.
Is BSc Human 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 Human 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 Human Biology with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
60% of students continued into their second year, and 40% left higher education.