BSc Biology and Psychology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biology and Psychology, a joint honours degree exploring living organisms, physiological systems, and human behaviour. Core topics include Control Systems, Statistics, Research Methods, and Communication & Writing. The course culminates in independent final-year investigative work through a Biology Literature Review and a Psychology Project. The first year covers genetics, mammalian physiology, psychological research, and core areas of cognitive, biological, developmental, and social psychology alongside optional topics such as Organisms and the Environment, Molecules and Cells, and A Language Module. Year 2 advances into molecular biology, integrated physiological systems, advanced methods, and further psychological theory. The final year examines ageing, genomics, contemporary biosciences, and individual differences and mental health.
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: A*AA The standard offer is A*AA including an A in Biology, Chemistry or Human Biology, and one other science A Level. Psychology, Maths and Geography are all considered sciences for the purposes of admissions. IB: 37 All applicants taking the International Baccalaureate will need a score of 37 points overall including 766 at the Higher Level with at least one of these in a Science (Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics; Physics.) You will need specific Higher Level grades to study: Biology: 6 in either Biology or Chemistry.
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What students say
Based on about 124 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 285 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 96%
- Left higher education: 4%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 117 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 66%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 11%
- Unemployed: 3%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 13%
- Finance Professionals: 12%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 12%
- Teaching Professionals: 7%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 77%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 71%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 52%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 10%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 39%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 310 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 98%
- Access course: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Genetics
- Introduction to Physiology
- Introduction to Psychological Research
- Choose one of the following two modules:
- EITHER Introduction to Psychology 1: Cognitive and Biological Psychology
- OR Introduction to Psychology 2: Developmental and Social Psychology
- Example optional modules
- Molecular Biology
- Integrated Physiological Systems
- Cognitive and Biological Psychology
- Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
- Social and Developmental Psychology
- Ageing
- Geonomics
- Contemporary Issues in the Biosciences
- Biology Literature Review
- Psychology Project
- Individual Differences and Mental Health
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology and Psychology at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £37,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,500 and £53,500. The £37,000 median after five years is £6,500 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biology and Psychology at Durham University do next?
87% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biology and Psychology at Durham University?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biology and Psychology at Durham University?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level, or 37 points in the IB. The average entrant had 160 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biology and Psychology at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited against the requirements for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Does BSc Biology and Psychology at Durham University 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 and Psychology at Durham University?
96% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.