MSci Biological Sciences
About this course
MSci in Biological Sciences, a biological sciences degree centred on living processes from molecular and cellular levels to whole ecosystems. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, Communication & Writing, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The four-year programme culminates in a research-focused MSci and allows students to pursue named specialisms such as Animal Biology, Microbiology and Infectious Disease, and Molecular and Cellular Biology. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Animals, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology, introducing the structure, function, and chemistry of living organisms. The second year builds on these principles with training in research skills, alongside numerous optional modules spanning marine biology, ecotoxicology, and genetics. In the final stages, students undertake a substantial Biosciences Research Project while selecting from advanced optional topics like Bioinformatics, Cell Biology of Disease, and Cellular Basis of Immunity. Optional residential field courses in the UK and abroad provide further opportunities to apply practical techniques in real-world settings.
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. Required subjects: A in Biology and A in another science subject*. *Accepted science subjects: Biology/Human Biology^; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Life and Health Sciences (Double Award only), Marine Science; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths^; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Sport Science; Statistics. IB: 36/666.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 92%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 95%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 25%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 45%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Finance Professionals: 10%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 82%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 68%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 59%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 415 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 18%
- South East: 22%
- South West: 31%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Baccalaureate: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Animals
- Biochemistry
- Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists
- Genetics
- Ecology
- Microbiology
- Plants
- Cells
- Research Skills and Bioethics
- Marine Biology
- Animal Ecophysiology
- Practical Skills in Field Ecology
- International Field Course
- Observations and Experiments in Animal Behaviour
- Wild Behaviour
- Molecular Biology of the Gene
- Advanced Microbiology
- Advanced Cell Biology
- Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics
- Medical Genetics
- The Biology of Cancer
- Forensic Science
- Ecology and Environment
- Metabolism
- Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry
- Modern Theories of Evolution
- Molecular Plant Science
- Employability and Career Development
- Biosciences Research Project
- Advanced Applications of Physiology
- Ecotoxicology
- Current Issues in Marine Biology
- Beyond the Frontiers of Medical Mycology
- Molecular Biology of Bacterial Infection
- Cellular Basis of Immunity
- Living in a Microbial World
- Frontiers in Molecular Cell Biology
- Cell Biology of Disease
- Bioinformatics
- Ecology of Environmental Change
- Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry
- Horizons of Biochemical Research
- Protein Structure in Research and Industry
- Sustainable Nutrition
- Science Communication
- Psychology Applied to Health
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Biological Sciences at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £37,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Biosciences.
What do graduates of MSci Biological Sciences at University of Exeter do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Biological Sciences at University of Exeter?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Biological Sciences at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 172 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Biological Sciences at University of Exeter?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.