BSc Biological Sciences
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, offering specialist pathways in cell and molecular biology, human health, and microbiology, or the option to remain on a broad interdisciplinary programme. Core subjects span environmental, plant, animal, and cell biology, integrating concepts from biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The first two years allow pathway switching before committing to a specialist route in the third year. The degree incorporates hands-on laboratory work and practical field research throughout.
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: BBC (Human Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics required) IB: 27 points. Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at Higher Level 5; Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, or Maths. Highers: AABB (over two sittings). Must include one of the following science subjects achieved at B; (Human) Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Maths, or Physics. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM. Must be in a relevant science subject. HNC: C in graded unit. Must be in a relevant science including science at SCQF level 6.
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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: 85%
- Learning opportunities: 83%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 78%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 135 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 4%
- South West: 1%
- Scotland: 80%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 75%
- Access course: 5%
- A degree: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Modules
- Shaping Tomorrow Together A
- Practical Skills in Biology
- Introductory Biology 1
- Mathematics for Scientists 1
- Shaping Tomorrow Together B
- Biology Practical
- Introductory Biology 2
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £24,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £37,000. The £30,500 median after five years is £4,000 less than the UK median for Biosciences.
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biological Sciences at Heriot-Watt University?
85% 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 at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 27 points in the IB. The average entrant had 162 UCAS points.
Does BSc Biological Sciences at Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences at Heriot-Watt University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.