BSc Biology (Placement Year)
About this course
BSc Hons in Biology (Placement Year), a biology degree centred on the scientific study of living organisms, ecological systems, and molecular biosciences. Core topics include Laboratory Techniques, Fieldwork, Data Analysis, and Environmental Analysis. Students undertake a professional industry placement year during their studies and complete an independent research project in the final year. The first year covers fundamental principles through compulsory modules such as Evolutionary Biology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Introduction to Biosciences, and Molecules to Cells, alongside optional choices like Biodiversity and Global Change and Ecology Field and Data Skills. The second year provides opportunities to explore specialized areas through optional modules including Biochemistry of Cellular Metabolism, Cell and Developmental Biology, and Ecology and Conservation. The third year consists of a professional placement role in an industry or sector. The final year centers on the Biosciences Research Project, complemented by optional modules spanning advanced topics such as Advanced Neuroscience - Circuits and Systems, Bioinformatics, Coral Reef Ecology, and Tropical Ecology and Conservation Field Course.
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: AAB. This should include Biology and one other science subject from: Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. IB: 35 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including 6 in Biology HL and 6 in one other HL science subject from Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, or Psychology
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 95%: 38 offers from 40 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 21 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 28 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 55 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 52%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 15%
- South East: 2%
- South West: 3%
- Wales: 4%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genetics and Biotechnology
- Introduction to Biosciences
- Molecules to Cells
- Biodiversity and Global Change
- Ecology Field and Data Skills
- Foundations of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science
- Microbes, Pathogens and Immunity
- Biochemistry of Cellular Metabolism
- Biological Research Design and Delivery
- Cell and Developmental Biology
- Drug Design and Development
- Ecology and Conservation
- Ecology Field Skills
- Evolution
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience
- Life Cycle of Proteins
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Molecular Genetics
- Pharmacology
- Plant Biology
- Vertebrate Biology
- Placement
- Biosciences Research Project
- Advanced Drug Design and Development
- Advanced Neuroscience - Circuits and Systems
- Animal Behaviour
- Bioinformatics
- Biology of Ageing
- Cancer Biology and Therapeutics
- Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
- Coral Reef Ecology
- Ethics in Biomedicine
- Global Health Challenges
- Interdisciplinary Conservation Science
- Marine Ecology Field Course
- Medical Genetics and Clinical Immunology
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Tropical Ecology and Conservation Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology (Placement Year) at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £30,500 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £42,500. The £33,000 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biology (Placement Year) at Lancaster University 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 (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biology (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 150 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Biology (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
95% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 38 offers from 40 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Biology (Placement Year) at Lancaster University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Biology (Placement Year) at Lancaster University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.