BSc Biology and History and Philosophy of Science
About this course
BSc in Biology and History and Philosophy of Science, a biology and history and philosophy degree centred on the life sciences alongside historical and philosophical perspectives on scientific discovery. Core topics include Fieldwork and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Students complete a final year project in either biology or the history of science and/or philosophy of science. The first year covers core foundations through Introduction to Cell Biology, Introduction to Genetics, The Diversity of Life and Introduction to the History of Science. The second year builds research capabilities with Developing Scientific Excellence and Research in History and Philosophy of Science, alongside optional pathways spanning ecology or medical history. The final year involves advanced study with Philosophy of Biology, supported by optional modules such as History and Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence and Bioethics.
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: ABB EPQ: Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB at A Level including Biology and grade A in the EPQ. BTEC: We will consider the level 3 QCF BTEC at Subsidiary Diploma level and above in combination with other qualifications. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information. IB: 34 points overall with 16 at Higher Level including 6 in Biology at Higher Level and 5 in Mathematics at Standard Level
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What students say
Based on about 9 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 82%
- Assessment and feedback: 67%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 64%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 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 48 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 61%
- Working and studying: 14%
- Further study: 9%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 50%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 170 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 13%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 19%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 36%
- South East: 8%
- South West: 3%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Unlocking Scientific Success
- Introduction to Cell Biology
- Introduction to Genetics
- The Diversity of Life
- Exploring Whole Body Organism: Biology
- Introduction to the History of Science
- How Science Works
- Magic, Science and Religion
- History of Psychology
- Darwin, Germs and the Bomb
- Living With Technology
- History of Modern Medicine
- Thinking About Race
- The Mind
- Developing Scientific Excellence
- Research in History and Philosophy of Science
- Why Trust Science?
- Contested Solutions: Science and Global Challenges
- History of Psychiatry and Mental Illness
- How Plants Live
- Population, Community and Conservation Ecology
- Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour
- Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course
- Human Populations and Disease
- Final Year Project in either Biology or the History of Science and/or Philosophy of Science
- Philosophy of Biology
- Science Communication: History & Theory
- History of the Body
- Mind, Brain & Society
- History and Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence
- Philosophical Issues in Technology
- Philosophy of the Social Sciences
- Philosophy of Modern Physics
- Bioethics
- Philosophy of Mind
- Philosophy of Sex and Relationships
- Advanced Topics in Ecology
- Advanced Topics in Behaviour
- Advanced Topics in Conservation Science
- Advanced Topics in Evolution
- Advanced Topics in Plant Science and Food Security
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology and History and Philosophy of Science at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £26,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £42,000. The £33,000 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biology and History and Philosophy of Science at University of Leeds do next?
84% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biology and History and Philosophy of Science at University of Leeds?
93% 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 History and Philosophy of Science at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 159 UCAS points.
Does BSc Biology and History and Philosophy of Science at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biology and History and Philosophy of Science at University of Leeds?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.