Biology
About this course
MBiol, BSc in Biology, a biology degree examining life sciences from genes to ecosystems and animal behaviour. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. The course includes a final-year extended research project and offers optional industrial placement or study abroad years, alongside residential fieldwork opportunities in the UK, Spain, and South Africa. The first year establishes fundamental concepts through modules such as Living Planet, The Basis of Life, Laboratory and Experimental Skills, and Introduction to Genetics, with optional choices including Field Course: investigating UK habitats. The second year focuses on organismal processes and ecological systems through How Plants Live, Developing Scientific Excellence, and Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour, alongside optional paths like Mediterranean Ecology Field Course. Year three advances specialisation with compulsory modules including Advanced Research Skills & Experience and Advanced Topics in Plant Science & Food Security, plus optional subjects spanning conservation and human genetics. The fourth year centers on an extended research project and advanced research training, accompanied by specialist optional modules such as Advanced Biomolecular Techniques and Conservation Decision Science.
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 IB: 31 overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including Biology and preferably another science or science-related subject. If Biology is the only science at Higher Level, a 6 will be required.
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What students say
Based on about 25 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 81%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 75%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 83%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started
- Continued on course: 97%
- Left higher education: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 10 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 95 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 10%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 27%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 20%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 75 students who started
- A levels: 91%
- Baccalaureate: 1%
- Access course: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 7%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Living Planet
- The Basis of Life
- Laboratory and Experimental Skills
- Unlocking Scientific Success
- Introduction to Genetics
- Using Biology to Feed the World
- Introduction to Immunology
- Biology of the Mind
- Exploring Whole Organism Biology
- The Microbial World
- Field Course: investigating UK habitats
- How Plants Live
- Developing Scientific Excellence
- Evolution, Adaptation and Behaviour
- Animal Physiology
- Urban Ecology and Conservation Field Course
- Omics and Big Data Biology
- Mediterranean Ecology Field Course
- Human Populations and Disease
- Population, Community and Conservation Ecology
- Medical Microbiology
- Parasitology
- Bioinformatics for Biologists
- Food Security and Sustainability
- Advanced Research Skills & Experience
- Advanced Topics in Plant Science & Food Security
- Advanced Topics in Behaviour: from sex to death
- Advanced Topics in Evolution
- Level 3 Field Course (South Africa)
- Sustainable Innovations in Animal Science
- Advanced Topics in Ecology
- Advanced Topics in Conservation Science
- Advanced Topics in Human Genetics and Epigenetics
- Advanced Genetic Techniques and Applications
- Evolution and Population Genetics
- Animal Developmental Biology
- Social Biology
- Extended research project
- Introduction to GIS
- Sustainable Diets and Protein Production
- Circular Approaches to Sustainable Agri-food Systems
- Advanced Biomolecular Techniques
- Community Ecology
- Advanced Statistics
- Population Dynamics
- Conservation Decision Science
- Treatment of Infectious disease and cancer
- Equitable Sustainability
- Crop Science & Plant Biotechnology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Biology at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £43,000. The £32,500 median after five years is £2,000 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of Biology at University of Leeds do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on Biology at University of Leeds?
81% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for Biology at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 149 UCAS points.
Is Biology at University of Leeds accredited?
Yes. This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
Does Biology at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Biology at University of Leeds?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.