Biology
About this course
MBiol or BA in Biology, a biology degree spanning the study of life through diverse organisms, ecological systems and biological research. Core topics include Fieldwork. The course includes an optional fourth year leading to an MBiol qualification, while the three-year route leads to a BA. The first year covers fundamental principles through Diversity of life, Building a phenotype, Ecology and evolution, alongside a residential field course in the summer term. The second year introduces Genomics and Host-microbe interactions, Cell and developmental biology, and Organisms - behaviour and physiology, supported by extended practical training. The third year broadens into a choice of specialised options derived from the second-year themes, supplemented by computing classes and journal clubs. The fourth year culminates in an in-depth research project conducted under the supervision of academic members of staff.
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: A*AA with Biology and either Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics; the A* must be in a science or Mathematics (see subjects required below for a full list of acceptable subjects) IB: 39 (including core points) – Biology and either Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics are required, with 7 in HL Mathematics or a science
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 38 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 63%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 44%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 60%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 105 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 25 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 25%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 10%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 3%
- East of England: 6%
- London: 43%
- South East: 22%
- South West: 7%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 110 students who started
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Diversity of life
- Building a phenotype
- Ecology and evolution
- Compulsory skills training including a group mini-project in the first term
- A residential field course in the summer term
- Genomics and Host-microbe interactions
- Cell and developmental biology
- Organisms - behaviour and physiology
- Compulsory skills training, including two-week extended skills training courses, covering a range of topics such as microbiome research, gene transfer, ornithology, tropical ecology
- The course broadens into a choice of eight options arising from the four second year themes. Students select a minimum of four of the eight options
- Compulsory skills training in the form of computing classes and journal club
- The fourth year will give you the chance to pursue an in-depth research project under the supervision of academic members of staff
- There will also be opportunities for advanced research skills training and a mini-conference in which all students have the opportunity to present their work to their peers
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of Biology at University of Oxford earn?
The median salary is £33,000 after 15 months, £29,500 after 3 years, £37,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £50,000. The £37,500 median after five years is £7,000 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of Biology at University of Oxford 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 Oxford?
93% 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 Oxford?
The typical offer is A*AA at A level. The average entrant had 190 UCAS points.
How many students continue on Biology at University of Oxford?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.