BSc Biological Sciences
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences, covering organisms from microorganisms to mammals. Core topics include programming, data analysis, statistics, research methods and fieldwork. An optional 24-week industry placement is available, and an independent research project is completed in the final year.
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
GCSE: All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above. A level: 104 points, to include grade C A level in Biology and prefereably a second relevant subject (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Environmental Science or Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Marine Science). General Studies accepted. BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma: DDM in Science. If you hold a BTEC qualification, it is vital that you provide admissions@plymouth.ac.uk with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information, we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. Access courses: Science-based diplomas, 33 credits in science-based units at merit including a minimum of 12 credits in biology units and 21 credits in a second science subject. T level: Merit in Science. Refer to institution. International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall to include Higher Level Biology and a second relevant Science subject. English and Maths can be considered within.
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 87%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 84%
- Organisation and management: 42%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 70%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 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 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Sales occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 220 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 4%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 49%
- Wales: 5%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Biology:Placement
- Introduction to Biology
- Cells: The Building Blocks of Life
- Ecology and the Diversity of Life
- Principles of Physiology
- Evolution and Behaviour
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 1
- Spain Field Ecology
- UK Field Ecology
- Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Biological Sciences Field Course
- Methods in Biology
- Plant Ecophysiology
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 2
- Systems Physiology: Function and Dysfunction
- Ecology
- SoBMS Project
- Biological Sciences Student Support Stage 4
- Plant Biotechnology
- Global Change Biology
- Ecotoxicology
- Animal Nutrition
- Pharmacology and Natural Products
- Aquatic Microbial Ecology
- Advanced Behaviour Analysis Techniques
- Advanced Bioinformatics and Phylogenetics
- Biodiversity Conservation: Science, Policy and Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £21,000 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £22,000 and £33,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £7,000 less than the UK median for Biosciences.
What do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at University of Plymouth do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biological Sciences at University of Plymouth?
87% 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 University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 109 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biological Sciences at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Biological Sciences at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences at University of Plymouth?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.