BSc Biological Sciences
About this course
BSc in Biological Sciences. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The majority of modules are optional, allowing students to cover a broad range of topics or specialise in an area such as ecology and wildlife or human biology. In the final year, students undertake an 11-week independent research project using university research facilities. Graduates are eligible for membership of The Royal Society of Biology and can apply for Chartered Biologist status.
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 with B in Biology, or BBB with B in Biology and B in a second science subject. Acceptable second science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science. IB: 32 points including 5 in Biology at higher level. 30 points including 5 in Biology and a second science subject, both at higher level.
See the highest paying Biology & Sport Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 19 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 100%
- Organisation and management: 79%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 78%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 20%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 230 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 18%
- South East: 38%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Access course: 5%
- Foundation course: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Cellular and Molecular Principles of Life
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Fundamentals of Evolution
- History of Life on Earth
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- Advanced Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Research and Professional Skills
- Applied Biochemistry: From Disease to Diagnostics
- Haematology and Immunology
- Comparative Vertebrate Biology
- UK Biodiversity Field Course
- Advanced Ecology
- Marine Biology and Conservation
- Molecular Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Genetics
- Invertebrate Zoology
- Palaeobiology
- Animal Behaviour
- Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
- Conservation Science in Practice
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
- Research Project
- Venoms and Poisons: From Pharmacology to Therapeutics
- Evolution in Health and Disease
- Pathogens
- Protein Structure and Function
- Cancer and Cell Communication
- Palaeoecology Research Field Course
- Marine Biology Field Course
- Epidemiology of Zoonotic Diseases
- Forensics
- Applied Microbiology
- Integrated Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Ecology of Urban Areas
- Innovation and Product Development
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at University of Reading earn?
The median salary is £25,000 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £29,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £36,000. The £29,000 median after five years is £5,500 less than the UK median for Biosciences.
What do graduates of BSc Biological Sciences at University of Reading do next?
85% 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 Reading?
95% 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 Reading?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 111 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biological Sciences at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Biological Sciences at University of Reading include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences at University of Reading?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.