BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation
About this course
BSc in Biological Sciences with Foundation Year, combining breadth in biology with an introductory year of study. Core topics include programming, data analysis, research methods, and fieldwork. The four-year programme begins with a foundation year that covers fundamental biology and chemistry before progressing to the standard three-year degree. Most modules in later years are optional, allowing study across ecology, microbiology, biochemistry, or human biology.
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: BBB – for applicants without Biology and a second science CCC – for applicants with Biology and a second science Acceptable science subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science. IB: 30 – for applicants without higher level Biology and a second science 24 – for applicants with Biology and a second science, both at higher level If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question .
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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: 75%
- Learning opportunities: 71%
- Assessment and feedback: 70%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 65%
- Learning resources: 70%
- Student voice: 63%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- 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 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other qualifications: 10%
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
- Foundation Biology 1
- Foundation Biology 2
- Foundation Chemistry 1
- Academic and Scientific skills: Foundations for tackling Global Challenges 1
- Foundation Chemistry 2
- Health, Disease and Society
- Ecology and Environmental Sustainability
- 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 with Foundation 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 with Foundation 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 with Foundation at University of Reading?
75% 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 with Foundation at University of Reading?
The typical offer is BBB at A level. The average entrant had 108 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at University of Reading accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
How many students continue on BSc Biological Sciences with Foundation at University of Reading?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.