BSc Biology
About this course
BSc (Hons) Biology, a biology degree centred on broad-based study across biomedicine, biotechnology, genetics, ecology, and evolutionary biology. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. Students can complete an accredited degree recognized by the Royal Society of Biology and choose to add an industry placement year or a year abroad. The first year covers core foundations through modules such as Life on Earth, Genetics, and Cells to Organisms. The second year focuses on experimental design and communication alongside research in action, while offering optional modules spanning ecology, cell biology, neuroscience, and molecular microbiology. In the final year, students complete a compulsory research project alongside a wide range of specialized optional choices such as Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Pathogens, and Ecology Field Course.
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: AAB including Biology and a second science We accept the following subjects as a second science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physical Education, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 35 points including 5 in Higher Level Biology plus either 5 in another Higher Level science or mathematics subject, or 5 in two Standard Level science or mathematics subjects. We accept the following IB subjects as a second science: Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography, Mathematics (A&A or A&I), Physics, Psychology, Sports, exercise and health science BTEC: DDD We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2016 syllabus) with all 7 mandatory units. We consider BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (2010 syllabus), please contact us for information on the units we accept.
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What students say
Based on about 55 final-year students who answered
- Teaching on my course: 83%
- Learning opportunities: 79%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 150 students who started
- Continued on course: 98%
- Left higher education: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 19 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 80 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 15%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 19%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 10%
- East of England: 10%
- London: 16%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 4%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 140 students who started
- A levels: 93%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 4%
- Other qualifications: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 1%
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, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Core Skills
- Life on Earth
- Genetics
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Grand Challenges
- Cells to Organisms
- Molecules of Life
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Experimental Design and Communication
- Becoming a Bioscientist: Research in Action
- Ecological Solutions for Global Challenges
- Cell Biology
- Gene Expression in Action
- Molecular Microbiology
- Population Genetics and Evolution
- The Immune System
- Neuroscience
- Medical Genetics
- Molecular Biotechnology
- Introduction to Bioenterprise
- Practical Ecology
- Behavioural Ecology
- BSc Research Project
- Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology
- Pathogens
- Ageing and Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Machinery in Action
- Evolution
- Conserving Biodiversity in the Anthropocene
- Advanced Topics in Biotechnology
- Genomics
- Advanced Topics in Neuroscience
- Haematology and Immunology in Health and Disease
- Advanced Topics in Gene Expression
- Trends in Microbiology
- Genetics of Disease
- Current Research in Ecology
- Molecular Recognition
- Ecology Field Course
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Biology at University of York earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £41,000. The £33,000 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Biology.
What do graduates of BSc Biology at University of York do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Biology at University of York?
83% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Biology at University of York?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 35 points in the IB. The average entrant had 145 UCAS points.
Is BSc Biology at University of York accredited?
Yes. Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Does BSc Biology at University of York 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 Biology at University of York?
98% of students continued into their second year, and 2% left higher education.