Skip to main content

Biological Sciences

BSc (Hons)

Book open days Get prospectus Contact us

Key information

Key information for 2027-28

Start date:
October 2027
Study route:

  • Three years full-time, on campus


    UCAS code: C903

  • Four years part-time, on campus

  • Six years part-time, on campus

  • Four years full-time, on campus with Foundation Year


    UCAS code: C904
Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus | with Foundation Year

Course Overview

This BSc Biological Sciences gives you the opportunity to gain a broad and comprehensive understanding of how living systems have evolved and diversified, and how they function, reproduce and interact with each other. It is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need for a wide range of roles across the biological sciences sector.

  • Why choose this course?
    • It is taught by internationally recognised researchers with a wide range of specialisms.
    • You can choose from a range of option modules at each level to tailor your degree to your interests or career aspirations.
    • It has a particular focus on developing advanced practical skills in the laboratory and out in the field.
    • You will develop the technical, intellectual and social skills you need for a productive career in academic research, the bioscience industry, the charity and conservation sector, or the education sector.

  • What will I learn?

    On this course you will develop your understanding of the molecular origins of life, and how whole organisms, from microbes to plants and animals, function and interact.

    You will study the fundamentals of molecular and cell biology, microbiology, plant and animal diversity, and ecology. You can then choose option modules which give you the chance to focus on topics as diverse as epidemiology, astrobiology and genomics, depending on your interests.

    This course has a strong focus on practical application and developing your data analysis, computational, field work and laboratory skills. In your final year you will complete a practical or field-based research project, in which you will generate and analyse your own data.

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time. For many of the modules, you will be able to choose to attend either in the afternoon or evening. For some modules, online attendance may also be available. Classes consist of lectures combined with practical sessions, field trips, tutorials.

    You will attend a daytime field class in Year 2, and in your final year will attend a week-long residential field class.

    During your studies you will also be able to choose a micro-placement and career development module together, if you wish to, to further enhance your employability.

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Usually two to three afternoons or evenings a week, plus daytime field classes, October to July.

    Part-time: Usually one to two afternoons or evenings a week, plus daytime field classes, October to July.

  • Foundation year

    If you opt for the Foundation Year route, this will fully prepare you for undergraduate study. It is ideal if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied the relevant subjects, or if you didn't achieve the grades you need for a place on your chosen undergraduate degree.

    Once you successfully complete your Foundation Year studies, you will automatically advance onto the main full-time degree. 

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More Highlights

  • Birkbeck provides state-of-the-art, specialist laboratories and facilities for studying biological sciences in the heart of academic London.
  • In the most recent 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF), in a joint submission with UCL, Biological Sciences at Birkbeck were ranked 11th in the UK.
  • You will be taught by internationally distinguished experts who work with governments and institutions around the globe to extend the boundaries of knowledge.
  • Working in close collaboration with the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology, a joint institute between Birkbeck and UCL, we are recognised for the excellence and international impact of our research.

Modules and Teaching

School of Natural Sciences

The school provides a stimulating learning experience in state-of-the-art facilities, with academic staff involved in active research projects.

Visit the school

Entry Requirements

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

  • Full-time study - how many UCAS points do I need?
    • Three years full-time: 104 points (e.g. A-levels BBC) - including A-level biology
    • Four years full-time with Foundation Year: 48 points with some evidence of study in a science-related subject

    For full-time study on this course, you apply via UCAS. The UCAS tariff score applies if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a tariff calculator for you to work out what your qualification is worth.

  • Part-time study

    For part-time study our standard requirements are a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent.

  • Alternative entry routes

    BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with Distinction or Merit

    Access to Higher Education Diploma with a minimum of 15 credits achieved at Merit or Distinction in science units.

    Our Certificate of Higher Education in Life Sciences for Subjects Allied to Medicine also provides a direct route into Year 1 of this BSc Biological Sciences.

  • What are the English language requirements?

    If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.

    If you don't meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details about how we can help.

    Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country.

  • What are the visa and funding requirements?

    If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa.

    The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course:

    • Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa
    • Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa

    International students who require a Student visa should apply to study on our courses full-time as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol to study part-time courses at Birkbeck (with the exception of some modules).

    As a Student visa student, you should also apply to study on campus only, as online and flexible options of study (if they are available for your course) may affect the conditions of your visa.

    For full information, read our visa information for international students page.

    Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant visa and funding requirements by country.

    Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.

  • Credits and accredited prior learning (APL)

    If you have studied at university (or have an HND or Foundation Degree), you may have accumulated credits. It may be possible to transfer these from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution.

Clearing for 2026 is open
Apply now

Fees

Three years full-time, on campus

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

To be confirmed

Four years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

To be confirmed

Six years part-time, on campus

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

To be confirmed

Four years full-time with Foundation Year, on campus

Academic year 2027-28, starting in October 2027

To be confirmed

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see our Fees Policy.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On successfully graduating from this BSc Biological Sciences, you will have developed an array of important transferable skills, including:

  • extensive field and laboratory skills, including those required to conduct ecological surveys
  • the ability to analyse and critically evaluate data and complex ideas
  • the ability to work independently in a field or laboratory environment, and develop and test hypotheses
  • oral and written communication skills to communicate about current issues in the bioscience sector to a wide range of audiences.

It will prepare you for a career path in a range of fields, including:

  • academia (higher degrees)
  • laboratory-based research (biosciences, food technology and agriculture)
  • laboratory-based roles in the bioscience industry
  • industry roles including technical, sales and management
  • roles related to biodiversity and conservation.

You may also progress your studies further at postgraduate level on one of our master's courses, including the MSc Analytical Bioscience or MSc Microbiology.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student Support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to Apply

You apply via UCAS for our full-time undergraduate courses or directly to Birkbeck for our part-time undergraduate courses. For more detailed, step-by-step guidance on how to apply, visit our How to apply page.

  • How do I apply to study full-time (UCAS entry)?

    If you are applying for a full-time undergraduate course at Birkbeck you apply through UCAS. Use the Apply now button on this course page which will direct you to UCAS. There you will be prompted to sign in and create an account. You will have to give UCAS a few personal details, including your name, address and date of birth, and then you can start working on your application.

    The first UCAS deadline is in January, and the majority of university applications through UCAS are made by then. Find the exact deadline date on the UCAS website. We welcome applications outside of the UCAS deadlines, so you can still apply through UCAS after the January deadline, depending on the availability of places. We also take late applications via the UCAS Clearing system in August.

  • How do I apply to study part-time?

    If you are applying for a part-time undergraduate course (usually four or six years), you apply directly to Birkbeck online by using the Apply now button. You will need to prove your identity when you apply.

    Please note that online application opens in September.

  • When should I apply?

    You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places left, and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol.

    You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results.

  • How can I get help with my application?

    Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck.

    Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application.

  • International agents

    If you are an international agent applying to Birkbeck on behalf of an international student, please use Birkbeck's agent portal.

Related courses

Study routes for Biological Sciences (BSc (Hons))

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Important: Applications to study part-time in 2027/28 will open in October 2026.

2027-28

Full-time