Thank you for considering an application
To apply you’ll need to:
- Make note of the Queen Mary institution code: Q50
- Make note of your chosen course UCAS code:
Biology
- C100 — BSc (Hons)
- CCX2 — BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences with Foundation
- C10Y — BSc (Hons) with Year Abroad
- Click on the link below:
Have further questions? How to apply | Entry requirements
Biology
3 study options
Biology BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- C100
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- CCX2
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £25,000
Funding information
Paying your fees
Biology with Year Abroad BSc (Hons)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 4 years
- Start
- September 2025
- UCAS code
- C10Y
- Institution code
- Q50
- Typical A-Level offer
- Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions) - Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £29,950
Funding information
Paying your fees
Overview
Demand for trained biologists is high. Not just in the scientific world, but across different sectors and society as a whole.
New generations of scientists are crucial to the future of our world. Become a biologist to carry out research, find solutions and create change to preserve our planet.
Our teaching team have extensive experience. Studying with us, you’ll learn from our research on genetics, ecology, and the intersection of the two, so that you can make a real difference, whatever you decide to do.
Alongside core areas, you’ll choose from a wide range of optional modules covering everything from physiology to computing skills. Mix and match to take a broad approach to your studies or drill deep into the areas that interest you.
Diverse career opportunities
Passionate about ecology, conservation or animal biology? You’ll have the chance to develop real-world skills with our field trips. Past students have studied large mammals in South Africa and explored ecological interactions in Croatia.
A degree in biology opens up endless options. You’ll have the skills you need for a career in conservation and wildlife management, the agricultural industry or biotechnology. You’ll also be a great match for roles with clinical and laboratory work. We’ll make sure your CV dazzles potential employers and is packed with the experience you need for your first role.
Structure
You can complete your Biology degree in three or four years. If you choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 3, and the Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4.
Year 1
- Basic Biochemistry
- Cells
- Ecology
- Essential Skills for Biologists
- Evolution
- Molecular Genetics
- Physiology
- Practical Biology
- Practical Molecular and Cellular Biology
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Study options
Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.
Year abroad
Go global and study abroad as part of your degree - apply for our Biology BSc with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).
Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are. Learn more about financing your year abroad here.
Additional Costs
Compulsory fieldwork will not cost you anything extra. For optional fieldwork, you will have to cover the cost of your flight and contribute towards accommodation and food.
The highlight of my course has been the hands-on experience during field trips in ecology, where we collected raw data from sites and turned it into scientific reports. These practical aspects, coupled with engaging modules and informative lectures, have been invaluable in my academic journey. The opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in laboratories, working with techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis, has made me proficient in various microbiology techniques like micropipetting and hematology.
Teaching
Teaching and learning
We use a mixture of teaching styles - lectures, tutorials, classroom activities and laboratory work.
Outside of classes, you’ll need to spend 20 to 25 hours per week preparing, writing up and reading.
Assessment
Each module is assessed by written examinations and coursework (practical reports, field course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests).
Final year students undertake a research or investigative project, assessed with a detailed written report.
Resources and facilities
The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
- newly refurbished lecture theatres
- up-to-date IT facilitie
- modern, well-equipped labs.
Entry requirements
| A-Level | Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | See our detailed subject and grade requirements |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| EPQ | Alternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Biology at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Biology at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. |
| A-Level | Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points overall, including 4,4,4 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level. A second science subject at Higher Level of Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required. |
| BTEC | See our detailed subject and grade requirements |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 15 credits must be at Distinction, 15 credits at Merit and 15 credits at Pass or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| Contextualised admissions | We consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages. |
| A-Level | Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology. |
| IB | International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology at Higher Level. |
| BTEC | See our detailed subject and grade requirements |
| Access HE | We consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements. |
| GCSE | Minimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4. |
| Contextualised admissions | Our standard contextual offer: BBC including B in Biology at A-Level. Our enhanced contextual offer: BCC including B in Biology at A-Level. More information on our contextual offer criteria can be found on our contextualised admissions page. Please note that General Studies and Critical Thinking are excluded from any A-Level offer and cannot be considered. |
Non-UK students
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.
English language
Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.
You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.
Further information
Funding
Loans and grants
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
Support from Queen Mary
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
- additional sources of funding
- planning your budget and cutting costs
- part-time and vacation work
- money for lone parents.
Careers
Biology graduates are equipped for careers in conservation and wildlife management, or in the agricultural industry or biotechnology. Many of our students go on to clinical and laboratory work, postgraduate research or science education. Others transfer their skills into sectors such as marketing and finance.
85 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation (HESA GOS 2020/21).
Recent Biology graduates have been hired by:
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
- Deloitte
- GlaxoSmithKline
- The Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health
- the NHS
- EY.
Career support
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has a careers consultant, who can offer specialist advice and organise subject-specific events. We also have a dedicated internships coordinator.
The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:
- specialist advice on choosing a career path
- support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
- feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
- interview coaching.
Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.
Data for these courses
Biology - BSc (Hons)
Biological Sciences with Foundation - BSc (Hons)
Biology with Year Abroad - BSc (Hons)
The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)
About the School
The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is a large and dynamic school with strong links to industry. We offer a stimulating and supportive learning experience.
You’ll experience inspirational teaching from high-calibre staff who are leaders in their field. According to the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 91 per cent of our Biological Sciences research is either world-leading or internationally excellent. You’ll stay up to date with weekly departmental seminars on new research findings.
Thanks to our close teaching and research links, students have special opportunities for original investigative work with the Natural History Museum, ZSL London Zoo, Forest Enterprise, and University of London’s Marine Biological Station at Millport in Scotland.
