Study biological and biomedical science

International Foundation Year students can progress to degrees including: 

• BSc (Hons) Biology
• MBiolSci Biology
• BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
• MBiolSci (Hons) Biomedical Science

Related degrees 

• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with a Year in Industry
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Genetics
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Genetics with a Year in Industry
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Microbiology
• BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Microbiology with a Year in Industry
• BSc (Hons) Medical Biochemistry
• BSc (Hons) Medical Biochemistry with a Year in Industry
• BSc (Hons) Molecular Biology

Pre-Masters students can progress to degrees including: 

• MSc Practical Entomology
• MSc Sustainable Agricultural Technologies
• MSc Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine
• MSc Molecular & Cellular Basis of Human Disease
• MSc Genomic Approaches to Drug Discovery
• MSc Biomedical Science
• MSc Human Anatomy with Education
• MSc in Human and Molecular Genetics
• MSc Translational Neuroscience
• MSc Translational Neuropathology
• MSc(Res) in Translational Oncology

Conducting your own research is an important part of any Biology degree. You’ll design your own questions and conduct research in a laboratory or field setting. You’ll work as part of a team, and you’ll develop skills in collecting, analysing and presenting data.

Biologists play important roles in solving global problems. Biomedical scientists find cures and treatments for life-threatening illnesses, marine biologists help to protect our oceans, and plant scientists solve food shortages by developing drought-resistant crops.

A degree in Biology or Biomedical Science gives you transferable skills that are valued by employers. You could study a wide range of topics or you could specialise in specific areas, such as medicine or marine life. When you graduate, you can apply for a range of scientific and non-scientific careers.

Biology is the study of life and living organisms. It covers a huge range of topics, from bacteria and human reproduction, to ecosystems and animal behaviour.

Biomedical science concentrates on medical research and the development of treatments. Topics you might study include anatomy, neuroscience and genetics.

To study a degree in biology and biomedical science at university you will need to meet certain requirements, such as having high grades in subjects such as A Level Biology and another science subject. If you’re an international student, you could also meet the requirements by studying a pathway programme such as the International Foundation Year in Science and Engineering.

Studying a biology and biomedical science degree can lead to a range of careers all with varying salaries. If you want to become a microbiologist you can expect starting salaries of £30,000, advance to principal or consultant scientist and it can raise up to between £40,000 - £103,860. If you pursue a career as a biomedical scientist you will typically start on a salary between £24,214 to £30,112. As a senior biomedical scientist, you can expect a salary between £37,000 and £50,000.

Typically, an undergraduate degree in biology is three years, however, at some universities, it can be four years.

An undergraduate degree in biomedical science lasts three years and will include a mix of teaching methods from laboratory research to lectures.

To study a degree in biology and biomedical science, there are a range of subjects that can help you meet the requirements. Biology, Human Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Geography can all help you. Typically you will be required to have good grades that include two science subjects and maths. Subject entry requirements differ per university, so do your research on where you want to study.

Core maths is typically required for both biology and biomedical science and is used throughout both. Although it is not used as much as the other major sciences, it is useful for statistics and specialist areas such as bioanalytics. It may not be required for a biology or biomedical science degree but it would be beneficial.

Skills required to study a biology degree include:

• Analytical thinking
• Determination
• Problem-solving
• Organisation
• Numeracy
• Technical ability
• Communication
• Attention to detail

Skills required to study a biomedical degree include:

• Analytical approach
• Teamwork
• Research
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Communication