Biological Sciences BSc/MSci
Open Day: Wednesday 2 September, 9am – 3pm
Come along to explore our campus, meet current students and staff, and get a real feel for what life at the University of Glasgow is all about.
Biological Sciences is the study of living organisms and the processes that shape life. From molecules, genes and cells to plants, animals and ecosystems, it brings together a broad range of scientific disciplines to help us understand the living world and address global challenges relating to health, sustainability and the environment.
This degree gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects, building a broad foundation across biological disciplines during Years 1 and 2, with opportunities to change to a specialist degree from Year 3. Alternatively, you can apply directly to one of our specialist degree programmes and may have the option to change pathways during your studies.
- Explore a broad range of biological sciences subjects before choosing whether to specialise from Year 3
- Choose from 12 specialist degree programmes, offering one of the UK's most comprehensive biological sciences portfolios
- Study biological sciences through research-led teaching delivered by internationally recognised experts
- Develop practical skills through laboratory, field and data driven learning experiences
- Take part in study abroad opportunities to broaden your academic and cultural experience
- Enhance your degree with research projects, placement opportunities and specialist degree endorsements on selected programmes
- Join a supportive and collaborative learning environment designed for both UK and international students.
- September start
- Session dates
- Biological Sciences BSc: C100 4 year degree
- Biological Sciences MSci: 5 year degree
Applications to the MSci are not taken via UCAS: you may apply for transfer mid-BSc.
Why Biological Sciences at Glasgow
Join a vibrant and diverse community of students and learn from experts across the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences. Our Biological Sciences degrees combine academic excellence, practical experience and flexibility, preparing you for a wide range of careers.
Flexibility and choice
Whether you know exactly what you want to study or would like to keep your options open, our Biological Sciences portfolio of degrees offers flexibility from the moment you apply.
Our BSc Biological Sciences degree allows you to explore a broad range of disciplines before choosing to continue on the programme or pursue a specialist degree. Students applying directly to a specialist degree programme may also have opportunities to change pathways during their studies, subject to availability.
Degree endorsements
During the final honours year, you will have the opportunity to further personalise your degree and apply for an endorsement, depending on the Biological Sciences degree you study and combination of optional courses. Endorsements provide you with formal recognition and additional expertise in areas including:
- Bacteriology
- Biotechnology
- Data Science
- Parasitology
- Plant Science
- Virology
For example, you may graduate with a BSc (Hons) Microbiology with a specialisation in Data Science, or a BSc (Hons) Molecular & Cellular Biology with a specialisation in Biotechnology.
Four year honours degree
Our four year honours degrees give you time to build a strong biological and scientific foundation, develop specialist knowledge and gain valuable practical and research experience. You will also have increasing opportunities to tailor your degree to your interests and career ambitions.
Employability
Enhance your employability through research projects, internship opportunities and extended MSci placements. These experiences allow you to apply your knowledge in professional settings, gain practical experience and develop the skills valued by employers and postgraduate programmes.
You can also apply for the MVLS Undergraduate Skills Award, which supports you in developing and evidencing key transferable skills, including communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving, while providing formal recognition for your achievements.
Study abroad
You may take part in study abroad opportunities with partner institutions across the world, gaining international and cultural experience.
Programme structure
Year 1
Build a broad foundation in biological sciences through core courses in biology and chemistry. You will explore the fundamental principles that underpin life while developing practical laboratory, scientific communication and data analysis skills. Alongside your core studies, you can choose additional courses from a range of subject areas across the University.
Year 2
Develop your understanding of biological sciences through topics spanning molecular, cellular, organismal and human biology. You will continue to build practical and analytical skills while exploring different areas of biological sciences, helping you identify subjects that align with your interests and future career ambitions.
Our flexible degree structure allows you to study additional subjects in Years 1 and 2. This gives you the opportunity to broaden your interests and shape your degree around your future goals: see Flexible degrees.
Years 3 and 4
From Year 3, you will tailor your studies through advanced courses that reflect your interests. You may choose to continue on the Biological Sciences programme or, subject to availability, transfer to a specialist degree pathway. In your final year, you will undertake an independent research, dissertation, internship or outreach project, working alongside researchers and applying the knowledge and skills developed throughout your degree.
MSci option
You can choose to extend your studies by applying to the MSci Biological Sciences programme. This includes a placement year between Years 3 and 4, giving you the opportunity to gain hands on experience in a professional research environment in the UK or overseas. The placement year allows you to develop advanced research skills, build valuable professional experience and strengthen your preparation for careers in research, industry and further study.
Course details
Year 1
And dependent on entry grades in Chemistry, either:
Or
You can then choose an additional 40 credits from a range of science and non-science courses.
Year 2
Students are encouraged to choose other Biology courses for their remaining 60 credits:
- Animal Biology, Evolution and Ecology 2
- Genes, Molecules & Cells 2
- Microbiology and Immunology 2
- Investigating Human Biological Sciences 2
Year 3
Any Life Sciences 3A & 3B course from the same subject (space permitting).
Year 4
All students will undertake a research project consisting of one of the following types:
- Life Sciences Investigative Honours Project
- Life Sciences Dissertation Honours Project
- Life Sciences Outreach Honours Project
- Life Sciences Internship Honours Project
Plus one compulsory course that corresponds to the Year 3 courses completed.
The remaining 60 credits may be chosen from other life sciences final year option courses.
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
You may take part in study abroad opportunities with partner institutions across the world, gaining international and cultural experience. See Study Abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
Summary of entry requirements for Biological Sciences
Scottish Higher entry requirements
- ABBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer
- Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5
- Typically offers will be made at AAAAA by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher
- Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. (A in either).
Scottish Higher adjusted entry requirements* (by end of S5 or S6)
- MD20: BBBB (also other target groups*)
- MD40: AABB (ABB S5 minimum for consideration)*
- Additional requirements: Higher Biology or Chemistry. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
- Direct entry to Year 2 via UofG HNC programmes (available from 2028)*
* See Access Glasgow for eligibility.
Widening Participation Articulation Programmes
The University has bespoke HNC Articulation Programmes running at various colleges, offering direct entry to Year 2 of this degree (available from 2028).
A-level standard entry requirements
- AAB – BBB
- Additional requirements: A-level Biology or Chemistry.
IB standard entry requirements
- 34 (6,5,5)
- Additional requirements: HL Biology or Chemistry.
Entry requirements for advanced entry to Biological Sciences
Applicants who achieve exceptional grades in their Advanced Highers, A-levels or International Baccalaureate may be considered for advanced entry, meaning that an Honours degree can be completed in three years instead of the normal four years, or four years for five-year integrated Masters programmes.
Choose point of entry 2nd year on your UCAS application to indicate you wish to be considered for advanced entry (available from 2028).
Scottish Higher requirements for advanced entry
- Advanced Highers – AAA including Biology and Chemistry attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
- Applicants must also meet the standard offer threshold with S5 grades to be considered for advanced entry.
A-level requirements for advanced entry
- Three A-levels at grades A*AA which include Biology and Chemistry attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
IB requirements for advanced entry
- 38 points with three Higher Level subjects at 6,6,6 including Biology and Chemistry attained in one exam year and at the first attempt.
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Account Manager
- NHS Worker
- Customer Service Graduate
- Emergency Medical Dispatcher
- Field Marketing Specialist
- Graduate Simulation Engineer
- Medicine Assistant
- Scientist
- Teacher
- Trainee Dental Nurse.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 95.1% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 77.8% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £29,400.
This university-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2022–23 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Analysing biological information with confidence, using practical and research evidence to understand problems and reach clear conclusions.
- Communicating biological ideas clearly in writing, in presentations and in discussion, adapting your message for different audiences.
- Applying ethical, professional and scientific judgement when working with biological materials, research data and real‑world health questions.
- Solving biological problems by interpreting evidence, comparing options and choosing solutions supported by scientific reasoning.
- Using digital tools, statistics and analytical techniques confidently to interpret data and support your findings.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BSc
MSci
Applications to the MSci are not taken via UCAS: you may apply for transfer mid-BSc
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
How to apply for Advanced Entry
Apply for year 2 (Y2) on your UCAS application. If the specific subject is unavailable for Advanced Entry or your application for year 2 entry is unsuccessful, you will be automatically considered for year 1 entry. You do not have to submit a separate UCAS application.
Subject ranking
Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide [Biological Sciences]
Guardian University Guide [Biology]
Complete University Guide [Biological Sciences]
Times Higher Education World University Rankings [Life Sciences]
QS World University Rankings [Biological Sciences]
