Enter OTP
3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of LeedsThis unique joint honours degree combines hands-on biological science with deep explorations into the historical and philosophical foundations of knowledge—perfect for curious minds who want science and ideas to go hand in hand. You’ll uncover how biology has evolved, how scientific ideas shape our world, and what it really means to do—and trust—science.
Curriculum structure
Year 1
You’ll start by grounding yourself in the building blocks of both fields—modules like Research and Study Skills Level 1, Introduction to Cell Biology, Introduction to Genetics, The Diversity of Life, Introduction to the History of Science, and How Science Works will collectively sharpen your research, analytical, and foundational scientific skills. You’ll also choose from optional modules such as Magic, Science and Religion, History of Psychology, or Thinking About Race, letting you explore both unusual historical-philosophical questions and core scientific concepts.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll continue to develop your interdisciplinary expertise. Compulsory modules like Research and Study Skills Level 2 (Biology) challenge you to design experiments and interpret scientific data, while Research in History and Philosophy of Science introduces academic methods from the humanities side. You’ll also dive into optional topics such as Why Trust Science?, Human Genetics, Population, Community and Conservation Ecology, or Urban Ecology Field Course, letting you tailor your study across both strands of the degree.
Year 3
In your final year, you’ll bring it all together with the Final Year Project in either Biology or History/Philosophy of Science—complete with dedicated supervision and the option to work through a supporting module or independently. You’ll also take Philosophy of Biology, which explores deep questions about what organisms, genes, or “species” really mean. Optional modules span everything from Bioethics and Science Communication, to Applied Genetics, Advanced Topics in Ecology, and Mind, Brain & Society, helping you fine-tune your expertise and research interests.
Focus areas: biology, historical scientific thought, philosophy of science, ecology, genetics, science communication
Learning outcomes: integrated research skills, critical analysis, experimental design, interdisciplinary insight
Professional alignment (accreditation): While there’s no specific accreditation listed, the joint honours nature of the course offers broad intellectual depth and versatility—preparing you for careers across science, policy, journalism, and beyond.
Reputation (employability rankings): Leeds is consistently recognized for academic excellence in the sciences and humanities, and this interdisciplinary route stands out for its originality and intellectual rigor—making graduates stand out in competitive fields.
This interdisciplinary degree beautifully blends hands-on science with reflective inquiry into how scientific ideas develop. From practical lab sessions to immersive field visits and independent research projects supported by expert supervision, every aspect is designed to build your skills and confidence across both biology and philosophy.
Here’s how it’s brought to life:
Cutting-edge Biology Facilities: You’ll work in top-tier facilities, including the UK’s largest dedicated research hub for pig nutrition, behaviour, welfare, and health—the National Pig Centre—and state-of-the-art greenhouse and plant growth laboratories at the University’s research farm. These spaces are foundational for experiential learning in biology.
Ecology & Behaviour in Natural Habitats: Expect hands-on learning in real-world environments—from Leeds’ city green spaces to field trips in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. These settings allow you to study ecological processes in action.
Field Courses & Work Placement Options: Although there are no mandatory field courses, you have the option to enrich your degree with field-based learning or a placement year—whether in the UK or abroad—bringing your theoretical knowledge into practical contexts.
Flexible, Interdisciplinary Projects: The course culminates with a major independent research project in either Biology or in History & Philosophy of Science, offering you the freedom to integrate scientific inquiry with historical or philosophical perspectives—supported by expert academic supervision.
Exceptional Library & Research Resources: For your philosophical and historical explorations, you’ll benefit from access to the world-class Brotherton Library, which houses invaluable manuscripts, archives, and early printed works to support deep, independent research.
Graduates from this uniquely interdisciplinary degree frequently find themselves in impactful roles such as Science Communicator, Environmental Consultant, Policy Analyst, or Secondary School Teacher—a blend of biology, critical thinking, and historical context sets you up for diverse and rewarding pathways:
University Career Services at Your Side
From day one, the Faculty Careers Support Team, aided by the central Careers Centre, helps you craft your career through the Leeds for Life programme. You'll benefit from one-to-one advice on placements and CVs, expert workshops, alumni networking, and opportunities to explore work placement modules or extra years abroad. This starts before graduation and continues well after you’ve completed your course.
Graduate Outcomes & Professional Success
According to the HESA Graduate Outcomes data:
75% of Biology & History and Philosophy of Science graduates secure highly skilled employment 15 months after graduation.
Top roles include Business, Research, or Administrative Professionals (20%), Teaching (10%), Media & Customer Service (10%), and Teaching Professionals (10%).
University–Industry & Institutional Benefits
While there’s no specific accreditation listed for this joint degree, its interdisciplinary nature signals exceptional versatility and adaptability—qualities highly valued by employers across sectors like science communication, policy, education, and media.
Long-Term Value of Interdisciplinary Training
This hybrid degree arms you with analytical skills, independent research experience, versatility across biology and philosophical discourse, and strong communication capability—forming a foundation for careers in academia, public engagement, environmental roles, bioethics, or beyond.
Further Academic Progression:
Many students naturally build on this foundation with Master’s degrees in areas like Bioethics, History and Philosophy of Science, Science Communication, or Ecology. Others move directly into PhD research, taking advantage of Leeds’ strong postgraduate infrastructure and interdisciplinary scholarship to specialise further.
IB : Minimum of 34 points overall, including 6 in Higher-Level Biology and 5 in Standard-Level Mathematics.GCSEs: At least a grade 6 (B) in Mathematics.for India : A-Levels: ABB with a B grade in Biology required.for India : You will need standard XII English at 70% or 75% depending on state board, or IELTS 6.5 overall, GCSE English C or 4 or an equivalentContextual Admissions / Access to Leeds scheme: Typical Access to Leeds offer is BBC at A-Level, including B in Biology, plus passing the scheme, allowing for consideration under widening participation criteria.for USA : SAT - 1290 (650 in Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 620 in Maths) , ACT - 26for USA : High School Diploma 3.0 GPA with two Honors Classes at A and B, plus one AP at 4.for USA : Advanced Placement (AP) tests: require at least one AP at grade 4 or 5 in subject-specific areas. APs can also substitute for Honors classes in certain cases.for USA : Associate Degrees: A 2-year Associate Degree with GPA ≥ 3.0 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.Science communicatorSecondary school teacherResearch assistant (biology)Policy analystMuseum curator (history of science)Academic philosopher of biologyScience journalistEnvironmental consultantPublic engagement officerBioethics advisor
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