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The BSc Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter gives you the flexibility to explore the diversity of life while discovering the areas of biology that interest you most. Designed for curious and ambitious students, the programme combines laboratory, field, and research experience to prepare you for careers in science, healthcare, biotechnology, conservation, and beyond.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Building a Strong Biological Foundation
In your first year, you will develop a broad understanding of biology by exploring life from molecules to ecosystems. Modules such as Animals, Biochemistry, and Genetics, together with Cells, Ecology, and Microbiology, provide the scientific knowledge and practical laboratory skills needed for the rest of your degree.
Year 2 – Exploring Specialist Areas
During the second year, you begin tailoring your studies to your interests while strengthening your research skills through Research Skills and Bioethics. You can choose from modules including Advanced Cell Biology, Molecular Biology of the Gene, Advanced Microbiology, Marine Biology, and Genomics and Introductory Bioinformatics, allowing you to develop expertise in your preferred areas.
Year 3 – Advanced Research and Specialisation (3-Year Route)
If you choose the three-year programme, your final year focuses on advanced biological sciences and independent research. You will complete a major research project while selecting specialist modules that allow you to deepen your knowledge and apply scientific techniques to real biological challenges.
Year 4 – Optional Placement or Study Abroad (4-Year Route)
If you choose the four-year route, you can spend an additional year either on a professional placement or studying abroad before returning to Exeter for your final year. The placement option includes Learning from Professional Placement Experience and Professional Placement and Report, while the study abroad option gives you the opportunity to study at one of Exeter's international partner universities before completing your advanced research project and final-year specialist modules.
Focus Areas
Molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, microbiology, ecology, animal biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, conservation biology, laboratory and field research.
Learning Outcomes
Develop advanced laboratory and fieldwork skills, apply scientific research methods, analyse biological data, communicate scientific findings effectively, solve complex biological problems, and build the practical skills required for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and conservation.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The programme is research-led and offers optional professional placement and study abroad pathways, giving you valuable industry experience or international academic exposure while developing skills sought by employers.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The University of Exeter is recognised for its world-leading research in Biological Sciences through the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). Its research-informed teaching and strong industry links help graduates build successful careers across a wide range of scientific sectors.
At Exeter, studying Biological Sciences is all about getting hands-on experience. From the very first year, you’ll use modern labs, explore the natural world through fieldwork, and even have opportunities for professional placements. The program is designed to help you develop practical skills, work with cutting-edge technology, and gain real-world research experience.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Professional Placements: Spend a year working in industry or business, in the UK or abroad, with organisations like AstraZeneca, GSK, or Kew Gardens.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Work in labs and centres such as the Aquatic Resources Centre, bioimaging labs, greenhouses, and sequencing facilities.
Field Courses: Take part in optional field trips in the UK and abroad to apply ecological and environmental concepts in real settings.
Digital Tools & Software: Use specialized software like Anaconda, SPSS, Stata, and Matlab, alongside Exeter’s Virtual Learning Environment.
Independent Research Projects: Conduct your own research in your final years, mentored by experienced faculty, using the university’s advanced labs and equipment.
These experiences ensure you not only learn the theory but also gain the practical skills and confidence needed to excel in research, healthcare, or biotech careers.
Graduating with a BSc in Biological Sciences from Exeter opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Whether you're interested in research, healthcare, conservation, or industry, this degree provides the knowledge and skills to pursue various roles. Typical job titles include:
Research Scientist
Environmental Consultant
Laboratory Technician
Biotech Analyst
Support and Resources for Your Career Journey:
Career Zone Services: Access to career advice, job listings, and networking opportunities to help you launch your career.
Pathways to Scientific Laboratories: A paid internship program offering 35 hours of hands-on experience in university labs, enhancing employability skills.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Rothamsted Research, the Met Office, and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, providing direct links to relevant employment opportunities.
Graduate Employability: High employment rates for graduates, with many securing positions in their field shortly after completing the degree.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc, you can continue your studies with postgraduate options such as:
MSc Advanced Biological Sciences
MRes Advanced Biological Sciences
MSc Advanced Biological Sciences and Business
These programs allow you to specialize further and enhance your qualifications for advanced roles in the biological sciences field.
This course is taught at the Streatham Campus, Exeter, England, UK.A-Level: AAB - ABB including B in Biology and B in another Science subjectIB: 34 - 32 - HL 5 in Biology and HL 5 in another Science subject.Applicants should have GCSE English Language and either Double Award Science or Chemistry at grade C/4, and Mathematics at grade B/5; those one grade below in Maths may be considered through the Maths Transition Course.Applicants must meet the English language requirement through IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6 in any section, or TOEFL iBT 90 with minimum scores of 21 for writing, listening, reading and speaking, with a revised TOEFL iBT requirement for tests taken from 21st January 2026 of 4.5 overall and no less than 4 in any sectionThis course includes optional pathways for a study abroad year or an industrial placement year, allowing students to gain international exposure or practical industry experience as part of their degree.India: Accepts a range of Class XII qualifications including CBSE, ICSE, several State Boards, NIOS, West Bengal Board, and Maharashtra Junior Year, with typical requirements of at least 80% overall (70% for West Bengal Board and around 85% for some other regional boards considered individually).China: Applicants can enter via Gaokao (around 75% overall with higher subject requirements depending on the course), an approved foundation programme (such as INTO Exeter) or the Maple Leaf World School Diploma, however BMBS Medicine does not accept direct entry through Gaokao scores.USA: An academic level equivalent to AAB-ABB A-levels, typically met through a combination of a High School Diploma with strong SAT (around 1370-1340) or ACT (around 29-30) scores, plus essential AP subjects such as Biology and Chemistry at high grades (usually AP 5 level or equivalent).Laboratory TechnicianBiochemistBiomedical ScientistTeaching ProfessionalEnvironmental ScientistConservation ManagerProject Support OfficerScience WriterChemical ScientistNatural and Social Science Professional
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