BSc in Biological Sciences

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BSc Biological Sciences at Exeter is designed for curious minds who want to understand life in all its forms — from the tiniest molecules to whole ecosystems. The degree is flexible, so whether you’re drawn to microbes, animals, or molecular biology, you’ll get the freedom to shape your studies around your interests, with opportunities for placements or even a year abroad if you’d like to broaden your experience.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Foundations
Your first year is all about discovery. You’ll study the essentials of biology through modules such as Animals, Cells, Genetics, Microbiology, and Ecology, as well as Biochemistry and Fundamental Principles for Bioscientists. Alongside lectures, you’ll spend plenty of time in the lab developing practical skills that will become the backbone of your degree.

Year 2 – Exploring Your Interests
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper and start tailoring your degree. A core module in Research Skills and Bioethics prepares you for more advanced study, while optional modules let you explore areas like Advanced Microbiology, Molecular Biology of the Gene, Forensic Science, Field Ecology, or Genomics and Bioinformatics. This is the stage where you start shaping your future path, whether that’s towards lab work, field studies, or data analysis.

Final Year – Specialising and Researching
Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll carry out an independent Biosciences Research Project, working alongside researchers on a topic you care about. You’ll also choose from specialist modules such as Cell Biology of Disease, Molecular Basis of Infection, Ecotoxicology, Living in a Microbial World, or even Science Communication. By the end, you’ll have both in-depth knowledge and the experience of running your own research.

Focus areas: Animal Biology, Microbiology & Infectious Disease, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Learning outcomes: Strong practical lab and research skills, ethical and critical thinking, ability to analyse biological data, expertise in chosen specialism, confidence in communicating science

Professional alignment (accreditation): Opportunities for professional placements with industry partners, research-led teaching, and strong links to employers and scientific organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings): Exeter is ranked in the UK’s top 20 for Biological Sciences research (REF 2021) and is known for excellent teaching and career opportunities, with strong graduate employability and options to study abroad.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

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.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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: