BSc Life Sciences with a Modern Language

You won’t just study life sciences in the classroom—you’ll live it. This degree blends hands-on science, language learning, and global experiences to prepare you for today’s interconnected world. Alongside other Modern Language students, you’ll move seamlessly between labs, lectures, and language classes, all supported by world-class facilities and immersive opportunities.

Here’s how the course turns study into real experience:

• Blended bioscience & language learning: About two-thirds of your time is devoted to core bioscience modules—through lectures, tutorials, labs, and research projects—while the rest focuses on building language fluency alongside fellow language students.

• Field courses with cultural depth: From your very first year, optional field units like Marine Biology in Scotland, Mediterranean Biodiversity in Mallorca, or Animal Behaviour in South Africa let you explore science in action while broadening your cultural awareness.

• Year-abroad research placement: In your third year, you’ll head overseas—studying and working at partner universities in places like Europe, China, or Japan. It’s a unique chance to deepen your scientific expertise while fully immersing yourself in another culture and language.

• State-of-the-art labs: Throughout your degree, you’ll have access to Manchester’s advanced science teaching labs. These spaces are where you’ll sharpen practical skills, experiment hands-on, and prepare for your final-year project.

• Research-rich final year: Your final year caps off the experience with an independent research project. Whether it’s in the lab, bioinformatics, science communication, or enterprise, you’ll get to combine your scientific knowledge and language skills in a way that makes an impact.

Graduates from this programme step confidently into careers where science and communication truly meet. Many go on to become research scientists, NHS clinical lab staff, science communicators, or even international project coordinators—roles that value both your bioscience expertise and your ability to work across cultures and languages. Add in the abroad placement and interdisciplinary training, and you’ll stand out as someone ready for careers that span borders and disciplines.

Here’s how the degree supports your future:

• Tailored career guidance: Manchester’s Global Careers Service offers dedicated support with CVs, interview prep, placement opportunities, and sector-specific networking—perfect if you’re aiming for international or language-linked roles.

• Employer demand for global skills: Employers in bioscience and healthcare increasingly look for graduates with language abilities. This degree makes sure you’re ahead of the curve.

• Worldwide career options: With a year abroad under your belt, you’ll be uniquely prepared for roles in global research labs, cross-border projects, or international organisations.

• Accreditation advantage: The programme carries Advanced Accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology. That means you can apply for Member (MRSB) status after just two years of professional experience—a valuable step toward Chartered Biologist or Scientist status.

• Flexible graduate pathways: Alumni often move into postgraduate study (Master’s, PhD, or medical degrees) or into careers in clinical labs, medical writing, health communication, or education.

Further Academic Progression
Your combination of scientific depth and language fluency makes you a strong candidate for advanced study. Whether it’s an MSc in Biotechnology, a PhD in your chosen specialism, or pathways in science communication, global health policy, or bioenterprise—you’ll have the academic credibility and global perspective to thrive.