Enter OTP
This three-year BSc Biological Sciences at Imperial gives you a broad, research-led experience of life in all its forms—from molecules to ecosystems. Perfect for curious, hands-on learners who want to understand how living systems work, you’ll build strong scientific skills while exploring data analysis, fieldwork, and lab-based discovery.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
Your first year builds a solid foundation across the life sciences. You’ll study Biological Chemistry and Microbiology, Cell Biology and Genetics, plus Ecology and Evolution—alongside Core Skills for Life Scientists and Evolution and Diversity. This year helps you see how living systems connect at the molecular, cellular, organism, and ecosystem levels.
Year 2
In your second year, you’ll balance core subjects with your own interests. Core modules include Applied Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Statistics and Programming, plus a Tutored Dissertation and an I-Explore module you choose. You’ll also take three optional modules—one each from Groups A (like Cell and Developmental Biology, Molecular Microbiology), B (Immunology, Behavioural Ecology), and C (Molecular and Cell Biology, Ecological Field Skills). This lets you start shaping your degree around what excites you most.
Year 3
Your final year is where you truly specialise. You’ll again pick one module from each group (A, B, C), with advanced topics ranging from Stem Cells, Regeneration & Ageing to Medical Microbiology or Biodiversity Genomics. The highlight is a major research project—your chance to dive deep into a topic, experience real-world science, and grow as an independent researcher.
Focus Areas
From molecules to ecosystems—molecular biology, ecology, bioinformatics, genetics, and hands-on research
Learning Outcomes
Gain critical lab, computational, statistical, and fieldwork skills; learn how to design and analyse experiments; become a confident, independent life scientist ready for the next step.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This degree is built on Imperial’s world-class research and facilities. While it’s not accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this doesn’t limit your options—Imperial’s reputation and research strength carry significant weight for postgraduate study and research careers.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Imperial ranks 4th in the UK for Biological Sciences and 5th overall among universities. Globally, the subject ranks in the top 10 in the QS World Rankings—a reflection of both academic excellence and strong career prospects for graduates.
Here at Imperial, you won’t just be learning from books—you’ll be using the same tools and techniques that real life scientists rely on. From modern labs and field sites to advanced computational spaces, you’ll build hands-on skills that truly stick. You’ll work with real data, run your own experiments, and collaborate on research projects, all within a world-class scientific environment.
Here’s exactly what that means for you:
State-of-the-art teaching labs and computational facilities at South Kensington, based in the Sir Alexander Fleming and Sir Ernst Chain buildings. These are your training grounds for molecular and cell biology, equipped with the latest lab technology and software to sharpen your practical and analytical skills.
Silwood Park field campus near Ascot, where you’ll carry out genuine ecology and conservation work in varied ecosystems—giving you direct experience of field research.
Opportunities to contribute to original research, whether in the lab or out in the field, guided by Imperial’s leading researchers and supported by a thriving research culture.
Hands-on practicals that teach you how to design experiments, master lab techniques, interpret data, and think critically—skills that transfer directly to your future career.
Advising, internships, and career support, including the Careers Service’s Spring Work Shadowing scheme, which connects you with working scientists and helps you build a strong professional toolkit.
Graduates from Imperial’s Life Sciences degrees go on to do incredibly well—around 94% are in work or further study, and 83% move into highly skilled roles just months after finishing. Career paths are broad, with many becoming laboratory scientists, biotechnologists, public health or biomedical advisors, or specialists in areas like environmental science and food technology.
What helps drive these outcomes:
Dedicated career support through Imperial’s Careers Service, offering one-to-one guidance, CV and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, assessment centre preparation, and exclusive job listings via the JobsLive portal.
A thriving innovation ecosystem—Imperial has helped launch over 280 startups in the past five years, raising around £800 million, which gives science graduates exciting opportunities to explore entrepreneurship.
Industry connections through networks like MedCity and SynbiCITE, linking students directly to leading companies in biotech, healthcare, synthetic biology, and research.
Reputation that opens doors—Imperial is ranked 1st in the UK for highly skilled graduate employment or further study, and its alumni consistently earn some of the highest median salaries across the country.
Further Academic Progression
If you’re considering postgraduate study, this degree is an excellent launchpad. Many graduates go on to Master’s or PhD programmes in areas such as molecular biology, ecology, or biomedical sciences. Imperial itself offers a wide range of postgraduate pathways across life sciences and interdisciplinary research centres, making it an ideal choice if you’re aiming for academia, advanced research, or specialised professional roles.
Graduate Success Snapshot:
Median earnings for Biological Sciences graduates: ~£32k after one year, £27k after three years, and ~£34.5k by year five.
Around 81% of Imperial graduates across all subjects secure employment or further study within just three months.
A-Levels: AAA including Biology and one of Chemistry, Maths or Physics (General Studies & Critical Thinking not accepted).For International Baccalaureate (IB) applicants, a minimum of 38 points overall is required, including 6 in Biology and 6 in Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics at Higher Level.The program usually does not require interviews but may invite selected candidates for online or telephone interviews.Personal statements and references are carefully considered to assess applicant suitability beyond exam results.Applicants from various international qualifications systems, such as CISCE, CBSE, Cambridge International A Levels, and other equivalents, are considered following comparable standards.Applications are submitted through the UCAS system, with competitive selection due to oversubscription.AP tests with high scores (typically 3-4 tests with grade 5) may be considered in some casesIELTS: Overall 7.0 with minimum 6.5 in each component.TOEFL iBT: Overall 100 with minimum 22 in each section.Our minimum entry standard is 90% overall, to include: 90% in Biology 90% in Chemistry, Maths or Physics 90% OtherGenome ScientistPhD Student / Research ScientistCommunications Manager (Science Communication)Investment Analyst (Life Sciences Sector)Clinical Data ManagerBiomedical ScientistEnvironmental ConsultantPharmaceutical ResearcherBioinformatics SpecialistConservation ScientistScience Policy AdvisorLaboratory TechnicianPublic Health AnalystRegulatory Affairs SpecialistBiotechnology Product Manager
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Imperial College London
