Enter OTP
The BSc Biology at the University of Bristol gives you the chance to explore life in all its forms—from the smallest molecular interactions to the complexity of entire ecosystems. It’s a degree designed to give you both breadth and flexibility: you’ll build a strong foundation in the core principles of biology while also shaping your studies around the areas that excite you most.
What you’ll study
Year One
Your first year sets the stage with a wide-ranging introduction to how living systems work. You’ll explore the diversity of life, the processes that sustain it, and develop the scientific skills that will carry you through the rest of the course.
Year Two
Things get more specialised in year two. Core modules cover areas like molecular genetics, evolutionary biology, and computational methods—equipping you with the analytical skills modern biologists rely on. You’ll also start to shape your pathway through optional units such as animal behaviour, ecology and conservation, or cell and developmental biology.
Year Three
In your final year, you’ll have the freedom to dig deeper into the areas that inspire you most. Whether it’s evolutionary biology, sensory biology, plant sciences, or environmental change, you’ll work alongside Bristol’s researchers on advanced topics and have the chance to carry out an independent research project of your own.
Why choose this course?
Broad and flexible learning: From enzymes to ecosystems, you’ll cover the full spectrum of modern biology, with the ability to specialise as you progress.
Hands-on experience: You’ll develop your research and practical skills in world-class teaching labs and through projects guided by active researchers.
Global recognition: Biological Sciences at Bristol is ranked 9th in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), giving your degree strong credibility with employers and graduate schools.
Future-ready skills: While not tied to a professional accreditation, the programme emphasises transferable skills—analytical thinking, data handling, problem-solving—that are highly valued across scientific, environmental, and broader career paths.
At Bristol, studying BSc Biology means stepping straight into the role of a scientist. From day one, you won’t just be reading about biology—you’ll be doing it. Whether it’s in the lab, in the field, or on campus in unique spaces like the Botanical Garden, you’ll build the skills and confidence that bring biology to life.
What makes your experience hands-on?
State-of-the-art teaching labs – Work with advanced microscopes (fluorescence, compound, stereo, and light) and imaging tools that open up the microscopic world in vivid detail.
Molecular biology in action – Get comfortable with essential techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and genetic analysis using industry-standard equipment.
Real-world environmental science – Use tools such as pH meters, oxygen meters, and spectrophotometers to assess ecosystems and collect data like a practicing ecologist.
Interactive digital support – Digital Laboratory Manuals (DLMs) guide you through key practical techniques step by step, so you can focus on the science itself.
Research-led projects – By your final year, you’ll be working alongside academics and researchers on meaningful projects that give you a taste of cutting-edge discovery.
A collaborative environment – The Life Sciences Building is designed for learning and connection, with labs, breakout spaces, seminar rooms, and social zones that make it easy to share ideas and build a supportive academic community.
Fieldwork that inspires – Take part in global field courses in locations like Costa Rica or explore ecosystems closer to home in Pembrokeshire, gathering data and experiencing biodiversity firsthand.
On-campus Botanical Garden – Step into glasshouses filled with rare species, evolutionary displays, and plant collections that give you a living classroom in botany and ecology.
Graduates from BSc Biology at Bristol go on to shape the world in many ways—whether as research scientists pushing the boundaries of discovery, conservation biologists protecting ecosystems, environmental policy advisors driving change, or science communicators sharing knowledge with the public. This is a degree that opens doors across labs, landscapes, and beyond.
How Bristol supports your career journey
Personalised Careers Service – You’ll have access to tailored guidance on CVs, interviews, and career planning, plus online tools and networking events. Best of all, support continues for up to three years after you graduate.
Internship opportunities – Through the SME Internship Scheme, you can gain paid experience with innovative small and medium-sized organisations—strengthening both your CV and your professional network.
Bristol PLUS Award – This award programme helps you stand out by recognising extracurricular achievements such as volunteering, workshops, and employer engagement activities.
Where graduates go :
Alumni careers are wonderfully diverse:
Leading conservation initiatives with DEFRA
Advising on environmental policy at national and international levels
Founding biotech start-ups
Producing award-winning wildlife documentaries for the BBC
Working as environmental consultants or sustainability specialists
Further study opportunities
Many graduates choose to continue their studies with MSc or PhD programmes in ecology, evolutionary biology, plant sciences, or bioinformatics. Others branch into medicine, veterinary science, teaching, or science communication. Bristol’s research-led environment and global reputation give you an excellent launchpad, whichever path you choose.
85% in 12th Standard from CBSE / CISCE Board.A Levels: AAA, including Biology and one other science-related subject (Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Psychology, Geography, etc.).IB Diploma: 36 points overall with at least 18 at Higher Level, including 6,6 in Biology and another science-related subject.English Language (IELTS): Overall 6.5 with no component below 6.0.Other accepted science-related subjects: Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Electronics, Environmental Sciences, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Physics, Psychology, Statistics.for USA : SAT (evidence-based reading and writing section only) with a minimum of 650 or ACT with a minimum score of 28 AP Tests with a score of at least 4 (more commonly 5) AP classes, taken over two semesters in Grade 11 or Grade 12for USA : We will consider applicants with a high school diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 3.2 minimum (3.4 for competitive courses) Typical offers for CBSE and CISCE range from 80% (equivalent to ABB at A-level) to 90% (equivalent to A*AA at A-level).Contextual IB offer: 32 points overall, with HL grades 6,5 in Biology + another science subject.Research ScientistEnvironmental ConsultantConservation BiologistBiotechnologistScience CommunicatorPolicy AdvisorLaboratory TechnicianTeacher/LecturerEcologistPharmaceutical Scientist
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
University of Bristol
