MSci Biology

At Bristol, MSci Biology isn’t just about lectures—it’s about diving into real science. You’ll gain hands-on expertise in state-of-the-art lab spaces, practice your research skills through independent projects, and even step into industry environments if you choose the Professional Placement option.

Here’s how your learning becomes truly experiential:

• Access to world-class labs in the Life Sciences Building, featuring advanced teaching and research spaces where you'll work with cutting-edge equipment—exactly where your future research could start. 

• Independent research project in the fourth year (MSci year), allowing you to design and execute your own investigative studies under expert supervision—excellent preparation for PhD-level work. 

• Optional Professional Placement (5-year variant): spend the third year gaining real-world experience in a professional setting, matching your classroom knowledge to industry expectations. 

• Support through Year in Industry and Careers Service: a dedicated Industrial Liaison Office helps you find placements, while the Careers Service offers internships, SME opportunities, and digital networking tools. 

• STEM Research Internships in the summer: bolster your lab skills and confidence by joining research groups, earning academic credit, and building your scientific communication skills.

MSci Biology graduates often step into exciting roles like Research Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Conservation Biologist, or Science Communicator, making real contributions from ecosystems to algorithms. With the depth and rigor of the MSci, you’re empowered to lead in research, innovate in policy, or transform public engagement through science—so here’s how we help you build that future:

• University Services Supporting Employment

  • The Careers Service not only helps you polish your CV and prepare for interviews but also connects you with internships, networking opportunities, and even supports you for up to three years after graduation—complete with tools, workshops, and alumni links.

  • If you're in the "MSci Biology with Professional Placement" variant, our Industrial Liaison Office works with you directly to secure a valuable placement—bringing classroom biology into real industry settings. 

• Employment Statistics & Salary Figures

  • Biological Sciences graduates rank among the top 10 highest-paid UK graduates three years after degree, with a median salary of around £26,300. 

  • Reflecting broader biosciences data at Bristol, the 15-month median salary is approximately £28,000, rising to £26,500 by the three-year mark—well above many national averages. 

• University–Industry Partnerships

  • Bristol biology students benefit from deep links with organisations like the BBC Natural History Unit, Bristol Zoological Society, and agro-farming and conservation groups—often featuring as guest collaborators or placement hosts. 

  • Through the GW4 research consortium (Bath, Cardiff, Exeter, Bristol), you can tap into world-class collaborations—from doctoral training centres to cutting-edge environmental tech initiatives. 

• Long-Term Accreditation Value

  • While the MSci isn’t professionally accredited by a licensing body, its advanced research components and independent project empower you with critical analysis, technical mastery, and problem-solving—skills highly sought across scientific careers. 

• Graduation Outcomes

  • MSci Biology alumni go on to doctoral programmes, research careers, science communication roles, environmental policymaking, conservation leadership, and biotech enterprise—armed with both expertise and a proactive mindset. 

Further Academic Progression:
Many graduates naturally proceed to PhD programmes in areas like evolutionary biology, ecology, sensory systems, or plant sciences, supported by Bristol’s research excellence and GW4 connections. Others pursue Master’s-level specialisations, or explore graduate-entry medical, veterinary, or environmental policy pathways—backed by the autonomy and insight earned during your MSci independent research.