Biological Sciences (Evolutionary Biology) BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Edinburgh

Program Overview

If you’ve ever wondered how life on Earth has changed over millions of years, this degree gives you the chance to study those answers in depth. It’s perfect for students who enjoy asking big questions about how species adapt, how genetic variation shapes populations, and how we can use evolutionary principles to solve real-world challenges in conservation, health, and the environment.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll start by building a broad foundation in biology, exploring variation, diversity, ecology, and the fundamentals of life. Core modules like Biology 1A: Variation, Biology 1B: Life, Biology 1C: Discovery, and Biology 1D: Environment will introduce you to the essentials, while practical labs, workshops, and trips—such as visits to the Royal Botanic Gardens—bring the subject to life. Optional courses in Biological Chemistry 1A/B show you how chemistry underpins the biological sciences.

Year 2
This year develops your analytical side, with courses like Biology 2A: Data Exploration in Biology and Genetics and Evolution (Biology 2B) giving you real skills in statistics, data handling, and computational biology. You’ll also study how systems are regulated in living organisms through Biology 2C: Systems and Regulation. Optional courses in areas such as plant biology, microbial function, or the evolution of body plans allow you to begin tailoring your degree.

Year 3
Your studies become more specialised, focusing directly on evolutionary biology. You’ll dive into molecular phylogenetics, population genetics, and genomic data analysis, while also learning to design experiments and critically interpret scientific literature. Fieldwork and advanced lab training will strengthen your practical skills, helping you think like an evolutionary biologist.

Year 4
The final year is where everything comes together. You’ll take advanced modules in sequence analysis and evolutionary trees, examine recent evolutionary events such as human origins, and complete your own independent research project within one of Edinburgh’s world-class labs. Seminars, presentations, and group discussions sharpen your communication skills, preparing you for whatever comes next.

Focus areas: Evolutionary processes, population genetics, phylogenetics, molecular evolution, biodiversity, bioinformatics, data analysis.

Learning outcomes: Gain the ability to interpret evolutionary data, design and carry out research projects, communicate science effectively, and apply computational and critical thinking skills to biological problems.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Delivered by Edinburgh’s School of Biological Sciences, this degree is designed around cutting-edge research standards and equips you for careers in academia, biotechnology, conservation, and science communication.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Edinburgh ranks consistently among the world’s best for Biological Sciences, and graduates from this programme are recognised for their strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes this programme stand out is how much time you’ll spend learning through experience. From your very first year, you’ll be in labs, out in the field, and working in groups to solve real biological questions. By the time you reach your final year, you’ll design and complete your own research project in one of Edinburgh’s specialist labs — the kind of hands-on experience that employers and postgraduate programmes are looking for.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

Field trips from day one – explore the Royal Botanic Gardens, local beaches, and woodlands to practise data collection, experimental design, and ecological observation.
Weekly practical labs and workshops – small-group sessions where you’ll handle specimens, analyse data, and learn key research methods.
Dedicated facilities – the Ashworth Laboratories and the Institute of Evolution & Ecology give you access to natural history collections and technical support for your studies.
High-tech research centres – use the Edinburgh Genome Foundry for DNA assembly, Edinburgh Genomics for sequencing and bioinformatics, and core facilities like flow cytometry and advanced microscopy suites.
Digital skills built in – you’ll get training with bioinformatics tools, phylogenetic software, and statistical packages to make sense of complex biological data.
Plant and growth facilities – glasshouses and controlled growth spaces for studying plant evolution and comparative biology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This degree opens doors to a wide range of exciting careers. Graduates often move into roles such as conservation biologist, genomics or bioinformatics specialist, environmental consultant, or science communicator, where they can apply their skills in research, data analysis, and problem-solving to real-world challenges. The programme gives you both the knowledge and hands-on experience to make an impact in your chosen field:

Careers support – Edinburgh’s Careers Service helps with CVs, applications, interviews, and networking, guiding you towards paid work, internships, volunteer roles, or opportunities abroad.
Industry and research connections – you can gain exposure through placements and collaborations with research institutes such as the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, the Roslin Institute, and the Centre for Molecular Medicine.
Graduate outcomes – most students go on to highly skilled roles or further study, with salaries for Biosciences graduates typically around £25,000 in the first year after graduation, rising with experience.
Hands-on research experience – your projects and fieldwork help build skills that are highly valued in academia, biotech, conservation, and government agencies.

Further Academic Progression:
Many students use this degree as a stepping stone to postgraduate study. You could pursue a PhD to specialise in areas such as evolutionary genetics or conservation biology, or take a taught Master’s in fields like genomics, bioinformatics, or ecology. Advanced study can open doors to research leadership, policy roles, or specialist scientific careers.

Additional Information & Requirements

UCAS Application, UCAS Personal Statement, UCAS Reference, A Levels: ABB. GCSEs: English at Grade B or 6. Mathematics or Physics at Grade B or 6. Test scores: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE
Required A-Level subjects: Biology and Chemistry, both at grade B or above. On top of this, an A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Maths, or Physics is needed.
Applications must be made through UCAS, including a personal statement and academic reference; you can only apply to one Biological Sciences program.
English tests: IELTS 6.5 (5.5 each), TOEFL iBT 92 (20 each), PTE 65 (54 each).
A-Levels: Biology and Chemistry at B or above, plus an A in one science/maths subject.
Interviews and admissions tests do not normally form part of undergraduate selection
India (typical School of Science & Engineering rules): Class XII (CBSE/CISCE) award of Certificate with five subjects, overall ≈ 80%+ and minimum 80% in required subjects for Science & Engineering programmes (advanced Year-2 entry typically requires 85% overall and 85% in required subjects)
Where we require a specific subject at AP grade 4, we look for a B+ in honours classes, or equivalent, taken in that required subject
Where we require a specific subject at AP grade 5, we look for an A in honours classes, or equivalent, taken in that required subject.
for USA : ACT score of 27 plus two AP scores at 4+ SAT score of 1290+ (650+ in Evidence based reading and Writing and 620+ in Math) plus two AP scores at 4+ 3 AP scores at 4+
for USA : A minimum 3.3 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, in your US High School Transcript. We will look for a rigorous academic curriculum with A and B grades in college-level classes, such as advanced and honours level classes, or equivalent, and no grades below a C in your Junior and Senior year.