Enter OTP
The Oxford Biology programme immerses you in the full spectrum of life sciences—from the molecular machinery inside cells all the way to ecosystems—through hands-on lab work, cutting-edge tutorials, and fieldwork. It’s ideal for curious, ambitious students who want to marry deep scientific insight with real-world applications, guided by expert researchers and supported by one-to-one tutorials.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In your first year, you’ll explore three interconnected themes: Diversity of Life, Building a Phenotype, and Ecology & Evolution. Through lectures, practicals, computing sessions, and discussion groups, you'll dive into everything from genetic mechanisms to evolutionary patterns and organismal interactions, while getting used to Oxford’s rich environments—like the Natural History Museum, Botanic Garden, Herbarium, and Wytham Woods—and even a week-long residential field course to sharpen your research skills.
Year 2
Building on this foundation, Year 2 deepens your understanding across a broad range of biological disciplines. You’ll move beyond core knowledge into more specialised areas, engaging with complex scientific literature, developing analytical skills, and honing your mindset as a biological researcher.
Year 3
By your third year, you begin to specialise: you’ll choose from around eight options that reflect emerging and applied areas—such as GMO crops, biofuels, stem cells, and ageing. You’ll also participate in rigorous skills training through activities like journal clubs and scientific paper critiques, culminating in both oral and written research-focused coursework that sharpens your analytical and communication abilities.
Year 4 (MBiol option)
If you choose to stay on for a fourth year, you’ll embark on an independent research project under close supervision in a lab or field setting, coupled with advanced research skills training—readying you for graduate study or research-focused careers.
Focus Areas
"From molecules to ecosystems, evolutionary theory, genetics, ecology, cutting-edge biological research and scientific communication"
Learning Outcomes
"Develop deep understanding of biological principles, gain hands-on research skills, critical analysis of scientific literature, and capacity to pursue independent scientific inquiry"
Professional Alignment(Accreditation)
While Oxford’s Biology does not carry professional accreditation, it is fully research-based and backed by world-class facilities and faculty. The degree’s prestige and research-led teaching offer strong pathways into science, academia, policy, and industry.
Reputation (Employability & Rankings)
Oxford Biology graduates are highly sought-after—around 40% go on to further study (including doctorates), and the rest enter careers across sectors like research, education, health, media, and environmental consultancy.
At Oxford, you don’t just read about biology—you live and experience it. You'll gain hands-on practical expertise through tailored fieldwork, cutting-edge laboratories, immersive tutorials with real specimens, and mentorship by leading researchers. These opportunities allow you to engage with the natural world and scientific challenges as they truly are, not just through textbooks:
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Week-long field course in Pembrokeshire at the end of your first year, where you'll rotate through rocky shore, sand dune, and woodland environments—designing and carrying out ecological experiments yourself.
Tutorials held in the Museum of Natural History, using specimens (fossils, taxa, anatomical models) to bring biological concepts alive and ground your learning in real-world reference.
Access to world-class facilities—including the Bodleian Libraries, University Museum of Natural History, Ashmolean, Pitt Rivers, and the Botanic Garden/Arboretum—with priority access for study and research.
Living laboratory at Wytham Woods—a 1,000-acre woodland close to campus, used for long-term student-led research projects in ecology, biodiversity, and conservation.
Top-tier science infrastructure, including advanced state-of-the-art laboratories, mass spectrometry and MRI facilities, and specimen collections across the Science Area.
Planned independent research in Year 4 (MBiol track)—conduct a full research project in lab or field, supported by advanced research skills training and supervision.
Graduates of Oxford’s Biology degree enjoy strong career and study pathways: around 40% pursue further study (such as research doctorates or applied postgraduate courses), while the vast majority of the remainder secure roles across sectors like education, research, healthcare, environmental work, media, and consultancy. Typical roles include Research Assistant, Science Communicator, Environmental Consultant, and School Teacher.
What supports these outcomes:
University Careers Service provides alumni with one-on-one guidance, access to hundreds of job and internship listings via Career Connect, career fairs, and employer events.
Employment & Salary Data:
Average salary six months after graduation is around £27,000.
According to national datasets, median earnings for University of Oxford biology-related graduates are approximately £26.6k after 1 year, £36.1k after 3 years, and £39.1k after 5 years.
Industry & Sector Links: Though not through formal accreditation, Oxford’s Biology degree is highly respected across sectors—graduates go into high-impact roles in scientific R&D, environmental consultancy, media and communication, education, and government/public services.
Reputation & Outcomes: The BA/MBiol degree benefits from Oxford’s globally recognized reputation, research-led teaching, and rich academic heritage, driving strong long-term employability through both formal and informal networks.
Visibly Strong Graduate Outcomes: Six months post-graduation, almost 87% of Biology graduates are in work or further study.
Further Academic Progression:
If you’re aiming for academia or scientific leadership, this degree sets you up for smooth transition into Master’s and DPhil (PhD) programmes, with many graduates staying on at Oxford or entering postgraduate courses worldwide in fields such as molecular biology, ecology, immunology, conservation, or biomedical sciences. Further study enables deeper specialization and opens doors to careers in research, teaching, policy, and biotech innovation.
A-levels: A*AA including Biology and one of Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics. The A* must be in a science or mathematics subject.IB Diploma: 39 points overall (including core points) with 7, 6, 6 at Higher Level, and a 7 in Higher Level Biology or another science/mathematics.Admissions test: No admissions test required for Biology.Interview: Shortlisted candidates are interviewed as part of the selection process.Additional expectations: Strong interest and aptitude in biological sciences, supported by school performance in Biology and related sciences.BiotechnologistMicrobiologistMarine BiologistBioinformatics SpecialistBiomedical ScientistEnvironmental ConsultantConservation ScientistClinical Research AssociateScience Policy AdvisorPharmaceutical Researcher
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University of Oxford
