The Bachelor of Science in Biology is an undergraduate degree that imparts a foundation of knowledge about botany, zoology, and ecology, as well as molecular and cell biology and microbiology. A BSc can serve as a terminal degree to enter research and laboratory careers or be used as a preparation for graduate work in the biological sciences.

Studying a bachelor's program in the UK exposes international students to a racially and culturally diverse and tolerant environment. A bachelor’s degree in the UK is normally a 3–4 year course offered by some of the UK's top universities.

Tuition for the program ranges between £13,000 and £19,000 per year. In the United Kingdom, the average salary after completing an undergraduate degree in biology is £32,000 per year.

Students interested in continuing their graduate studies in biology will certainly benefit from the knowledge and laboratory experience gained, which will help them advance to careers in education, scientific research industries, laboratory work, and government positions. They will be well prepared for careers in medicine, as it provides a path to graduate school as well as the background required to apply to medical, dental, and veterinary schools.

Why pursue a Bachelor’s degree in biology in the United Kingdom?

• UK institutions consistently rank among the best in the world, and their qualifications are internationally valued and recognized.
• Widely recognized courses offer broad career perspectives in and outside the UK.
• Several scholarships and other funding opportunities exist.
• Choose from a vast range of study programs that include Biodiversity and Conservation, Cell Structure and Function, Evolutionary Biology, Genetics, Global Change Biology, Impact of Microbes, Molecules of Life, Zoology, Biotechnology, Human Physiology, Ecology etc.
• In the UK, a bachelor's degree in biology can lead to lucrative jobs such as biology technician, molecular biologist, biological scientist, ecologist, botanist, agricultural consultant, wildlife conservationist, biology content developer, conservationist, horticulturist, etc.

Top Universities for Bachelor of Biology in the UK

Several top universities in the UK offer Bachelor of Biology degree.

Bachelor of Biology in the UK: Tuition fees

The cost of studying a bachelor’s degree in biology in the UK for international students is as follows:

Bachelor of Biology in the UK: Specific Entry Requirements

University of Hull

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS:  IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each skill.
• Academic requirements:  Higher level certificate with minimum GPA of 3.00.

University of Lincoln

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: IELTS 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each band score)
• TOFEL IBT: Overall 79.
• Academic requirements: Higher level certificate with minimum GPA of 3.00.

Hartpury University

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: Overall 6.0.
• TOFEL IBT: Minimum score of 60 to 78.
• Academic requirements:   BBC or equivalent in A level with a minimum of two A-levels including one in a Biological Science or a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, (or A* to C grades if relevant) or equivalent, to include English Language and Mathematics.

University of Surrey

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: Overall 6.5 with 6.0 in Writing and 5.5 in each other element.
• TOFEL IBT:  Overall 88 with 18 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 19 in Speaking and 23 in Writing.
• Academic requirements:  Higher level certificate with minimum GPA of 3.00.

Prifysgol Aberystwyth University

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: IELTS 6.0 - 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOFEL IBT: 93 with minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing.
• Academic requirements:  Higher level certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Swansea University

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: 6.0 with 5.5 in each part of the test (or equivalent).
• PTE: 51
• Academic requirements: Completion of a diploma or 3-year bachelor's degree with good grades in all subjects including Biology.

University Centre Myerscough

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in each band score).
• Academic requirements: Higher level certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00.

Queen's University Belfast

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS:  6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each test component
• TOEFL: Overall 90 with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing.
• Academic requirements:  Higher Secondary Education Certificate plus successful completion of a recognized Foundation Programme or 3 UK A Levels.

University of Stirling

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: Overall 6, Minimum of 5.5 in each skill.
• TOFEL IBT: 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
• Duolingo: 95 overall with a minimum of 90 in all sub-skills.
• Academic requirements: Higher level certificate with minimum GPA of 3.00.

University of Derby

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: Overall 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
• Academic requirements: Higher level certificate with minimum GPA of 3.00. At least Grade C in Biology.

Bournemouth University

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: Overall 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
• Academic requirements: Higher level certificate with a score of 60-70% is required.

Bangor University

• Possibilities for meeting the English Language Proficiency requirements include 
• IELTS: Overall 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
• Academic requirements: Higher level certificate with a minimum GPA of 3.00. At least Grade C in Biology.

Bachelor of Biology in the UK: Scholarships

Different types of scholarships, awards, fellowships, and bursaries are available to international students in the UK. Several universities have departmental and university scholarships as well, which are reserved for students of biology only. Some of the scholarships offered to international students at different universities are listed below

It might be too expensive to pursue a degree in biology, especially in a country as pricey as the UK. Nevertheless, there are many scholarships for international students in the UK that might help to ease the financial burden. 

Aside from pursuing scholarships for overseas students, students can also seek various forms of financial assistance. They can either work part-time or apply for loans while studying in the UK.

Bachelor of Biology in the UK: Scope

Having a biology degree under your belt will give you the opportunity to choose between varieties of career options. You will find a biology graduate working in almost every setting you can think of. These include research laboratories, jungles, caves, universities, museums, forests, factories, hospitals, factories, zoos, aquariums, wildlife parks, or rescue, conservation, or welfare centers. Jobs for biology graduates include, but are not limited to:

• Biology Content Developer
• Biology Researcher
• Biological Technician
• Botanist
• Conservationist
• Ecologist
• Environment Consultant
• Farming Consultant
• Forester
• Geneticist
• Horticulturist
• Laboratory Technician
• Molecular Biologist
• Museum Educator
• Mycologist
• Natural Resources Manager
• Nursery Manager
• Plant Biochemist
• Plant Explorer
• Plant Researcher
• Science Adviser
• Taxonomist
• Weed Scientist

Employers recruiting graduates for biology-related jobs include:

• universities and clinical research organisations
• pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
• private hospitals and NHS trusts
• national and global health, conservation and environmental charities
• scientific and technical consultancies
• schools and colleges
• Outreach organisations, such as museums, science centres and broadcast companies.