Biological Sciences

Undergraduate Degree with Foundation Year School of Life and Health Sciences

Biological Sciences is a gateway into all Life and Health Sciences career paths. Study what you’re passionate about in this rapidly developing scientific discipline.

Biological Sciences
Entry Tariff

2023/24 entry: Call 0300 303 8320 to find out if you are eligible for this programme in Clearing

September 2024 Year 1 entry: 112 UCAS points (or equivalent)

September 2024 Foundation Year entry: 64 UCAS points (or equivalent)

UCAS Code

C120

C100 (if choosing Foundation Year)

Duration

3 years (full-time)

4 years (full-time) if opting for the additional placement year

4 years (full-time) if opting for Foundation Year entry

Start date

September 2023

September 2024

Degree Type

BSc (single honours)
Course also available with Foundation Year

Modules

These modules are those we currently offer for 1 year (full time) and may be subject to change.

This course is offered as a degree with foundation year – a four-year programme which provides an additional foundation year at the beginning of the degree, that will give you academic and practical experience, as well as the skills you need to ensure you are equipped to successfully complete your chosen degree.

New for 2023: £2,000 Foundation Scholarships for all home students  

Find out more about our degrees with a foundation year  

 
 
 
 

This course offers all students the option of a one-year paid work placement, to boost your employability even further. If you choose this route, you will take the placement following year two of your course, and then return to complete your degree.

Why take a placement?

A placement year is the perfect opportunity to gain valuable work experience, to build on the career skills we will teach you on this degree. The connections you make on the placement will improve your career prospects further, and equip you with the skills you need to secure graduate-level employment.

How we support you

The University's Placement and Work Experience Team are experts at helping you to secure a placement. They will work closely with you from the start, helping you research potential employers, discover placement opportunities, create and pitch your CV, and will coach you to perform well in interviews. We aren't able to guarantee a placement, but our sector-leading advisors will give you the best possible chance of securing one.

Find out more about how we'll support you  

We understand that your plans might change once you start your programme. If you decide not to do a placement, you will have the option of completing the three year version of your programme.

Whatever your choice, you will have access to many opportunities for work experience through our Placement and Work Experience Team, and access to face-to-face and 24/7 online careers support.

Study Abroad

This course has the option of studying abroad as part of your degree in your second semester of second year.

With Roehampton Abroad scholarships of up to £1,000 and Turing Scheme funding available, you could spend a semester at one of our partner universities across the globe, with destinations including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.

Find out more about where your degree could take you here.

 

Skills

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You will delve into the very essence of life and living organisms and will develop your skills and understanding right across the biological disciplines, from core aspects of animal and plant biology via the diversity and evolution of life, right to cutting edge developments within the fields of biotechnology, climate change, antimicrobial resistance and molecular ecology.

You’ll begin by exploring the key areas of biology, including cell biology, ecology, evolution, and the diversity and details of the major animal and plant groups.

 You’ll learn about biochemistry and the physiology of our own bodies and contrast them with other species, as well as develop analytical skills to assess laboratory and field data.

In your second year you’ll be able to focus on the key areas that interest you, choosing what to study from our broad range of modules which include diverse topics such as

  • Ecology
  • Evolutionary biology
  • Animal behaviour
  • Molecular biology
  • Physiology

You will also be able to go on a residential field course in rural Wales and immerse yourself in field and lab data collection.

In third year, you’ll specialise further and select modules from any area of biology. You will also complete an independent research project where you’ll collect seminal data on a topic of your choice, advancing current knowledge in that area.

How you'll learn

You will have the opportunity to work in our state-of-the-art laboratories, participate in field trips in the UK and abroad, and conduct your own research project.

You’ll take part in exciting modules such as

  • Chemistry of Life, where you will work in the lab to study the structure, evolution and biochemistry of the cell.
  • Comparative Zoology, where you will learn about vertebrate anatomy, physiology and development.
  • The Brain in Health and Disease, where you will gain valuable insight into neurobiology and the very latest developments in brain research.
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How you'll be assessed

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Throughout the course, our assessment methods encompass a diverse range of approaches to build your understanding and practical skills. These assessments include written examinations, laboratory reports, research project presentations, and essays.

Additionally, you'll take part in practical assessments involving fieldwork and data collection.

This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical concepts and hands-on applications, preparing you for a well-rounded exploration of the biological sciences.

Upcoming Events:

Career options

You will develop highly sought-after skills perfect for careers in a range of industries, including: 

  • Biotech and bioengineering
  • The pharmaceutical industry
  • Environmental consultancies
  • Forensics and scientific consultancy
  • Biological research

You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level.

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Our careers team is available to support you from the start of your studies until after you graduate. We will help you build your CV, prepare for interviews, and meet and learn from successful graduates working at the top of their careers. You’ll also have opportunities to work with our partners across London and beyond, and to attend a Roehampton jobs fair where you can find out about graduate opportunities and meet employers.

Course Facilities

Image -  Students in our teaching laboratory  
  Practical sessions will be a core part of your degree, allowing you to develop your skillset.   

Students in our teaching laboratory 

Practical sessions will be a core part of your degree, allowing you to develop your skillset. 

Image -    Our   Ecology laboratory    

Our Ecology laboratory 

Image -    Laboratory lecture demonstration for Life   and Health   Sciences students     

Laboratory lecture demonstration for Life and Health Sciences students  

Image -  Manresa Hall in Whitelands College    
  On top of a 24 hour computer room, the College also has two dedicated quiet study areas.

Manresa Hall in Whitelands College 

On top of a 24 hour computer room, the College also has two dedicated quiet study areas.

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Application Info

How to apply

Undergraduate programmes

If you need any help or advice with your application, or just want to ask us a question before you apply, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Detailed advice on applying for an undergraduate degree is available on our How to apply page.

Tuition fees and funding

September 2023 entry tuition fees

Year 1 fees, see links in table below for more information.

UK EU and International Placement year
£9,250 £15,000 £950

Entry tariff

2023/24 entry: Call 0300 303 8320 to find out if you are eligible for this programme in Clearing

We welcome applications from students studying T Levels.

For all courses we also accept a wide range of other qualifications and experience. Contact us to find out more.

When we consider applications to study with us, we form a complete view of your achievements to date, and future potential, and can offer flexibility in entry requirements. Find out more about our Contextual Offer scheme.

Specific Entry Requirements

A-level / BTEC (or equivalent qualification) required in Biology or Chemistry.

GCSE (or equivalent) requirement: Maths Grade C / 4.

Contact us for further information.

General entry requirements

UK students

Validation and curriculum review

What is validation?
Validation is a formal process through which the University approves a programme (content, teaching, learning and assessment) as being of appropriate standard and quality. This is a normal process used throughout the university sector.

The University expects to publish details of the validated programme in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.

What is curriculum review?
Curriculum review is the regular and systematic monitoring and reviewing of programmes. It is a normal process in the sector and it is the way by which the university ensures that your course remains up-to-date and relevant. The process may result in changes to the content, structure and/or assessment of the programme.

The University expects to publish details of the re-validated programme by 31 March in the academic year prior to the start date of the programme. You are advised to check the University website at that time to ensure that you have up-to-date information. In the meantime, if you require information you should contact 0208 392 3232.

Need help before you apply?

Our Students

“The best aspect of my degree so far is the huge variety of topics and modules we get to study across the different fields in biology. I’ve particularly enjoyed “Introduction to Evolution” as well as our field trips to Richmond Park and Kew Gardens. Outside of my course I love the events put on by the students’ union. The location of campus means you’re connected to so many amazing places and landmarks. It’s really exciting and great for adventuring out and gaining independence.” 

Emily Belton, BSc Biological Sciences

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