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Biological Sciences (with a Foundation Year) leading to

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

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Get updates and register your interest in clearing 2023

Are you interested in applying for clearing?

When clearing opens, we may have a small number of places available for high-achieving students on some programmes. If places are available, we expect them to fill quickly. Get a head start and register for clearing notifications from the University of Liverpool.

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Apply for this course

The deadline for UK students to apply for this course for entry in 2023 was 25 January 2023.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2023.

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Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the sciences.

Course overview

Intended for adult learners or undergraduates who wish to take up Biology but do not have the appropriate subject background, Biological Sciences offers a foundation year at nearby Carmel College.

Introduction

This is not a programme in itself but acts as a springboard onto other Life Science degrees. This deferred choice programme means that you have the flexibility and freedom to switch to your chosen degree after completing the foundation year (year zero).

The aim of this programme is to make you an expert in one particular field with the ability to cross discipline boundaries, a highly attractive prospect to employers.

Programme in detail

Year zero comprises introductory modules taught at Carmel College. Carmel College is located in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus.  The College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement. Years one, two and three will continue at Liverpool following the chosen area of interest through to BSc (Hons) or MBiolSci completion.

Find information about what essential and optional modules you will need to take during your Year Zero at Carmel College to progress to your chosen University of Liverpool degree programme in our guide to progression routes

What you'll learn

  • Knowledge and understanding of the subject and the ability to evaluate and interpret this knowledge to solve problems
  • Skills that will equip you to investigate research topics and communicate your findings
  • How to analyse and interpret real-world data and communicate the results clearly and concisely
  • How to access and critically evaluate scientific literature in the area of biological sciences

Routes

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year zero

You will be based at Carmel College in St Helens, about nine miles from the main University campus. Carmel College offers small class sizes and high standards of academic achievement. The programme, which is moderated by University staff, comprises introductory modules in biology, applications of biology and mathematics, plus either chemistry or geography. Further information about progression subjects can be found on the Carmel website.

 

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Your experience

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability

As a Life Sciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you. For those committed to a career as a professional scientist, higher degrees (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD) at the University of Liverpool or elsewhere provide a flexible set of options for further study.

4 in 5 life sciences students at the University of Liverpool find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

In the public sector, Life Sciences graduates are in demand in research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency. Commercial sectors that actively recruit graduates from the Life Sciences include the pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries. There is also an increasing demand for life scientists to contribute to the public understanding of science as journalists and information/liaison officers.

A number of routes are available for graduates to enter the teaching profession one of which is taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE). There are significant financial inducements provided to meet the current demand for science teachers. In addition to all of the opportunities for graduates in general, including careers outside of biology (such as management, accountancy and human resources), where the skills you have obtained in our degree programmes will be of considerable benefit. Our degree programmes are also popular routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.

Preparing you for future success

At Liverpool, our goal is to support you to build your intellectual, social, and cultural capital so that you graduate as a socially-conscious global citizen who is prepared for future success. We achieve this by:

  • Embedding employability within your , through the modules you take and the opportunities to gain real-world experience offered by many of our courses.
  • Providing you with opportunities to gain experience and develop connections with people and organisations, including student and graduate employers as well as our global alumni.
  • Providing you with the latest tools and skills to thrive in a competitive world, including access to Handshake, a platform which allows you to create your personalised job shortlist and apply with ease.
  • Supporting you through our peer-to-peer led Careers Studio, where our career coaches provide you with tailored advice and support.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Foundation year fee £5,140
International fees
This course is not available to international students.

Following the foundation years, standard course fees apply.

Fees stated are for the 2023-24 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about tuition fees, funding and student finance.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to help cover tuition fees and help with living expenses while at university.

Scholarships and bursaries you can apply for from the United Kingdom

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

GCSE All applicants must have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences, including Biology. Core and Additional Science/Dual Science acceptable as the two Sciences.
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Considered.
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our direct entry requirements. Although there is no direct Foundation Certificate route to this course, completing a Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, can guarantee you a place on a number of similar courses which may interest you.

 

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Biological Sciences (with a Foundation Year) leading to BSc (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

19 April 2023: Progression routes updated

Progression routes updated and added to the Overview section.