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Biological Sciences (with a Foundation Year) leading to

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Although the UCAS equal consideration date has now passed, many of our courses are still accepting applications from UK students for 2024 entry through UCAS.

The deadline for international students was 30 June 2024.

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There are twenty-one courses related to Biological Sciences (with a Foundation Year) leading to that you might be interested in.

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Bachelor of Science

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

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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 Bioscience 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

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

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 Biosciences graduate from the University of Liverpool, you will have an excellent set of career options ahead of you.

Typical types of roles/routes our graduates have gone on include:

  • Postgraduate study: (MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD)
  • Public sector – research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service, forensic science and the Environment Agency.
  • Commercial sectors – pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries.
  • Journalists and information/liaison officers – by developments in molecular biology and biotechnology.
  • Teaching profession by taking a postgraduate qualification (PGCE).
  • Routes to postgraduate Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.

Recent employers and sectors:

  • Pharmaceutical sector: Eli-Lilly, AstraZeneca, Glaxo SmithKline, NHS, Red X Pharma;
  • Tourism/Conservation sector: Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Zoo, RSPCA;
  • Government/Legal sector: Crown Prosecution Service, The Environment Agency, Public Health England, Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Security and International Development;
  • Media/Entertainment Sector: BBC;
  • Corporate and Utilities sector: United Utilities, Vodafone, Unilever.

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

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

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)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Foundation year fee £7,500
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
This course is not available to international students. This course is not available to international students who require a visa to study in the UK. However, if you're a 'home' student and you've lived outside of the UK, you'll need to complete a fee status questionnaire as part of your application. We'll then assess your fee status and in some cases, home students who've lived outside of the UK may be required to pay the international fee rate. Check your tuition fee status on our webpages.

Following the foundation years, standard course fees apply.

Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

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 paying for your studies..

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 that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


The Liverpool Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

  • Home students

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Divock Origi Scholarship

  • Home students

If you live in a Liverpool City Council postcode area, you could be eligible to apply to have your undergraduate tuition fees paid in full. If you’re awarded a Divock Origi Scholarship, you’ll also receive £3,000 in each year of your course.

Estranged Students Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

  • Home students

Joining a School of Biosciences degree in a non-clinical subject and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Undergraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • Hong Kong

If you’re an undergraduate student from Hong Kong who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

Nolan Scholarships

  • Home students

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

  • Home students

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels and be joining a non-clinical degree.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

  • International students

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Entry requirements

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

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here

Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

A typical offer is likely to be CDD at A level, in related subjects. Students with alternative A level combinations are welcome to apply but should expect to be made higher offers. For further information, visit www.carmel.ac.uk, email degree@carmel.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1744 452 213. Applicants over 21 can be considered on GCSEs alone.

T levels

T levels considered in a relevant subject and specialism.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

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.