About this course

This programme allows you to pursue your own areas of specific interest and to have an appreciation of the full range of the subject.

Introduction

The Master of Biological Sciences (MBiol) is a four-year programme, in which students first follow the three-year BSc in Biological Sciences and then continue into a fourth year, subject to performance.

In the first three years, you’ll study a broad range of modules including topics spanning the breadth of biology, from human disease, molecular diagnostics and therapeutics to animal behaviour, conservation biology, ecology and animal physiology with the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project.

The fourth (Master’s) year aims at developing enhanced research and personal skills for students seeking a high-level career in research (e. g. studying for a PhD or working in industry) or those seeking to enhance their qualification. Students will join a research team to undertake a significant research project. Students can also apply for a six-week summer research internship in the UK or overseas or apply to spend time working in industry or in other enterprises in the final year.

What you'll learn

Develop practical and theoretical knowledge of contemporary health and environmental challenges in local, national and international communities.
Develop practical skills in your choice of fieldwork or laboratory modules.
Enhance your understanding of topical issues and ethical principles in the study of humans, animals and the environment.
Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information
Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
Work independently and collaboratively
Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Use lab equipment correctly and safely
Plan, initiate, and carry out projects

Course content

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

Year one

In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills and participate in field studies, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
BIOLOGY CORE CONCEPTS (BIOS101)	30
ORIGINS, SPECIALISATIONS, CHALLENGES AND THERAPEUTICS (BIOS102)	30
INTRODUCTORY PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOSCIENCES I (BIOS103)	15
FROM INDIVIDUALS TO ECOSYSTEM (BIOS104)	15
STUDY AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS TUTORIALS (BIOS105)	15
INTRODUCTORY PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOSCIENCES 2 (BIOS106)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.

Year two

In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of biological sciences. You will study animal and human behaviour, and explore the relationship between cells and how they sense and respond to their environment. In addition, you will chose three optional modules from a variety of disciplines, enabling you to follow your interest in cellular biology, therapeutics, infection biology, human and animal physiology, marine ecology and comparative/animal biology:

OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE ONE)

Biomolecular / Biochemistry / Pharmacology Practical BIOS204
Microbiology, Infection & Disease BIOS206
Practical Skills in Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour BIOS208

OPTIONAL MODULES (CHOOSE TWO)

Metabolism BIOS212
Cellular and Systems Physiology BIOS214
Drug Discovery & Development BIOS216
Molecular Microbiology & Therapeutics BIOS218
Animal Anatomy, Physiology & Husbandry BIOS220
Animal Ecophysiology BIOS222
Marine Ecophysiology, Ecology and Exploitation ENVS251

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
GENETICS & IMMUNOLOGY FOR BIOSCIENCES (BIOS201)	15
INTERMEDIARY PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOSCIENCES (BIOS203)	15
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TUTORIALS (BIOS205)	15
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR (BIOS207)	15
CELLULAR BASIS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE (BIOS209)	15

Optional modules	Credits
ADVANCED PRACTICAL SKILLS IN BIOMOLECULAR AND DRUG INTERACTIONS (BIOS204)	15
ADVANCED PRACTICAL SKILLS IN MICROBIOLOGY, INFECTION & DISEASE (BIOS206)	15
ADVANCED PRACTICAL SKILLS IN EVOLUTION, ECOLOGY, AND BEHAVIOUR (BIOS208)	15
METABOLISM (BIOS212)	15
CELLULAR AND SYSTEMS PHYSIOLOGY (BIOS214)	15
DRUG DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT (BIOS216)	15
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS (BIOS218)	15
ANIMAL ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND HUSBANDRY (BIOS220)	15
ANIMAL ECOPHYSIOLOGY (BIOS222)	15
MARINE ECOPHYSIOLOGY, ECOLOGY AND EXPLOITATION (ENVS251)	15
GLOBAL FIELDWORK (BIOS224)	15

Year three

Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of biological sciences research and be taught by world-leading academics in your choice of subjects. You can choose modules from a variety of disciplines exploring the breadth of biology, ranging from ecology, evolution, and conservation biology to cancer biology, infection biology, molecular systems biology and pharmacology to veterinary infection, immunology and pathology. You will also have the option to develop advanced practical computational or field skills and you will have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation. You will choose three optional modules.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
RESEARCH PROJECT (BIOS301)	30
INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF WORK (BIOS302)	15
RESEARCH METHODS (BIOS303)	15
APPLIED BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES (BIOS308)	15

Optional modules	Credits
MOLECULAR, CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL CANCER (BIOS307)	15
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS BIOLOGY (BIOS309)	15
TRANSLATIONAL PHARMACOLOGY (BIOS313)	15
GENOMICS AND EVOLUTION OF MICROBES (BIOS317)	15
VETERINARY INFECTION BIOLOGY: RESEARCH AND TRANSLATION (BIOS321)	15
ECOLOGY FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE (BIOS325)	15
EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (BIOS327)	15
ZOOLOGY FIELD COURSE (BIOS333)	15
IMMUNOLOGY AND VETERINARY PATHOLOGY (BIOS335)	15
CONTEMPORARY HEALTH CHALLENGES AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (BIOS310)	15

Year four

The fourth year of study offers great flexibility – students may spend it entirely on campus at Liverpool, but more commonly they take up opportunities to broaden their experiences, for example a six-week research internship in the UK (in hospitals, industry or research institutes) or abroad (in our partner universities in Thailand or China). Others may elect to spend the entire fourth year on placement, in similar host institutions. Students will take core modules in research methods and statistics or informatics, together with a 60-credit research project. Students may replace the optional internship with other optional modules that cover advanced topics of global importance.

Optional module selection in Year 4 must include one of the following combinations:

LIFE707 Biological Data Skills and LIFE607 Biological Data Skills (Off-Campus)
LIFE721 Informatics for Life Sciences and LIFE621 Informatics for Life Sciences (Off-Campus).

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
RESEARCH PROJECT (LIFE700)	60
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (BIOS776)	15

Optional modules	Credits
BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (LIFE707)	15
BIOLOGICAL DATA SKILLS (OFF-CAMPUS) (LIFE607)	15
INFORMATICS FOR LIFE SCIENCES (LIFE721)	15
INFORMATICS FOR LIFE SCIENCES (OFF-CAMPUS) (LIFE621)	15
RESEARCH INTERNSHIP (LIFE701)	30
EVOLUTION AND BEHAVIOUR (LIFE709)	15
CODING FOR LIFE SCIENCES (LIFE733)	15
CELLULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOLOGICAL IMAGING (LIFE749)	15
EMERGING INFECTIONS AND PANDEMICS (LIFE751)	15
FRONTIERS IN CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT (LIFE724)	15
CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS (LIFE726)	15
IMMUNOLOGY (LIFE728)	15
DIAGNOSTICS, THERAPEUTICS AND VACCINES (LIFE732)	15
COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY (LIFE752)	15
PROTEOMICS METABOLOMICS AND DATA ANALYSIS (LIFE754)	15
SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (LIFE756)	15
ANALYSING CLIMATE PROCESSES AND VARIABILITY (ENVS475)	15
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT (ENVS423)	15
UNDERSTANDING MODELS AND DATA (IVES724)	15
EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (LIFE764)	15
PHARMACEUTICAL TOXICOLOGY (LIFE765)	15
FRONTIERS IN DRUG DELIVERY AND ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS (LIFE766)	15

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

You will experience a range of learning environments during your studies at Liverpool. These will include student-centred activities as well as lectures, tutorials, laboratory practicals, dissection classes, fieldwork, data handling sessions and computer workshops. Some of these activities will be performed individually, such as personal research projects, and others in small tutorial or project groups, in addition to formal lectures and workshops. You will have research staff as well as your own academic adviser for individual tuition on our acclaimed tutorial programme.

How you're assessed

As well as factual knowledge and understanding, biologists need practical and organisational skills, and an ability to work both alone and with other people. We record development of these abilities through continuous assessment during each semester and by final examination.

Liverpool Learning Framework

At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.

You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

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. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

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

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Inspire your future career or studies
Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
More likely to earn higher salary
More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
Study abroad without adding an extra year
Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

Hong Kong
Japan
South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

A dedicated languages degree
A language as a joint or major/minor degree
Language modules (selected degrees)
Language classes alongside your studies

Your experience

Explore where you'll study

Photograph of the Victoria Gallery and Museum from across University Square — Victoria Gallery and Museum

Photograph of a reading room within the Harold Cohen Library — Harold Cohen Library

Two students checking books out of the Sydney Jones Library — Sydney Jones Library

Inside Biosciences. A conversation with Tanya Horne and Professor Jay Hinton

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

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

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

An exciting place for postgraduate study

Programmes taught by internationally-renowned scientists and clinicians
Research-connected education covering the full life science spectrum from biochemistry to zoology
Access to world-class facilities
Provide specialist training with taught and research components
Options for intercalating students
Vibrant postgraduate community.

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

Match with an ambassador

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 find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

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 - £9,790
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £1,465 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £32,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £16,000 (applies to year in China)

The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

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 includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.

Students should expect to cover the following costs.

Costs associated with placements/internships
Students in Life Sciences who have chosen international placements/internships will need to pay for their visa (if applicable), travel, accommodation, and meals.

There may also be costs associated with travel to interviews for placements/internships. These will vary, and some other extra costs may also be incurred. If students are spending a full year in industry, their employers may pay transport costs. School and University bursaries may be available to help with the cost of these opportunities.

Students might choose to pay for additional optional vaccinations in addition to the compulsory ones that the School pays for.

Global Fieldwork Module

Students who elect to take the optional global fieldwork module in South Africa are required to make a financial contribution that covers their own costs (travel, meals, visa, accommodation, and entry to national parks). In 2025-26, the student contribution was £2,250.

Find out more about additional study costs.

We’re showing the scholarships available to students from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

The Liverpool Bursary

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

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

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

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.

Estranged Students Bursary

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

Joining a School of Biosciences degree 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.

Nolan Scholarships

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.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 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.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

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.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

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.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

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

Qualification	Details
A levels	ABB Biology and a second science, preferably Chemistry, at A level. Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBB from A levels, with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course. Available foundation years: Biological Sciences (with a Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)
T levels	Health and Science (Science pathway) is accepted with an overall grade of Distinction to include B in the core. 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	4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements	Accepted science subjects: Applied ICT Biology (and Human Biology) Chemistry Computer Science Economics Electronics Environmental Science Further Mathematics Geography Geology ICT Life and Health Sciences Mathematics Psychology Physics Statistics. For applicants from England, where A levels in Biology, Chemistry or Physics have been taken, we will also require a pass in the Practical Endorsement.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	DDD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, to include Distinction in Units 1 or 5 (Principles and Applications of Science I and II). For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification: DDD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, with at least 120 Level 3 credits at Distinction. Please note alternative BTEC subjects are not acceptable for this programme.
International Baccalaureate	32 points overall with no score less than 4 including 6 in Higher Level Biology and 5 in Higher Level Chemistry (or second science) or pass the IB Diploma plus 6,5,5 in 3 HL subjects including 6 in Higher Level Biology and 5 in Higher Level Chemistry (or second science).
Irish Leaving Certificate	H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 - including grade H2 in both of Higher Level Biology and Higher Level (second science).
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	Not accepted without Advanced Highers at grades ABB
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus AB at A level to include Biology and another Science.
Access	Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 33 at Distinction and 12 at Merit. 15 Distinctions are required in each of Biology and Chemistry. GCSE Mathematics and English grade C/4 also required.
International qualifications	If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
Applications from mature students are welcome.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT	If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test	125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100
Pearson PTE Academic	61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic	70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500	Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990	Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511	0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991	0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced	176 overall, with no paper below 162
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature	Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B	Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score	Pre-sessional English course length	On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5	6 weeks	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0	10 weeks	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0	12 weeks	Online
5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0	20 weeks	On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5	30 weeks	On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0	40 weeks	On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927

Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions