Biological Sciences BSc

If you’re studying the Biological Sciences BSc at Xi’an Jiaotong University (XJTLU), you have the option to complete the final two years of your dual degree at the University of Liverpool on our 2+2 programme.

You’ll graduate with two qualifications – an XJTLU degree and a University of Liverpool degree, both recognised by the Chinese Ministry of Education. A Liverpool degree is globally respected within the academic community and among employers.

Choose one of the three articulation routes from the list of study options below. On this page, you can also find helpful information about studying and living in Liverpool.

Pathways

Explore our articulation routes and discover what you can study at Liverpool.

Biochemistry BSc (Hons)

How does the structure and function of proteins and other macromolecules explain life at the molecular level? What is the biochemical basis of disease? How does DNA control our development, our metabolism and our personal characteristics? How do enzymes work and how do hormones control biological function? These are just some of the fascinating questions addressed in this programme.

Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)

This pathway will teach you the core concepts of biology, as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You'll study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You'll develop practical skills and participate in field studies, learning how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.

Microbiology and Infection BSc (Hons)

Microorganisms cause many of the known diseases of humans, animals and plants. Knowledge of microbiology will enable you to improve the quality of our lives in relation to the environment, to fight disease, and to combat pollution. Microbiology plays a key role in genetic engineering and other modern biotechnologies, such as antibiotic production and the exploitation of new sources of food and energy.

9-12

ranked university in the UK

Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (AWRU), 2025

1 of 7

Russell Group universities awarded Gold for highest quality teaching

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), 2023

2nd

best student city in the UK

StudentCrowd, 2025

Your experience

Expand your horizons and develop a truly global outlook.

At our Liverpool campus you’ll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, a Gold-rated teaching experience, and language and careers support to help you make the most of your time with us. You’ll also live and study in a city that’s known for being diverse, welcoming and inclusive – home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

Explore where you'll study

Studying Biosciences on the 2+2 programme

Learn more about your study options, the benefits of living and studying in Liverpool, the School of Biosciences and developing an international advantage.

2+2 Biological Sciences BSc: Yingjie’s story

Chat with our students

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Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

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Careers and employability

Gain an international advantage and enhance your professional future.

The 2+2 programme will help you to stand out from the crowd. By undertaking two years of study with us, you’ll develop into a global citizen with the skills, knowledge and abilities to succeed in today’s competitive job market.

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

Postgraduate study: (Postgraduate Certification in Education, MBiolSci, MSc, MRes, MPhil or PhD)
Public sector: research institutes, government departments, the National Health Service (NHS), forensic science and the Environment Agency
Commercial sector: pharmaceuticals, food, biotechnology, water and agriculture industries
Journalists and information/liaison officers covering developments in molecular biology and biotechnology
Routes to postgraduate medicine, dentistry or veterinary Science.

Recent employers and sectors:

Pharmaceutical sector: Eli-Lilly, AstraZeneca, Glaxo SmithKline, NHS, Red X Pharma
Tourism and conservation sector: Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Zoo, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)
Government and legal sector: Crown Prosecution Service, The Environment Agency, Public Health England, Home Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Security and International Development
Media and entertainment sector: BBC
Corporate and utilities sector: United Utilities, Vodafone, Unilever.

Top 20

most targeted university by UK graduate employers

(High Fliers, 2025)

Fees and funding

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

All XJTLU 2+2 students receive a partnership discount of 10% on international tuition fee rates.

XJTLU students beginning studies at Liverpool will receive a Vice Chancellor's Merit Scholarship of a 30% tuition fee reduction if they're in the top 5% of their programme cohort and achieve a minimum average score of 80%+ for STEM subjects, or 70%+ for non-STEM subjects.

The Vice-Chancellor's Merit Scholarship cannot be combined with the XJTLU partnership discount. Discounts and scholarships are valid for the programme duration at Liverpool.

Please note, students required to retake a year at Liverpool will be required to pay the full international tuition fee during the retake year.

Tuition fees

2026 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students (inclusive of 10% discount) - £28,800.

2026 tuition fee for XJTLU 2+2 students qualifying for Vice Chancellor's Merit Scholarship (inclusive of 30% discount) - £22,400.

Fees stated are for the 2026-27 academic year.

More about life in Liverpool

Discover more about the city and University.

Contact us

For any questions about the 2+2 programme, please contact Helen Li (Liverpool Mobility Manager at XJTLU).