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Biological Sciences MBiolSci

4-5 years

From the simplest to the most complex organisms, from molecules to the evolution of species and medicine, the living world is endlessly complex and fascinating. On the MBiolSci, you will hone your research and laboratory skills and extend your specialised BSc programme into a fourth year of masters level study.

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Biological Sciences MBiolSci, 4-5 years

From the simplest to the most complex organisms, from molecules to the evolution of species and medicine, the living world is endlessly complex and fascinating. On the MBiolSci, you will hone your research and laboratory skills and extend your specialised BSc programme into a fourth year of masters level study.

Start date:

2025
2026

Course information

Typical offer ABB

UK fee £9,535

UCAS code C103

International fee £24,500

Institute code L34

School of Biological Sciences website

Course description

Course description

As the knowledge base in the biological sciences grows and becomes relevant to so many other physical and social sciences and subjects, the ability to think broadly about biology and to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines is a valuable and powerful asset in both scientific environments and in many other walks of life.

This is the most flexible of all our biological sciences degrees. Packed with exciting subjects and transferable employability skills, you will get the maximum choice of topics to choose from in Years 2 and 3. This means that you can learn about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the full range of biological sciences or you can focus on just the parts that you develop a passion for; you can even see these mechanisms in action on field trips. The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying Biological Sciences are valued by researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.

The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3. Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project.

The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying an MBiolSci in Biological Sciences are particularly valued by PhD supervisors, researchers and employers in non-scientific fields.

What's the difference?

At the University of Leicester, we offer seven Biological Science subjects and four Medical Bioscience subjects, all as BSc (three years) and most as MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of different courses to choose from.

  • Biological Science covers major aspects of biology and molecular science across a wide range of organisms from bacteria and fungi to humans and plants. All 14 courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.
  • Medical Science allows you to select specialist modules that focus more closely on the application of biological principles to medicine. All eight courses share a common first year so you can change to a different degree before the end of Year 1.

It is possible to switch between a Biological Science course and a Medical Bioscience course during the first half of your first year, but after that the two fields diverge.

Watch the full subject spotlight on Springpod

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

  • A-levels: ABB, including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. We may consider two AS-levels in place of one A-level. General Studies not accepted.
  • EPQ with A-levels: BBB + EPQ grade B. A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.
  • Level 3 Core Maths with A-levels: BBB + Level 3 Core Maths grade B (if Maths not taken as a full A or AS level). A-level subjects to include two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology. General Studies not accepted.
  • GCSE: At least Grade 4/C in both English Language and Maths (if not held at A2/AS-level).
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass Science diploma with 45 credits at level three, 30 of which must be at distinction.
  • International Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 30 points to include grade 6 and 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology. Must include a minimum of grade 4 in SL Maths or 3 at HL and grade 4 in English A or 5 in English B if minimum of grade 4/C not held in English Language and Maths at GCSE.
  • BTEC Nationals: Pass Applied Science Diploma with D*DD plus five GCSEs at B/5 or above including two relevant sciences.
  • T Levels: Distinction in Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Laboratory technician).

Other official national and international qualifications considered from across the world. You can review some of the qualifications we accept on our countries page and English Language equivalencies.

If your qualification or country is not listed, please contact us for more information, including the name and result of the qualification you have studied.

Second year entry may be possible with suitable qualifications.

Contextual offers

The University of Leicester is committed to providing equitable opportunities for all applicants from all backgrounds. We make contextual offers to support students who may be impacted by the area they live in, their personal circumstances or who have completed one of our progression programmes. These offers are usually one or two grades lower than the standard entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must apply for an eligible course and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Selection Process

When considering your application, we will look for evidence that you will be able to fulfil the objectives of the course and achieve the standards required. We will take into account a range of factors including previous exam results.

Applicants are not normally interviewed. If you receive an offer you will be invited to visit the School of Biological Sciences.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.

If you do not yet meet our requirements, our English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) offers a range of courses to help you to improve your English to the necessary standard.

International Qualifications

Find your country in this list to check equivalent qualifications, scholarships and additional requirements.

Countries list

Fees and funding

Fees and funding

UK Students

Starting in 2025

The tuition fees that will be payable by you to the University for the 2025/26 academic year will be £9,535

  • £9,535 in your first year. Tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation, subject to government regulations. The inflation rate used will be the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage payments (RPIX)
  • Year Abroad: your fee will be £1,430 for that year
  • Year in Industry: your fee will be £1,905 for that year

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Additional costs

  • The third year option module Microbial Biotechnology includes a field trip. The cost of this field trip is included in your tuition fee.
  • You will be travelling between the University and hospitals in Leicester. The cost of a Hospital Hopper bus card is included in your tuition fee.
  • The third year option module Subtropical Physiology and Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £1,500 and is not included in your tuition fee.
  • The third year option module Behavioural Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £450 and is not included in your tuition fee.

International Students

Starting in 2025

  • £24,500 per year
  • Year Abroad: £6,125, which is 25% of the full-time tuition fee
  • Year in Industry: £3,675, which is 15% of the full-time tuition fee

If you are resident outside the UK and the Republic of Ireland, you will need to pay a deposit of £3,000 to secure your place. This will be subtracted from your total tuition fee.

If you are an EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme, you may qualify for the UK fee (subject to criteria).

Find out more about scholarships and funding.

Additional costs

  • The third year option module Microbial Biotechnology includes a field trip. The cost of this field trip is included in your tuition fee.
  • You will be travelling between the University and hospitals in Leicester. The cost of a Hospital Hopper bus card is included in your tuition fee.
  • The third year option module Subtropical Physiology and Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £1,500 and is not included in your tuition fee.
  • The third year option module Behavioural Ecology includes an optional field trip. The cost of this field trip is £450 and is not included in your tuition fee.

Careers and employability

Careers and employability

Our degrees prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities.

You will get excellent training in analytical thinking, data-analysis, problem-solving, the communication of complex concepts, and in how to apply scientific methodology to projects.

This unique transferable skills set means that University of Leicester Biological Sciences graduates are highly desirable to employers.

Bespoke careers support

The School of Biological Sciences offers a wide range of bespoke careers support tailored to your year or study to help you on your employability journey from day one.

This includes:

  • Timetabled “careers hours” given by school staff with specialist technical knowledge, employers (such as AstraZeneca, GSK, the NHS, and MERCK) and the Careers and Employability Team. Sessions run twice a month and are designed to give you practical advice, support and insider knowledge to get you into the career, or further study pathway, that you want.
  • Our 'careers after Biological Sciences' series of lectures features Leicester graduates giving insights and tips based on their career experiences with the exact degree that you will gain.
  • In the summer vacation between years 2 and 3, support to find research placements in laboratories, giving you the chance to develop your scientific skills.
  • Support in finding and obtaining “year out” opportunities such as a Year in Industry (for example current students are based in research institutes, the NHS, and the pharmaceutical industry) or to Study Abroad (for example in Europe, Japan, and the United States).
  • As a student in the School of Biological Sciences, you are welcome to attend seminars in any department, presented by national and international experts in the biosciences.
  • A tailored weekly bulletin of all biosciences-relevant careers opportunities.
  • Named points of contact in the University’s Careers and Employability Team with specific biosciences expertise.

Graduate destinations

Many of our graduates follow further training for research careers in biology, often through our MSc or PhD programmes at Leicester.

Others gain positions in the NHS, in medical or pharmaceutical laboratories, in environmental management, in teaching, or in skilled professions outside of biology.

A few examples of pathways that our graduates have successfully taken include:

  • Graduate medicine
  • Postgraduate research (MSc or PhD)
  • Laboratory Research Scientist
  • The NHS Scientist Training Programme
  • NHS Clinical Scientist (physiologist, genetic counsellor, mental health support)
  • Clinical trials coordination
  • Teaching
  • Science communication
  • Wildlife protection
  • Financial Auditor

Careers and Employability Service

Get career-ready at Leicester with guidance from our award-winning Careers and Employability Service. We’re here to support your journey towards a successful future, including securing a great graduate job. With a lifetime offer of support (even after graduation) our specialist careers advisers and mentors will guide you every step of the way. From crafting standout CVs and acing interviews to accessing volunteering opportunities and placements, we’re here to help you achieve your professional goals.

Related courses

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

We are committed to providing skills and knowledge to help prepare you tackle global challenges. We have mapped our undergraduate degrees for learning which aligns to the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This degree includes learning which relates to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

Find out more about the UN Sustainable Development Goals

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Course structure

Year 1

Year 1

In your first year of study, you'll take classes with students from different subjects within Biological Sciences. You'll study modules that cover a wide range of topics, including biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, physiology and zoology. This knowledge will introduce the fundamental principles of Biology, which will help you find the area you’re interested in, so you can focus on it in your second year.

Modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 2

Year 2

When you move into Year Two, you will have one mandatory module, Research Topic, which will provide you with a solid introduction to the process of research in Biological Sciences. You will then have a choice of seven module pathways, which are listed below. 

Core module

Option modules

Choose three option modules from:

Then choose three option modules from:

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)

Year in Industry or Abroad (optional)

If you want to, you can spend your third or fourth year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions or working in an industrial placement. Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.

Year Abroad

We’ll make sure you have everything you need for your future career: not just by awarding you a high quality degree, but also by helping you to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to make your mark in the world as a Citizen of Change. One way you can do this is by opting to take a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3 or between Years 3 and 4 of your degree.

Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to a career in the private, public or third sector - or plough your own furrow as an entrepreneur – you will find the experience invaluable.

For more information, including a list of destinations, please visit our Study Abroad website.

Please note

  • A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.
  • You may be eligible for a travel grant from Student Finance England.
  • Places are offered on a competitive basis, and eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2/3.
  • Language courses, at beginners or advanced level, are available through our Languages at Leicester scheme.

Year in Industry

An industrial placement is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience of laboratory work - and will normally be a paid position, more than offsetting the additional cost of the extra year.

Industrial placements are limited and are awarded through a competitive selection process, based on your performance during the course so far. Previous students have worked for pharmaceutical companies such as AstraZeneca, Oxford Biomedica and GlaxoSmithKline, and in research institutions such as the Animal Health Institute and Kew Gardens.

A year in industry still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See the Fees and Funding tab of this page for details.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 3

Year 3

Option modules

Choose two option modules from:

Then choose one pair of option modules from:

Finally choose three option modules from:

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Final Year

Final Year

In your final year, you will conduct a research project.

Core modules

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Why Leicester?

Our history of genetic achievements include the invention of DNA fingerprinting and the genetic identification of the remains of King Richard III. More recently, we have brand-new cryo-EM facilities and have leading research into antibiotic resistance.

With a high staff to student ratio, we ensure that every student gets the support and encouragement needed to achieve their best work.

Our standard of teaching and support is reflected in our NSS 2024 results. We scored 90% and above in subjects aligned to Biological Sciences for questions regarding teaching, approachability of staff and introducing new subjects (according to Times Higher Education NSS 2023 methodology applied to the NSS 2024 data). View the NSS questions all students were asked for individual themes.

Teaching and learning

Your teaching will be delivered through a combination of practicals, tutorials and lectures.

All of our Biological Sciences courses are practical degrees with strong emphasis on lab work and fieldwork.

Your first year exams will mostly be multiple choice or short answer papers, with longer essay-style questions in your second and final year exams. Coursework will include practical lab work, a lab write-up or report, a practical skills test, essays, online multiple choice assessments, a data handling exercise, solo or group presentations or critical evaluation of a scientific paper. At the end of each semester in Years 1 and 2 you will be able to judge your overall performance and review exam and coursework results, enabling you to closely monitor your progress and, if necessary, adjust your work pattern.

A significant part of your final years will be spent on an individual research study which will form the basis of your dissertation.

You will have regular meetings with your personal tutor to discuss progress in your studies. Your personal tutor will also provide a sympathetic ear for all matters of personal concern, whether they are academic, career or other issues.

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library, preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. To help with your independent learning, you can access the Library and our social study spaces in halls of residence.

Academic support

Our Centre for Academic Achievement provides help in the following areas:

  • study and exam skills
  • academic writing
  • presentations
  • dissertations
  • numerical data skills
  • referencing sources

Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Apply now

Course Qualification Duration UCAS Code Availability
Course Biological Sciences Qualification MBiolSci Duration 4 years full-time UCAS Code C103 Availability How to apply
Course Biological Sciences with a Year Abroad Qualification MBiolSci Duration 5 years full-time UCAS Code C103 Availability How to apply
Course Biological Sciences with a Year in Industry Qualification MBiolSci Duration 5 years full-time UCAS Code C103 Availability How to apply

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