BSc (Hons) Biological and Forensic Sciences with foundation year Bachelor's degree at Coventry University
BSc (Hons) Biological and Forensic Sciences with foundation year at Coventry University. You'll engage with core biological theory, research methods, and applied practical work, alongside specialist options and an independent project that lets you pursue your own research question.
About this course
CU Coventry is committed to high quality, cost-effective learning opportunities. We are also committed to keeping our pricing structure simple, transparent and easy to understand. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Biological and Forensic Sciences with foundation year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Coventry University, based in CU Coventry. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 65% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Biological Sciences, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 65% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 65% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 4 modules
- Introduction to Biomolecules and BiochemistryCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn about the structures of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, linking them to function and roles within biological systems. Examine enzymes, metabolic pathways and the energy used to drive these processes, while also considering the role of computational biology in visualising and understanding biological activities. Analysis methods, including spectrophotometry and chromatographic separation techniques, will be considered in both theory and practice. Gain a sound appreciation of good labora
- Cells to SystemsCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Investigate the physiology of the human body, beginning with cellular organisation and signalling, all the way through to organ systems, their control and pathophysiology. Learn the process of human embryonic development to understand how distinct physiological systems develop. Build your knowledge of how the main systems in the human body are developed, structured and organised, such as the nervous, muscular, skeletal, hormonal, heart, lung, reproductive, digestive and kidney systems. Learn how
- Genetics and Molecular BiologyCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn the principles of inheritance, human genetics, population genetics and evolution. You will be introduced to the discovery and structure of DNA and study how traits are passed down, including human blood groups and mitochondrial inheritance. Discover how DNA is used to make RNA and proteins (transcription and translation) and learn how to analyse genetic sequences using bioinformatics tools and analytical software. Explore the ethical issues around access to genetic data and how historical
- Foundations of Forensic ScienceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn how crime scenes are examined and managed, how evidence is collected and the methods used to analyse it. This module examines the roles of those attending a crime scene and how investigators recover evidence. Take part in a simulated crime scene exercise, collect evidence and learn how to photograph and map the scene. These exercises are designed to build important skills such as thinking quickly, working well with others, staying motivated and developing social responsibility. This module
Year two 4 modules
- The Gut Brain Axis: Microbes, Mood and MindCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Explore the intricate workings of the gastrointestinal system, highlighting its role not just in digestion but also as a crucial communication hub influencing overall human health and wellbeing. You will delve into the anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, examining its complex neural control and regulation. A significant focus will be placed on the gut microbiota, exploring its composition, functions and profound influence on the brain, behaviour and various physiological processes. T
- Human Genetic DiversityCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Human genetic variation explains much of our diversity, from looks to ancestry to disease risks. Society invests heavily in this research because it could greatly improve health. This module covers genetic diversity, how we study it, the tech and databases used, and its impact on health. It also addresses challenges in making healthcare and research inclusive, ensuring new methods are effective and accessible to all. Understanding genetic variation helps us learn about disease causes. It's now c
- Crime Scene ExaminationCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module introduces you to more complex crime scene scenarios and the specialised scene management they require. Deepen your understanding of forensic protocols by applying them to challenging environments like outdoor, underwater, fire and explosives scenes. Learn to conduct both planned and dynamic risk assessments, considering health and safety laws. Explore how different evidence types are affected by environmental exposure over time and discover the best ways to collect and analyse these
- Digital Forensic ScienceCompulsory30 credits
Module details
Learn how digital investigations work within the UK legal system, focusing on how to find and recover digital evidence. Explore key areas such as different types of digital evidence, methods of forensic investigation, file systems (old and new), registry files, password recovery, data collection and how to examine computer systems using professional forensic tools. Look at how 3D technologies are used in the criminal justice system, from investigating crime scenes to presenting evidence in court
Placement year 2 modules
- UK Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
- International Study/Work PlacementOptional
Module details
This module provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.
Final year 3 modules
- Crime Scene to CourtroomCompulsory30 credits
Module details
This module builds on your previous learning, guiding you through the journey from crime scene to courtroom. Explore more complex cases, multiple types of offences (like homicides, sex offences and drug-related crimes) and use various evidence types. Teaching focuses on applying forensic techniques to real-world scenarios. This module ends with a mock courtroom assessment, where you will present and defend a case report in front of others, just as a forensic expert would in court. This should gi
- Research ProjectCompulsory30 credits
Module details
During this module, you will undertake an independent research project within your discipline or area of interest. Engage in all stages of the research process, from project design and ethical approval to data collection, analysis and presentation. This module aims to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and advanced scientific communication skills, culminating in a conference-style poster presentation and defence of findings. The module aims to: provide you with practical experience in des
- Cancer Genomics and Personalised Therapy30 credits
Module details
Imagine being able to get a faster, more precise disease diagnosis based on your unique characteristics, or to be given personalised treatments designed to be the most effective for you, with fewer, or no, side effects, or even to predict your risk of developing specific diseases and prevent them developing in the first place. This is the idea behind personalised medicine, which holds out the possibility of transforming how we think about our healthcare, by understanding the role our unique geno
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course combines biological and forensic sciences, beginning with a foundation year to prepare you for university-level study. A course like this normally moves from core sciences in Year 1, cell biology, genetics, evolution and practical laboratory skills, through to specialist modules in Year 2, such as molecular biology and microbiology, alongside research methods and a lab project. In Year 3, you'll usually choose specialisations such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology or neuroscience, while studying current topics in bioscience and conducting an extended research project. Throughout, you'll develop hands-on lab experience, data analysis and scientific communication skills that bridge general biological knowledge and forensic applications.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you're curious about how biology applies to real-world problems, particularly the intersection of forensic investigation and life sciences. You'll thrive if you enjoy both hands-on lab work and conceptual thinking, and if you're comfortable with sustained independent research. The foundation year means you don't need pre-existing A-level qualifications, the course brings you up to degree-level standard from your starting point. Study here if you want solid grounding in scientific methods before specialising further.
Careers & job market
Across Biological Sciences degrees nationally, 85% of graduates enter work or further study within 15 months. Of those working, 60% move into highly skilled roles. Nationally, starting salaries range from £23,000 to £29,000 (15 months after graduation), rising to £25,075–£35,400 after five years. This course received Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' 2023 assessment, and the university is.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is delivered full-time over 4 years at Coventry University, a University founded in 1970 and located in Coventry. Taught in English, the degree is recognised as a UK degree-awarding body and nationally recognised. The university holds a Gold award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The university also offers bursaries and scholarships; check the university's funding pages for details.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| No / unknown prior qualifications | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at Coventry University →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Biological Sciences graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £23,000 | £22,000 – £26,000 | 25 |
| 3 years after | £22,500 | £17,000 – £25,000 | 50 |
| 5 years after | £28,500 | £22,500 – £34,000 | 50 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally
National figures for Biological Sciences graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 25; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Biological Sciences courses at the same study level.
Compared with 771 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Protective service occupationsDiscover Uni category · 25% of published destinations
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 55; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Biological Sciences graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Biological Sciences graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- NHS & hospital labs
- Pharma & biotech
- Universities & institutes
- Public-health bodies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Biological Sciences graduates.
Head of School, Biological Sciences - Strategic Leadership & GrowthUNIVERSITY OF READINGEducation-Focused Assistant Professor, Biological SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambicBiological Structures Data Engineer I/IIIambic Therapeutics, IncCrop Geneticist The James Hutton Institute, Department of Cell & Molecular SciencesEuropean Plant Science OrganisationRegional Lead, Life Sciences FM, UK, Ireland & NordicsJLLIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
65% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 6.8 out of 10: NSS 72.9% · in work or study 65% · continued 65%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Coventry University
Biological and sport sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around CU Coventry
2,605 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Biological Sciences right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Coventry University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Coventry University; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Coventry University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Coventry University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Coventry University
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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