BSc (Hons) Biology With Stem Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Edge Hill University
BSc (Hons) Biology With Stem Foundation Year at Edge Hill University. The Foundation Year component gives you the mathematical and scientific grounding you need to progress confidently into honours-level study.
About this course
Build your STEM future with our Foundation Year course. Prepare for success in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths at Edge Hill. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Biology With Stem Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Edge Hill University, based in Ormskirk. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 45% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (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: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (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.
- Academic WritingCore20 credits
Module details
Develops skills in planning, drafting and writing at university. You will learn how to structure essays, write effective introductions and conclusions, and how to construct a paragraph. You will also learn how to integrate sources into your work using appropriate citing and referencing to acknowledge attribution.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Applied MathematicsCore20 credits
Module details
Recognises that applied mathematics is a fundamental part of any science-based module. Historically major scientific advancements have relied heavily on the concepts and ideas developed within applied mathematics. The module will provide you with a detailed overview of the utilisation and application of mathematics within a wide range of real-world scenarios. You will focus on algebra, trigonometry and scientific functions. You will also solve linear, quadratic and simultaneous equations, functi
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Critical Analysis and Systematic Thinking for Higher EducationCore20 credits
Module details
Provides you with a flexible approach to reflecting on your own academic experiences to date. You will critically analyse your knowledge, understanding and skills acquisition and seek to relate them to practical applications of group working, academic seminars and presentations.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practical
- Introduction to BiologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Provides an overview of biology at all scales from molecular biology to global ecology. The study of biology is the study of life itself and the module recognises this as it reaches back in time and examines evolution. All material will be related to real-world examples and case studies to ensure that you gain a range of specific practical laboratory and fieldwork skills. The topics introduced in this module will provide a grounding in key biological concepts and principles across a broad biolog
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Exam
- Fundamentals of ChemistryOptional20 credits
Module details
Introduces the fundamentals of chemistry, involving clear explanations of chemical concepts. The overall aim of the module is to provide you with fundamental knowledge of the Periodic table, atomic and molecular structures, pH, solutions, chemical reactions, model buildings as well as practical skills. Appropriate mathematical knowledge will be embedded throughout the module.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Exam
- Group Project BOptional20 credits
Module details
Is designed for students who will progress on to an undergraduate degree in the Department of Biology (including Chemistry) and Geography and Geosciences. The module aims to introduce you to the importance of discipline-related teamwork. Teamwork is a highly sought after skill in industry and fundamental in Higher Education and the practical sessions of this module will help you develop the skills required and the knowledge that is essential to today's industrial needs. Through a group project,
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Introduction to ProgrammingOptional20 credits
Module details
Outlines the foundational concepts underpinning modern computer programming, an area of computer science concerned with the creation of software systems. Such systems can vary significantly in scope and complexity. From the desktop applications we use at work, to the control systems that protect energy grids or manage transactions on the stock exchange. Whether we realise it or not, software is being actively used to support and manage our everyday lives on a grand scale. Indeed, software is now
Assessment: 70% Coursework 30% Exam
- PhysicsOptional20 credits
Module details
Provides a foundation in topics that are fundamental to the study of physics and essential for rigorous academic study in science and engineering. The module provides technical breadth and embraces important skills to enable modelling of the physical world. Through a series of lectures, seminars, and tutorials, together with a range of practical laboratory sessions to help reinforce material discussed in lectures, you will use a problem-solving approach to explore classical concepts in physics,
Assessment: 70% Exam 30% Coursework
- Group Project AOptional20 credits
Module details
Is designed for those students who will progress onto undergraduate degrees in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. The aim of the module is to introduce you to the importance of discipline-related teamwork. Teamwork is a highly sought after skill in industry and fundamental in Higher Education and the practical sessions of this module will help you develop the skills required and the knowledge that is essential to today's industrial needs. Through a group project, you will develo
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Fundamentals of CalculusOptional20 credits
Module details
Provides a foundational understanding of calculus, focusing on its core principles and applications. Throughout the module, you will explore the fundamental concepts of limits, differentiation, and integration, learning to solve advanced calculus problems and gain insight into the practical applications of calculus in physics, engineering, economics, and other fields. The module emphasises the development of analytical skills, logical reasoning, and mathematical rigour, providing a solid foundat
Assessment: 70% Coursework 30% Exam
- Introduction to Contemporary PsychologyOptional20 credits
Module details
Will introduce you to the core areas of psychology (social, developmental, cognitive, biological, personality & individual differences) as well as content on research methodologies, building on what is covered in the Semester 1 module, Foundations of Psychological Science.
Assessment: 50% Exam 50% Practical
- Foundations of Psychological ScienceOptional20 credits
Module details
Introduces you to key concepts and considerations in psychology, including its roots in philosophy, approaches such as behaviourism and concepts of consciousness, free will, ethics and whether psychology is a science. In addition, you will gain hands-on research experience in the laboratories, conduct basic analyses and demonstrate their understanding of ethics and methodologies in psychology.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Foundations of Sport & Exercise Science ConceptsOptional20 credits
Module details
Introduces you to fundamental scientific principles that underpin sport and exercise performance. This module develops essential knowledge in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and psychology. It aims to explore the practical applications of these concepts to sport and exercise settings. Throughout the module, you will develop knowledge in classroom-based activities and gain hands-on experience in the laboratories, developing basic competencies and skills in the core disciplines of physiology, b
Assessment: 60% Exam 40% Coursework
- Foundations of Fitness Assessments in Sport & Exercise ScienceOptional20 credits
Module details
Introduces you to the key components of fitness and applications of assessments in sport and exercise science. Throughout the module, you will develop knowledge and skills in fitness components, testing protocols and foundation skills in data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Assessment: 50% Coursework 50% Practical
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 prepares you for a full honours degree in Biology by establishing strong foundations in science and mathematics first. You'll then progress through core biological sciences, moving from cellular and molecular fundamentals in your first year, studying cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and evolution alongside practical lab skills, to more specialised topics in year two, such as molecular biology and physiology or microbiology. In your final year, you'll choose specialist options including biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology, or neuroscience, whilst undertaking an extended research project and engaging with current literature in bioscience.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're fascinated by biological systems but feel you'd benefit from strengthening your STEM foundation before diving into honours-level work. You're likely someone with enthusiasm for practical science and laboratory work, who wants time to consolidate your understanding of core concepts before specialising. The four-year structure, including the dedicated Foundation Year, means you'll work at a pace that gives you confidence and allows you to develop the problem-solving and independent research skills that define university-level study. You're ready to commit to full-time study and to engage seriously with both theory and hands-on investigation.
Careers & job market
Across Biological Sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. National earnings data (Graduate Outcomes and LEO) shows that graduates in this field start at £23,000–£29,000. After five years, earnings typically range from £25,075 to £35,400. Around 60% of working graduates move into highly skilled roles or pursue further study. Your degree is nationally recognised, opening routes into research, healthcare, environmental science, education, and other fields that value biological expertise and scientific training.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) degree is offered by Edge Hill University, a public university located in Ormskirk. The course runs for 4 years full-time and is taught in English. Edge Hill is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the degree is nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
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.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
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 | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| an Access course | 10% |
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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at Edge Hill 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 | £24,000 | £19,000 – £27,000 | 10 |
| 3 years after | £20,500 | £18,000 – £26,000 | 70 |
| 5 years after | £27,000 | £22,500 – £31,500 | 70 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
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: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. 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.
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Process, plant and machine operativesDiscover Uni category · 10% of published destinations
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
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: 95; response rate: 60%. 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £24,000. 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 9.1 out of 10: NSS 96.4% · in work or study 85% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Edge Hill 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 Ormskirk
220 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 Edge Hill University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £14,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 Edge Hill 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 Edge Hill University and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Edge Hill 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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