BSc (Hons) Human Biology · LJMUBachelor's degree · 4 years
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Liverpool John Moores University · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Human Biology Bachelor's degree at Liverpool John Moores University

BSc (Hons) Human Biology at LJMU covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.

BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
87%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

BSc (Hons) Human Biology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at LJMU, based in City Centre Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.

For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 87% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 36% 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.

8.7
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Excellent86

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)

Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Excellent87

Moderate evidence Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 87% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent88

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 88% (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 1 4 modules
  • Mechanisms of LifeCore30 credits
    Module details

    This module provides you with an overview of key concepts in cell biology and physiology, including the chemical basis of the biosciences. Throughout the module you will gain an understanding of the basic concepts of cell biology and chemistry for the natural sciences, as well as the basic concepts of physiology and homeostasis, with reference to specific physiological processes and examples of module content in nature.

  • Organisms in ActionCore30 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of evolution, behaviour, and anatomy, and explores how anatomical structures and behaviours contribute to survival and reproduction.

  • Biodiversity and EnvironmentCore30 credits
    Module details

    This module provides you with a broad overview of the diverse range of disciplines comprising ecology and environmental science including an understanding of adaptations of organisms to their environments, community ecology, the earth's natural systems. You will study the global environment and characterisation of the Earth's main biomes.

  • Living in a Changing WorldCore30 credits
    Module details

    This module provides a multi-disciplinary approach to learning about the past, present, and future environmental conditions that shape the natural world, including human life. Students will first explore Earth's ancient environments, the development of life and become acquainted with the concept of evolution. The bulk of the module will focus on contemporary issues and challenges. It will cover various impacts on ecosystems and students will examine the concept of sustainability. They will get a

Year 2 6 modules
  • Practical Skills for BiologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to acquire and demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge of laboratory and field- based methods in modern biology, covering basic laboratory and field equipment, ethics and safe working practices. You will acquire and develop fundamental research and transferable skills, which you will apply and train further throughout the degree and in your future career.

  • Genetics and EvolutionCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module explains fundamental principles in evolution from a genetics/genomics perspective in order to explain the diversity of life, and how interactions between genes and environment result in different phenotypes. The fundamental principles of genetics and evolutionary biology will be taught with specific examples relevant to each programme cohort, and emphasis on the applications of genetics within the scientific disciplines of each programme cohort.

  • Exploring the Natural WorldCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module introduces the study of the diversity of organism form, function, and behaviour, by exploring how we investigate organisms through observation, data analysis, and modern research technologies, and how findings are evaluated and communicated to different audiences in both academic and career contexts.

  • Principles of Human NutritionCore20 credits
    Module details

    The module will help you develop knowledge of the importance of nutrition to human health introducing the subject of nutritional recommendations in terms of energy and nutrients. You will gain an overview of the chemistry, function and properties of nutrients and the consequences of inadequate intakes.

  • MicrobiologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module aims to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge about microorganisms and their activities, which will provide a foundation for microbiology-related modules at levels 5 and 6.

  • Anatomy and PhysiologyCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module will introduce you to both the structural organisation of the human body and how it is controlled.

Year 3 11 modules
  • Research Skills and EmployabilityCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module covers all aspects of handling and analysing scientific data and the development of employability/graduate skills. It also provides opportunities for students to co-create questions and datasets for analysis in class. You will consider the fundamentals of analysing and interpreting scientific data using examples relevant to all biosciences. Additionally, it will allow you to prepare a better career plan in science, as well as becoming self-aware of your employability skills.

  • Genes and GenomesCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module enables you to study how state-of-the-art genetic and genomic tools are used to understand how genes combine with the environment to control organismal phenotypes and disease states. It covers methodologies, practical applications and recent examples of the application of genetics and genomics in the fields of biology, medicine and evolution.

  • Physiology of LifeCore20 credits
    Module details

    This module will provide a deeper knowledge of physiology and apply that knowledge to real-world settings. This module builds upon the concepts learnt in level 4, developing knowledge of physiology, with special emphasis on mammalian and human physiology.

  • AgeingCore20 credits
    Module details

    Through this module, students will understand the biological processes involved in ageing, and how those are different from the pathophysiological changes that result in increased vulnerability to disease and death. They will learn about how longer life expectancy in humans results in ageing populations, and the impact this has on societies, and why this poses a key global challenge in the 21st century. Finally, during practical and theoretical sessions and independent work, students will explor

  • Human OsteologyOptional20 credits
    Module details

    This module provides an introduction to the development and anatomy of the bones of the human skeleton with a view to identify human bones and teeth, their significance within the body, the landmarks and measurements used in the field of biological anthropology.

  • Food Chain and SustainabilityOptional20 credits
    Module details

    The aim of this module is to provide knowledge and understanding of the global food supply chain and its impact on food choice, nutrition, health and the environment. The module introduces the main staple foods and food commodities; an overview of the structure of global food supply chain (including primary production, food processing and manufacturing, food distribution and food retail); an understanding of the political and ethical issues of food production and supply; as well as issues associ

  • Food Technology and DevelopmentOptional20 credits
    Module details

    This module aims to provide an understanding of the technology, techniques and processes involved in turning raw materials into safe nutritious foods. The module will focus on technological advancements in the industry to help improve the nutritional quality of foods. The module will provide you with an understanding of food production and manufacturing techniques and will discuss selection, production, processing, preservation, packaging, labelling, waste management and quality management of sa

  • Eating Behaviour for Sport and HealthOptional20 credits
    Module details

    This module builds upon the Physiological Response to Acute Exercise, Biochemistry and Metabolism and Principles of Human Nutrition modules. The physiological, metabolic and nutritional knowledge gained from these modules will provide you with a good foundation to integrate the biological with new material on the psychosocial aspects of eating behaviour. The aims are to comprehend the interdisciplinary nature of eating and appetite behaviour, incorporating physiological/molecular and psychosocia

  • Immunology and Medical MicrobiologyOptional20 credits
    Module details

    This module provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical concepts of medical microbiology and immunology. It will also provide an understanding of the principles and practices involved in the laboratory diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infectious diseases in humans.

  • Developmental BiologyOptional20 credits
    Module details

    This module enables you to learn how state-of-the-art molecular and genetic tools are used to understand mechanisms that regulate the growth and development of organisms. It covers methodology and practical experiments that illuminate the molecular mechanisms that underpin developmental processes.

  • Sandwich year - Human BiologyOptional120 credits
    Module details

    The aim is to provide students with an extended period of work experience at an approved partner that will complement their programme of study at LJMU. This will give students the opportunity to develop professional skills relevant to their programme of study as well as the attitude and behaviours necessary for employment in a diverse and changing environment. This extended placement forms a key part of a sandwich degree. All placements need to be assessed and approved prior to commencement in l

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 builds your understanding of human biology from molecular and cellular foundations through to applied specialist areas. You'll usually start with cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and evolution, alongside practical lab skills and scientific data analysis. In Year 2, you'll move into molecular biology and physiology, with a research methods module and your first lab project. From Year 3, you'll choose from specialist options such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology, or neuroscience. Throughout this stage, you'll study current topics in bioscience by reading live research literature, and undertake an extended supervised investigation as your final project.

Who it's for

This course suits students with A-level qualifications or equivalent. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, typically arriving with a UCAS tariff between 96 and 111 points. The programme is designed for those seeking specialist knowledge in human biology alongside practical research experience and professional development.

Careers & job market

Across Biological Sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 60% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries of £23,000–£29,000 at 15 months, with variation reflecting individual circumstances and career choices. After five years, earnings typically range from £25,075–£35,400. Check the university's funding pages for bursaries and scholarships.

University & format

This course is studied full-time over 4 years at Liverpool John Moores University, a public university founded in 1823, based at its City Centre Campus. Teaching is in English. The degree awarded is BSc (Hons) Human Biology. The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, with degrees nationally recognised. It holds a Silver award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023.

Student satisfaction

How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.

The teaching on my course
85%
Learning opportunities
87%
Assessment and feedback
83%
Academic Support
91%
Organisation and management
87%
Learning resources
90%
Student voice
82%

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.

Application timelineWhat happens next
  1. 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted

    Your application needs a reference before you can send it.

  2. 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  3. 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

  4. 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline

    18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.

Show 5 later dates
  1. 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens

    Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.

  2. 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers

    Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.

  3. 2027 entryClearing opens

    Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.

  4. 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications

    Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.

  5. 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice

    Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.

PlacementPublished placement option

Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Open daysOpen days

See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.

Entry & how to get in

Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent94% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 96 - 111 pointsThe most common UCAS tariff band among accepted students. This is what entrants had, not a stated requirement.
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check LJMU's official course page for the current offer.

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

QualificationShare
A-levels or equivalent94%
another higher-education qualification2%
a previous degree1%
an Access course1%
No / unknown prior qualifications1%
Other1%

Entry & your chances

An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.

Accessible entry

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.

Add your grades to see where you land

Your points will drop onto the distribution above, with an honest above / within / below read.

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.

Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
Typical gradesBCCA-level equivalent admitted students held
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course. One application covers up to five choices.

  2. 2
    Write 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.

  3. 3
    Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time

    UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.

  4. 4
    Reply to your offers

    When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.

  5. 5
    Results 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.

💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask LJMU whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.

Fees & funding

What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.

Tuition per year

Homeup to £9,790 / yr
Internationalset by the university

Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.

Check fees at LJMU →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, illustrative full-time England fee-cap scenario
illustrative borrowing over 4 years

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.

Funding matched to this course

Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for

All LJMU funding →
No verified named award is shown for this provider yet.

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.

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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.

Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check

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

WhenMedianTypical rangeGraduates
15 months after£24,000£21,000 – £26,50075
3 years after£18,500£15,500 – £23,500350
5 years after£24,000£19,500 – £31,500360

Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.

Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course

87%
in work or further study 15 months on
36%
in highly skilled work or study
88%
continue past their first year
79%
find their work meaningful
55%
say work fits their future plans
  1. 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
  2. 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in biological sciences · 2–5 yrs
  3. 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
  4. 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs

How pay grows: this course vs Biological Sciences nationally

Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000
£23,000 – £29,000
After 3 years LEO
£18,500
£20,400 – £28,800
After 5 years LEO
£24,000
£25,075 – £35,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £17,000 – £37,000

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.

87 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

60% working14% working and studying12% in further study36% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 75; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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.

This course £24,000Peer median £29,500Middle 50% £27,500–£33,000
6th percentile

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.

  • Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 14% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
  • Animal care and control servicesSOC 2020 612 · 13% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,997
  • Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% 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: 370; response rate: 51%. 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.

85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across Biological Sciences courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes
60%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled
90%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuation

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.

Where they work

  • NHS & hospital labs
  • Pharma & biotech
  • Universities & institutes
  • Public-health bodies

Is 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

87% 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 8.7 out of 10: NSS 86.4% · in work or study 87% · continued 88%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

Liverpool John Moores University

All students25,650
International8.3%
Aged 25+23.8%

Biological and sport sciences across the UK

Students111,380
Aged 25+16.5%

HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.

Local crime-data context

A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.

Around City Centre Campus

5,301 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 1579Drugs 980Shoplifting 562Anti Social Behaviour 514Public Order 476

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 LJMU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is set per course by LJMU; 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 LJMU’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 LJMU and gov.uk before you apply.

Common questions

Entry is historically accessible, accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications. The most common tariff band among recent entrants was 96 - 111 UCAS points. Use the calculator on this page to see where your predicted grades would put you; many universities also make lower contextual offers.
Set by LJMU. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 87% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 36% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £24,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
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. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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