BSc (Hons) Biology with Integrated Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Royal Holloway, University of London
BSc (Hons) Biology with Integrated Foundation Year at RHUL. You'll engage with core theory, research methods and applied practice, while choosing from specialist options and undertaking an independent project.
About this course
BSc Biology with Integrated Foundation Year Skip to main content BSc Biology with Integrated Foundation Year Thank you for considering an application Here's what you need in order to apply: Royal Holloway's institution code: R72 Make a note of the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for: BSc Biology with Integra From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Biology with Integrated Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at RHUL, based in Egham Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 40% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (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: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 75% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 83% (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.
Foundation Year 6 modules
- Global and Planetary HealthCore
Module details
Built around global issues including virtual reality, health apps, internet of medical things, mental health, climate catastrophe, global biodiversity crisis, technology for monitoring the environment and the 'One Health' approach. Develops study skills and introduces critical thinking and academic writing.
- Foundation Life Sciences and The EnvironmentCore
Module details
Key topics in pre-HE-level biological and earth sciences through an interdisciplinary, chronological curriculum covering origins, present and future. Includes biological chemistry, metabolism, physiology, planetary science, palaeontology, communicable and non-communicable disease, climate change, biodiversity, environmental pollutants, ecosystem services, nucleic acid-based technologies and renewable energy sources.
- Foundation Mathematics for Life ScientistsCore
Module details
Develops mathematical skills for Life Sciences degrees. Covers unit conversions, balancing equations, functions, logs, exponentials and trigonometry with applications in healthcare, chemistry, microbiology and marine biology.
- Environmental Science for Foundation Life SciencesCore
Module details
Key topics in pre-HE level Environmental Science through an interdisciplinary, chronological curriculum covering origins of the planet, nutrient cycling, succession, and how the environment and species are affected by human actions and mitigation.
- Life Sciences II: Organ SystemsCore
Module details
Key systems including circulatory, ventilatory and reproductive in a broad range of species including humans, plants and vertebrate and invertebrate species. Covers chemical concepts, anatomical and physiological adaptations to life, and the impact of disease on these systems.
- Foundation Statistics for Life SciencesCore
Module details
Develops statistics skills for Life Sciences degrees. Covers statistics concepts and tests including interpreting p-values and errors, linear regression, Chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon test, and principal component analysis with applications in geology, ecology, biomedical sciences and health studies.
Year 1 4 modules
- Becoming a BioscientistCore
Module details
Develops understanding of key scientific concepts and effective science communication. Covers processing and critiquing different forms of information, communicating science to scientific and non-scientific audiences using diverse media, forms and methods, and ethical issues surrounding research and intervention.
- Green Planet: Plants and Our FutureCore
Module details
Describes how plants have shaped our planet over evolutionary time. Explains key aspects of plant evolution, diversity, development, function and interaction with the environment and other organisms. Illustrates key concepts in relevant laboratories.
- Cell Biology and the Origin of LifeCore
Module details
Develops understanding of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell biology and key functions of structures and organelles. Covers the origin of life, principles of natural selection and evolution, and practical techniques in microscopy including fixation techniques and aseptic techniques for bacterial culture.
- GeneticsCore
Module details
Develops understanding of genes and their behaviour in individual organisms, in populations, and at the molecular level. Covers cellular genetics with respect to mitosis, meiosis, inheritance and recombination, fundamentals of gene expression, its control, DNA replication, genome organisation, transcription, and translation. Includes practical experience using microscopy techniques.
Year 2 2 modules
- Biological Data Analysis and InterpretationCore
Module details
Develops understanding of the use of statistical methods in biological sciences. Examines how questions in biology can be answered using quantitative methods. Covers statistical sampling, experimental design, selection of appropriate tests, and what can be deduced from them.
- EvolutionCore
Module details
Develops understanding of how organisms have changed through time. Covers historical origins of the modern concept of evolution, evidence for it and processes that have shaped faunas and floras. Examines Darwinism and its development, origin and maintenance of variation, adaptation and selection, phylogenetic methods, mechanisms of speciation, with a focus on human evolution.
Year 3 2 modules
- Individual Research ProjectCore
Module details
Carries out an individual laboratory or theoretical investigation, supervised by an appropriate member of staff. Applies knowledge and skills learned throughout studies. Produces a report, around 8,000 words in length, and delivers an oral presentation with a summary of findings.
- Climate Change - Plants and the EnvironmentCore
Module details
Develops understanding of the effects of climate change on the interaction between plants and the environment. Critically evaluates the application of novel technologies to crop improvement and assesses the relationship between growth and responses to the environment. Considers issues surrounding human uses of plants and conservation.
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
You'll study core biological science from the cellular and molecular level upwards. A course like this normally moves from foundations in cell biology, genetics and biochemistry, through molecular biology and physiology, to specialist options in your later years. You'll gain practical lab skills, data analysis and scientific writing from the start. In the second and third years, you'll typically progress to research methods, lab projects and specialist options such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology, or neuroscience. The course culminates in an extended supervised research project where you'll conduct your own investigation. Throughout, you'll read and critique current research literature to develop critical thinking alongside hands-on scientific practice.
Who it's for
You're suited to this course if you have strong interests in biology but may lack confidence in foundational science, or if you want additional grounding before specialising. You'll thrive if you're curious about living systems, comfortable with practical laboratory work, and motivated to develop research skills. The integrated foundation year means you'll have time to build confidence alongside your peers, then progress into more demanding material. Expect problem-solving, data analysis, and a mix of taught content with hands-on investigation.
Careers & job market
Across Biological Sciences nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those in employment, 60% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. Starting salaries typically fall within the range £23,000–£29,000, rising to £25,075–£35,400 five years after graduation. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data, not guaranteed individual outcomes.
University & format
This degree is studied full-time over 4 years at Royal Holloway, University of London, a higher education college located on the Egham Campus. The course is taught in English and leads to a BSc (Hons) in Biology with Integrated Foundation Year. Royal Holloway is a recognised UK degree-awarding body; its degrees are nationally recognised. The university holds Silver status in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (2023 award).
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.
Year in industry. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
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 | 94% |
| a Baccalaureate | 4% |
| an Access course | 2% |
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 (code C10F). 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 RHUL →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 | £26,000 | £24,000 – £28,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £21,000 – £32,500 | 130 |
| 5 years after | £33,000 | £26,500 – £44,000 | 145 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; 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: 20; 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.
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
- Media ProfessionalsSOC 2020 249 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,895
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: 45; response rate: 65%. 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
75% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. 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 8.1 out of 10: NSS 84.1% · in work or study 75% · continued 83%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
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 Egham Campus
437 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 RHUL from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £29,900 / 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 RHUL’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 RHUL and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at RHUL
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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