BSc (Hons) Biology · University of KentBachelor's degree · 3 years
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The University of Kent · Undergraduate

BSc (Hons) Biology Bachelor's degree at the University of Kent

BSc (Hons) Biology at University of Kent. You'll work across core concepts, research methods, and applied topics, supported by specialist optional modules and the chance to lead an independent research project.

BSc (Hons)
Award
3
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)

About this course

Explore the wonders of life with a BSc (Hons) in Biology at the University of Kent. Study ecology, genetics, and cell biology with practical lab experience, preparing for diverse careers in research, conservation, and healthcare. Apply now! From the provider’s course page.

BSc (Hons) Biology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Kent, based in Canterbury. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.

For Biology (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (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.

8.3
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Strong78

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
Exceptional90

Limited evidence Published sample: 10; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)

Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent80

Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (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.

Stage 1 6 modules
  • Bioscience Skills: Introduction to Experimental Techniques and Data AnalysisCompulsory
    Module details

    Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, you'll learn to analyse and present biological data using established scientific methods. By purifying your own protein and analysing its function, you'll gain experience using a wide range of experimental tools, processes and equipment found in modern laboratories. You'll discover how to operate safely, professionally and with good laboratory practice. You'll use digital tools to visualise, analyse and interpret scientific data,

  • Molecules of LifeCompulsory
    Module details

    Biomolecules are the fundamental building blocks of life on Earth, comprising amino acids, monosaccharides, fatty acids, and the bases of DNA and RNA. These molecules, though basic in structure, form the complex macromolecules, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, that underpin the diversity and adaptability of all life forms. After exploring the intricate structure/function relationship in these building blocks, you'll then focus on enzymes, remarkable catalysts that accelerate bio

  • Bioscience Skills: Advancing Experimental Techniques and Data AnalysisCompulsory
    Module details

    This module will allow you to expand your skill set and advance through the scientific process under the guidance of established conventions that define excellence in academia, healthcare, and industry. You'll apply your practical skills and knowledge to formulate hypotheses, test them effectively, and learn how to analyse and present data for a standard practical laboratory report. By following a series of progressive steps, you'll evolve towards becoming a confident, independent scientist, cul

  • From Cells to EvolutionCompulsory
    Module details

    In today's ever-evolving landscape of science and medicine, understanding the complexities of molecular and cellular biology within the context of evolution and the genetics of human disease is essential. You'll explore cell structure and organisation, the intricacies of cell membranes, molecular trafficking, and the orchestration of organelles vital for energy production and metabolism. In addition, you'll navigate cells' internal skeleton, chromosome dynamics, and the fascinating processes of

  • Diversity of LifeCompulsory
    Module details

    Our planet supports an incredible variety of life. In this module you will explore this life in its many forms, from unicellular microbes and fungi to multicellular plants and animals. You will learn how to use morphological and molecular traits to classify any species within the tree of life. Together we will explore some of the grand evolutionary history and processes that underlie this phylogeny. By the end of this module, you will understand how animals are thought to have first evolved, how

  • Principles of Ecology and BiogeographyCompulsory
    Module details

    What are the relationships between plants, animals and their environment (ecology), and the geographical patterns of biological diversity around the world (biogeography)? In this module we will draw on ideas from physical geography, evolutionary biology and reproductive biology to help you understand how individuals, populations and communities are distributed, and how these organisms interact with their physical environment. We will begin with how the physiology and reproductive biology of plan

Stage 2 7 modules
  • Molecular GeneticsCompulsory
    Module details

    How do genes work and how can we manipulate them? How can techniques such as whole-genome sequencing and genome editing detect and treat diseases? This module deals with the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein in organisms, ranging from viruses to humans. You'll learn how genetic information is stored in DNA and RNA, how that information is decoded by the cell, and how the flow of information is controlled in response to changes in the environment or developmental stage. You'l

  • Bioscience Skills: Developing as an Independent ScientistCompulsory
    Module details

    Whether it is biology, biochemistry or biomedical sciences, scientists need to understand their subject matter. But additional skills are also needed to successfully work as a scientist. These relate to scientific ways of answering questions and the generation of subject-specific knowledge. In this module, you'll interpret scientific data generated with experimental methods that are commonly used in the biological sciences. You'll develop your understanding of how to generate new scientific know

  • The Microbial WorldCompulsory
    Module details

    Microorganisms are all around us and form an integral part of us. Without them, we could not exist. You will explore the diversity, function and utility of microorganisms around planet Earth – and beyond. From their role in shaping the environment to their deployment in biotechnology, the microbial world is increasingly coming under the spotlight for its place in our ecosystem and the properties that allow it to operate in different contexts. You'll study the origin of microorganisms and the met

  • Plant BiologyCompulsory
    Module details

    Plants allow life on Earth as we know it, providing food and oxygen for the entire biosphere. They also provide essential materials for us such as shelter, fibre, fuel and medicinal compounds. With the pressing environmental challenges we currently face, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and issues around food security and sustainability, understanding plant biology has never been more critical. You'll learn about plant physiology, genetics, epigenetics, and metabolomics, gaining insi

  • Animal Form and FunctionCompulsory
    Module details

    Animals represent a significant portion of Earth's biodiversity. By studying different species and their interactions with each other, we can gain insights into the complexities of ecosystems and the interdependence of living organisms. In this module, you'll comprehensively explore animal life across evolutionary history, focusing on key elements of functional anatomy and physiology. Through comparative physiology and the study of form and function, you'll examine the diverse physiological syst

  • Cellular Organisation and ProcessesOptional
    Module details

    The cell is the fundamental structural unit in living organisms. Eukaryotic cells are compartmentalised structures and, like prokaryotic cells, they must perform several vital functions such as energy production, cell division and DNA replication, and modulate these functions in response to extracellular environmental cues. This module explores the experimental approaches that have been taken to investigate cell biology and the similarities and differences between cells of complex multicellular

  • Applied Ecology and ConservationOptional
    Module details

    Discover the ways in which ecological science can be applied to solve some of the crucial conservation problems

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 practical laboratory work with the study of ecology, genetics, and cell biology. A typical Biological Sciences degree progresses from foundational modules in Year 1, cell biology, biochemistry, genetics, and evolution, alongside practical and data skills. Year 2 deepens your knowledge of molecular biology and physiology or microbiology, with guided lab projects developing your research methods. In Year 3, you'll choose specialist options such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology, or neuroscience, whilst also engaging with current research literature and completing an extended independent project. Throughout, you gain hands-on experience in modern laboratory techniques and scientific investigation.

Who it's for

You should have a strong interest in how living systems work and a commitment to sustained independent study. You'll thrive if you enjoy practical laboratory work, problem-solving through data, and exploring how biological knowledge applies to real-world challenges. This course suits people drawn to research or applied roles in science, and those who want a thorough grounding before specialising further at postgraduate level. You'll need intellectual curiosity and the willingness to engage with technical detail across three years of full-time study.

University & format

The University of Kent is a public university located in Canterbury. This BSc (Hons) programme is taught full-time over 3 years entirely in English. The degree is recognised by the UK degree-awarding body framework and holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023. Check the university's funding pages for details on bursaries and scholarships.

Student satisfaction

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

The teaching on my course
78%
Learning opportunities
77%
Assessment and feedback
69%
Academic Support
76%
Organisation and management
84%
Learning resources
86%
Student voice
79%

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.

Published entryBBB / 104-120 UCAS points typical offer

Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.

PlacementPublished placement option

Year in industry. Availability, selection and pay can vary.

Entry & how to get in

Typical offer (from the provider)The university’s course page lists a typical A-level offer of BBB and around 120 UCAS points. Always check the provider for the current offer and subject requirements.
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent100% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Typical UCAS tariff: 80 - 95 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 the University of Kent'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 equivalent100%

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 gradesCCDA-level equivalent admitted students held
UCAS codeC103quote this on your application
  1. 1
    Register on UCAS Hub

    Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C103). 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 University of Kent 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

Home£9,790 / yr
International£23,500 / yr

Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).

Check fees at University of Kent →

For students who normally live in England

illustrative Maintenance Loan per year
£9,790tuition used per year, published course home fee
illustrative borrowing over 3 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 University of Kent 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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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£25,000£24,000 – £28,00010
3 years after£25,000£21,500 – £32,000165
5 years after£34,500£27,000 – £41,000180

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

90%
in work or further study 15 months on
60%
in highly skilled work or study
80%
continue past their first year
85%
find their work meaningful
40%
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
£25,000
£23,000 – £29,000
After 3 years LEO
£25,000
£20,400 – £28,800
After 5 years LEO
£34,500
£25,075 – £35,400
national rangethis course’s medianaxis £19,000 – £36,500

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.

90 of 100

were in work or further study

15 months after graduation

60% working10% working and studying25% in further study60% in highly skilled work or study

Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. 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.

This course £34,500Peer median £29,500Middle 50% £27,500–£33,000
79th 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 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
  • Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
  • Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
  • Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
  • Sports and fitness occupationsSOC 2020 343 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £13,819
  • Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760

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: 50; response rate: 65%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.

Is BSc (Hons) Biology worth it?

Generally yes. On its graduates’ median earnings, BSc (Hons) Biology is worth about +£75,630 more over the first ten years of work than going straight to a job, a solid return once you net out the fees.

Solid payoff: pays for itself within the typical range for a degree
break evenyr 0yr 5yr 10yr 15graduateWorth it ≈ year 15.5

Cumulative earnings vs. going straight to work at 18, counting tuition and 3 years of wages given up while studying. The line clears zero around year 15.5. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.

+£75,630
10-year payoff
extra earnings over the first decade, after the fees you pay
3.6×
Return on investment
extra earnings over 10 yrs per £1 of fees
£29,370
Tuition over the course
£9,790/yr × 3 yrs (published course home fee)
£34,500
Grad earnings, 5 yrs on
£10,500 above a non-graduate (£24,000)

Model: this course’s own median graduate earnings (Graduate Outcomes / LEO) above the £24,000 non-graduate baseline (ONS), net of £9,790/yr over 3 years (published course home fee). Eligible England-domiciled students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan; repayments are 9% only on income above the threshold, with anything left written off after 40 years. That makes the cash flow different from conventional commercial debt. Opportunity cost assumes £18,000 gross earnings forgone in each study year; figures are nominal and exclude tax, living costs, investment returns and loan interest. A simplified estimate. Earnings and actual fees vary by graduate, provider, fee status and UK nation.

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

Published home tuition is £9,790/year for this course. 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

90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. 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 8.3 out of 10: NSS 78.4% · in work or study 90% · continued 80%.

Who studies here and in this subject?

Provider- and UK subject-level context.

The University of Kent

All students16,070
International16%
Aged 25+15.6%

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 Canterbury

318 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.

Violent Crime 122Anti Social Behaviour 71Other Theft 29Criminal Damage Arson 28Vehicle Crime 21

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 University of Kent from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.

Tuition fees

International tuition is £23,500 / 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 University of Kent’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 University of Kent 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 80 - 95 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 the University of Kent. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
For Biology (non-specific) graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 60% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
The published home tuition is £9,790 per year for this course. 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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