BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences Bachelor's degree at Westminster
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences at Westminster combines core theory, research and methods, applied practice, and specialist options, culminating in an independent project and professional skills development.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Westminster, based in Cavendish Campus. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Biosciences graduates from this provider, 70% 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)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 70; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 70% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 79% (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 8 modules
- Applications of Biological SciencesCore
Module details
A study of how molecular bioscience can help solve biological problems encountered by human beings. Covers personal medicine through genome sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, 21st century treatment of human diseases and conditions, development of new antibiotics, stem cell biology and tissue regeneration, cancer and neuro-degeneration, and wider applications of molecular science in agriculture, forensic science and biotechnology.
- BiochemistryCore
Module details
Explores the diversity and function of a broad range of biological molecules. Covers properties and reactions of biological molecules, biomolecular processes, energy for life's processes and laboratory techniques for biochemistry and molecular biology. Combines lectures, practicals and tutorials.
Assessment: Formative and summative assessment including practical exercises
- Cell BiologyCore
Module details
Introduction to the biology of the cell and fundamental processes and interactions during the life of a cell. Covers biodiversity of cells within the Tree of Life (Prokarya and Eukarya), cell division, specialisation, ageing and death, gene inheritance, transmission and expression, genetic variance and natural selection, cell behaviour and communication, and environmental impact. Includes practical work in experimental techniques.
- Human PhysiologyCore
Module details
Introduction to the organisation, communication, and support systems of the human body. Covers major physiological systems with emphasis on maintenance of homeostasis via feedback mechanisms.
- Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)Core
Module details
Introduces concepts of employability and professionalism in the workplace with specific reference to the Bioscience/Life Science industry. Covers conducting oneself as a credible scientist, scientific communities, diversity, critical examination of scientific sources, and development of transferrable skills linked to career development pathway through a professional development portfolio.
Assessment: Variety of assessments documenting transferrable skills in professional development portfolio
- Biological ChemistryOptional
Module details
Understanding of chemical structure, stereochemistry and organic functional groups of importance in biochemistry. Covers enzyme mechanisms, thermodynamics and redox chemistry in biochemistry, and sound foundation in biologically relevant chemistry.
- Fundamentals of PharmacologyOptional
Module details
Explores the scope of pharmacology and introduces drugs as biologically active, selective molecules. Covers drug interactions with cellular targets, clinical usage, potential adverse effects, and selected experimental techniques. Covers significance of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion in systemic drug action.
- Science: History, Philosophy and PracticeOptional
Module details
Introduction to the history and philosophy of science and its practice in the modern world. Covers scientific communities, scientist communication, reading and evaluating scientific papers, principles of scientific research, interpreting data and critically examining scientific claims.
Year 2 6 modules
- Contemporary Global Challenges in BiologyCore
Module details
Explores regional and global problems and their impact on the world's resources, the environment and human societies. Examines underlying causes of environmental and societal pressures such as climate change and infectious and non-infectious diseases, and risks including water scarcity, conflicts and biodiversity loss.
- Metabolic BiochemistryCore
Module details
Comprehensive overview of modern biochemistry covering major pathways for degradation and biosynthesis of carbohydrates, fatty acids and amino acids, respiration and oxidative phosphorylation, enzyme role in metabolic processes, strategies for metabolism regulation and homeostasis maintenance, and important metabolic disorders and diseases.
- Molecular Biology and GeneticsCore
Module details
Core understanding of molecular biology and genetic concepts regarding genetic information flow in cells during normal health and disease. Covers genome structure, organisation and packaging, replication and repair, gene expression, regulation, genetic variations and polymorphisms, modes of inheritance, and cutting-edge molecular techniques including DNA isolation, amplification, sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing with laboratory practicals.
Assessment: Laboratory practicals and tutorials
- Research MethodsCore
Module details
Covers essential elements of research methods, data analysis relevant to the Biosciences and key laboratory techniques. Develops expertise to extract and interpret scientific information from peer-reviewed sources, produce literature reviews, prepare final year research project designs and evaluate competencies.
Assessment: Skill-based evaluation of competencies
- BioinformaticsOptional
Module details
Develops skills in bioinformatics including computational analysis of DNA and protein sequences using alignment and evolutionary models. Uses computational methods to assign gene and protein function using data from gene expression analysis and proteomics.
- Exploring the Microbial WorldOptional
Module details
Covers physiological and metabolic diversity of microorganisms.
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 equips you with broad knowledge across biological sciences and the ability to specialise in areas of interest. You'll usually start with foundations in cell biology, biochemistry, genetics and evolution, alongside practical skills in the lab and data analysis. In Year 2, study progresses to molecular biology and physiology or microbiology, combined with hands-on research methods and a lab project. By Year 3, you'll pursue specialist options such as biomedical science, molecular biology, ecology and conservation, biotechnology, microbiology or neuroscience, alongside modules examining current research literature and an extended research project of your own design.
Who it's for
This course suits students with A-level or equivalent qualifications. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent, with a typical UCAS tariff of 96–111 points. It is designed for those seeking a structured foundation in biological sciences with opportunities to specialise and develop research capabilities.
Careers & job market
Across Biological Sciences courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with 60% of working graduates in highly skilled work or further study. National earnings data shows starting salaries of £23,000–£29,000 at 15 months post-graduation, rising to £25,075–£35,400 after five years. Bursaries and scholarships are available, check the university's funding pages for details.
University & format
The University of Westminster is a public university founded in 1838, located at the Cavendish Campus. The BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences is a 3-year full-time degree taught in English. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your qualification is nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' Teaching Excellence Framework (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.
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 | 95% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C900). 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 Westminster →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 – £30,000 | 70 |
| 3 years after | £24,000 | £18,500 – £29,500 | 260 |
| 5 years after | £28,500 | £23,000 – £36,500 | 275 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 70; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. 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. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 70; 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.
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.
- Managers, directors and senior officialsSOC 2020 1 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £51,733
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
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: 70; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Is BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences worth it?
Weigh it carefully. On these figures graduates of BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences earn close to non-graduate pay, so on cost alone the course is slow to pay off.
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 26.5. This is a simplified gross-earnings comparison, not a forecast of cash loan repayments.
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.
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
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
70% 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 7.7 out of 10: NSS 81.6% · in work or study 70% · continued 79%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Westminster
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 Cavendish Campus
14,051 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 Westminster from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by Westminster; 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 Westminster’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 Westminster and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
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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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