94% student satisfaction
94% of final year students were satisfied with this course this year (source: NSS 2020).

BSc (Hons)
Undergraduate degree - single honours
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.
Our specialist Conservation Biology pathway enables you to develop your skills in a contemporary and practical way. You’ll experience the latest practical technique for studying conservation, with a particular emphasis on the real world and its constraints.
You’ll graduate with skills tailored for the workplace, and you'll be well-placed for a career in environmental and ecology consultancy, research or further study in conservation.
“The Bath Spa Biology team gives you the confidence to go on and achieve any aim you set for yourself, and the freedom to explore science in the most incredible environment.”
Liza Stanley, Biology graduate
All Biology students cover a broad range of fundamental biology topics, from cell biology and genetics, to plant, animal, and human biology. In additional, you’ll take specialised modules in conservation biology, gaining a range of appropriate knowledge and skills.
The course is real-world focused; you’ll graduate as a professional biologist, prepared to solve a range of problems and keep up-to-date with scientific advances.
Year one
The first year focuses on fundamental topics such as cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, evolution, classification, food production and ecosystems. Associated practical classes give you hands-on experience of these concepts. You’ll also study a biodiversity and conservation module to develop your knowledge and skills in many contemporary themes of plant and animal conservation. You may choose to study modules in human biology, biochemistry, nutrition or earth science.
Year two
The second year covers a range of important human, animal and plant biology. You’ll also consider important concepts in biology such as ethics, biosecurity, genetics and technology. Additional topics you can study include ecology, biodiversity monitoring, environmental sustainability, biodiversity and microbiology. Modules in business, psychology and science publishing are also available.
There is an optional Professional Placement Year between your second and final year, giving you the opportunity to put your classroom knowledge and skills into practice in a relevant role.
Year three
You’ll carry out a dissertation in the final year. This substantial research project enables you to experience being responsible for planning, implementing and reporting on a conservation biology topic. In addition, you may study topics in nature conservation, animal behaviour, marine biology, digital imaging and plant biology. Modules in business, psychology and science publishing are also available.
Assessments are varied, and designed to be appropriate to the particular skills required for each module. Some modules have coursework and examinations, but many are coursework only. The practical nature of our assessment contributes to our high levels of graduate employment.
Types of assessment include scientific papers, posters, oral presentation, interviews, essays, reports, reviews, leaflets and video presentations. There are also plenty of opportunities to choose the biological theme on which you are assessed, allowing you to have deeper understanding of the aspects of biology that interest you.
Interactive lectures provide you with fundamental knowledge, enhanced by the practical skills you learn in supporting sessions. Around half of your contact time will be in lectures, and half in practical or workshop sessions.
This course offers or includes the following modules. The modules you take will depend on your pathway or course combination (if applicable) as well as any optional or open modules chosen. Please check the programme document (below the main image on this page) for more information.
You’ll have the opportunity to study in a wide range of locations around the world. Our students have completed Erasmus and Exchange programmes in a variety of countries including Spain, Sweden and the USA.
From Kew Gardens to Haverfordwest, you’ll have opportunities to participate in field trips across the Biology modules. Please note that you’ll have to pay a contribution towards the cost of some of these study visits.
Our students have worked with clients such as the NHS, Bristol Zoo, Operation Wallacea, English Nature and local authorities.
Biology graduates have a range of professions including environmental consultant, wildlife trust warden, livestock manager and science technician. Graduates have been employed by companies including Nicholas Pearson Associates, New Zealand Department of Conservation and RSPB.
We’ll encourage you to participate in local and national science festivals.
Each year we award five prizes to our students. These are:
This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.
By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.
Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.
On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.
You'll have access to our:
Biology students can hire out equipment using SISO, Bath Spa University’s free equipment loan service. We provide a huge variety of equipment, from binoculars to telescopes and video cameras.
You'll also have access to Bath Spa Observer, our digital mapping platform that compiles environmental data collected by students, staff and the public from across our University campuses.
Please note: Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland are no longer eligible for the UK (Home) fee status. Please refer to the international student rate.
Year 1 | £9,250 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
Year 1 | £4,625 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
Year 1 | £14,925 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2022 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 1 | Published Jan 2023 |
Year 2 | Published Jan 2024 |
Year 3 | Published Jan 2025 |
During the placement year, the fee is reduced to 20% of the full time fee. Otherwise, fees are the same as for full time study. This applies to UK, EU and International students.
We’re looking for motivated, committed students who wish to push the boundaries of their academic knowledge and get the best possible preparation for their future career. You’ll want to become a socially engaged global citizen, ready to make a difference.
We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:
English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants
IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element.
Course enquiries
For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.
Ready to apply? Click the 'apply now' button in the centre of this page.
Need more guidance? Head to our how to apply webpages.
If you'd like to prepare for the course before you arrive there are a number of general biology textbooks that you can read. Contact us for further information on recommended texts: s.lane@bathspa.ac.uk.
Admissions service: +44 (0)1225 876 180
Email: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader: Samantha Lane
Email: s.lane@bathspa.ac.uk
Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk