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.
Due to Covid-19, we have made some changes to teaching and learning for the 2020-21 academic year: we have blended high-quality virtual engagement with in-person teaching on campus when possible. Blended learning will continue to some extent in the 2021-22 academic year and we will continue to keep the situation under review in light of ongoing Government guidance. If you’re planning on joining us in September 2021 we will communicate with you about specific details of how your course is taught nearer the time.
Our Biology courses cover a broad range of fundamental topics such as cell biology and genetics, plant, animal and human biology. The core elements of the Human Biology pathway include applied anatomy and physiology, histology, microbiology and medical biology. There are a range of optional topics including biochemistry, psychology, and nutrition.
As well as learning about specific topics, you’ll develop a broad range of skills; some are specific to Biology, while others are useful in professional environments. 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.
Our Biology courses cover a broad range of fundamental topics such as cell biology and genetics, plant, animal and human biology. The core elements of the Human Biology pathway include applied anatomy and physiology, histology, microbiology and medical biology. There are a range of optional topics including biochemistry, psychology, and nutrition.
As well as learning about specific topics, you’ll develop a broad range of skills; some are specific to Biology, while others are useful in professional environments. 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 biological topics such as cell biology, genetics, anatomy and physiology, evolution and classification. Compulsory elements include the study of the human body, using real-time data collected on lung and heart function, DNA analysis, and microscopic examination of tissues. Optional modules allow you to explore key biochemistry, nutrition and health, or introductory psychology.
Year two
The second year covers a range of important human, animal and plant biology. You’ll consider concepts such as ethics, biosecurity, and genetics. The ways in which humans can be affected by disease are also examined, including pathophysiology, nutrition and microbiology. The development of research skills are a focus at this level.
Optional modules in business, science publishing and psychology give more choice to your programme. There is an optional Professional Placement Year between your second and final year, giving you the opportunity to experience a relevant employment sector.
Year three
You’ll carry out an independent dissertation, analysing an area of interest in more detail. During this substantial research project you’ll be responsible for planning, implementing and analysing a biological study, for example this could be on microbiology, physiology, or biochemical analysis.
In addition, you’ll examine key concepts in medical biology including medical microbiology, pharmacology, histopathology, and haematology. You could also pursue optional topics in nutrition, food safety, animal behaviour, psychology or digital imaging.
Some modules have coursework and an examination; many are coursework only. Coursework includes scientific papers, posters, oral presentation, interviews, and reports as well as practical portfolios and skills tests. There are opportunities to choose the theme on which you are assessed, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of aspects of biology that most interest you.
You’ll be taught using a range of teaching and learning methods. Interactive lectures provide you with fundamental theory, enhanced by the practical skills you learn in the laboratory. Around half of your contact time will be in lectures, and half in practical sessions. Sessions include physiological measurements, electrophoresis, ELISA analysis, microbiological culture and identification, antibiotic susceptibility testing, microscopy and field work, as well as quizzes and discussions.
You’ll benefit from one to one and group tutorials, alongside significant subject related resources provided through the virtual learning environment. Screencasts, blogs and wikis are used in support of cross-module elements such as data presentation and statistical analysis.
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.
There is the opportunity to study abroad in your second year through the ERASMUS program with European partners including Spain, Sweden and Malta, or further afield exchanges with the United States, China and Australia.
Our students have carried out work placements with local hospital departments including pathology and sterile services, as well as local schools, council departments and research institutions. Our students also volunteer for key charities such as the British Red Cross and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Employment sectors include the NHS, the blood and transfusion service, research laboratories and areas such as quality control for biological equipment manufacturers.
Some graduates have gone on to Masters level study in areas such as forensic science, environmental health, toxicology, virology, biotechnology, and the NHS Scientist Training Programme. Others have studied for a PGCE in Secondary Science teaching.
We’ll encourage you to participate in local and national science festivals, as well as business and image competitions. Each year we award five prizes to our students, including the Bath Spa University Biology Prize for best performance.
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:
All laboratory equipment – including personal protective clothing such as lab coats and safety glasses – is provided. Specialist equipment is available for undergraduate use including instruments for: chemical, physiological, environmental and DNA analysis; microbiological culturing; and microscopy. This is supported by experienced and enthusiastic technical staff.
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 would 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.
Admissions service: +44 (0)1225 876 180
Email: admissions@bathspa.ac.uk
Course leader: Samanatha Lane
Email: s.lane@bathspa.ac.uk
Website feedback to web@bathspa.ac.uk