BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences
The course
- UCAS code
- C120
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
Led by a research-active team, our biology degrees explore issues of key importance in the modern world.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
Our BSc Biological Sciences degree is a broad-based course with a diverse range of topics. In Levels three and four you’ll be able to select from courses ranging from molecular biology and genomics, to marine and environmental topics. Which means you can choose your courses based on your particular interests. Overall, this biology degree aims to provide a flexible package of knowledge and practical skills in the biological sciences. Giving you the chance to maximise your potential and enjoy a successful career – whether it’s in academia, industry or commerce.
360 Virtual Tours
View a 360 tour of our Biology Teaching Lab and John Muir Aquarium.
Student profile
Heriot-Watt first appealed to me because of its location. The University also has a good reputation within science and engineering and graduate employment.
Go Global
This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.
However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information.
Course content
Year 1
Introduces Biology largely as Human Biology with accompanying courses in Applied and Environmental Biology. Additional subjects include Mathematics for Scientists and Chemistry, as required for an understanding of future courses in Biochemistry and Physiology.
Year 2
Concentrates on broad topics in Biology, especially Whole Organism Biology of Animals, Plants and Microorganisms; Cell Structure and Biochemistry; and Nutrition and Health.
Year 3
Brings specialisation in key areas, such as Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering; Microbes and Disease; and Environmental Biology.
Year 4
Students pursue a research project as the practical component of the course, and may choose from a range of courses from various specialist degrees, such as: Cell and Molecular Biology; Food Science; Marine Biology; and Microbiology.
Employability
Work and study
This is what our BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences students are doing 15 months after graduating:
- 65% are working
- 10% are studying
- 5% are working and studying.
In highly skilled work
- 55% of those are in highly skilled work 15 months after graduating.
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £22000
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £22000
Jobs
These are the most common jobs students go into 15 months after graduating:
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
- Business and public service associate professionals
Entry requirements
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB (including a science subject)
- A-Levels BBC (including a science subject)
- Int. Baccalaureate 27 points to include a science subject at Higher Level 5
- BTEC DMM (in relevant subject)
- HNC C in graded unit (in relevant HNC)
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC (including a science subject at B)
- A-Levels BCC (including a science subject)
Additional information
Suitable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics and Physics.
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
- are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements
Year 2
- Advanced Highers BB (including Biology or Human Biology plus Highers AABB)
- A-Levels ABB (including Biology or Human Biology)
- Int. Baccalaureate 32 points (with Biology or Human Biology)
- HNC B in graded unit (in relevant HNC)
- HND BB in graded units (in relevant HND)
- BTEC DDM (in relevant subject)
Year 3
- HND AB in graded units (in relevant HND)
Additional information
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
- English language requirements - the minimum requirement for English language for all our undergraduate Biology courses is IELTS 6.0. Please see our English language requirements.
Fees
| Status* | Scotland | England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland** | International*** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £19,792 |
* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
** 'Rest of the UK' (RUK) and Republic of Ireland students entering at Level 1 receive a fee waiver of one year's tuition fee. Normally this will be the final year, or a year during which students study abroad (either at a partnership institution, or at one of Heriot-Watt's overseas campuses).
*** 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Additional costs
You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales starting undergraduate degree courses in 2021
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.