University of Leicester

Biological Sciences MBiolSci

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

As the knowledge base in the biological sciences grows and becomes relevant to so many other physical and social sciences and subjects, the ability to think broadly about biology and to apply your knowledge across the boundaries of traditional disciplines is a valuable and powerful asset in both scientific environments and in many other walks of life. This is the most flexible of all our biological sciences degrees. Packed with exciting subjects and transferable employability skills, you will get the maximum choice of topics to choose from in Years 2 and 3.

This means that you can learn about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the full range of biological sciences or you can focus on just the parts that you develop a passion for; you can even see these mechanisms in action on field trips. The analytical and critical skills you acquire by studying Biological Sciences are valued by researchers and employers in non-scientific fields. The first three years of this course are identical to the Biological Sciences BSc, including the option to spend a Year in Industry or a Year Abroad between Years 2 and 3.

Your fourth year then lets you focus on refining your research and lab skills - while also putting into practice your employability skills - by conducting a research project. At the University of Leicester, we offer seven Biological Science subjects and four Medical Bioscience subjects, all as BSc (three years) and most as MBiolSci (four years), plus a Foundation Year option, giving you an impressive range of different courses to choose from. It is possible to switch between a Biological Science course and a Medical Bioscience course during the first half of your first year, but after that the two fields diverge.

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Key highlights

  • Maximum choice of optional topics in Years 2 and 3
  • Option of a Year in Industry or Year Abroad
  • Fourth-year research project refining research and lab skills
  • Field trips to see biological mechanisms in action
  • Covers molecular and cellular mechanisms across the biological sciences
  • Builds analytical and critical skills valued beyond science

Entry requirements

  • A-level: ABB — to include including at least two relevant science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, P
  • A-level: BBB — + Level 3 Core Maths grade B (if Maths not taken as a full A or AS level
  • GCSE: 4/C — to include English Language, Mathematics, Science
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass — Pass Science diploma with 45 credits at level three, 30 of which must be at distinction
  • International Baccalaureate: 30 — International Baccalaureate : Pass Diploma with 30 points to include grade 6 and 5 in at least two relevant HL science subjects from Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics or Psychology.
  • BTEC: D*DD — BTEC Nationals : Pass Applied Science Diploma with D*DD plus five GCSEs at B/5 or above including two relevant sciences.
  • T-level: Distinction — to include in Science (with an Occup

Scholarships

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Research scientist
  • Laboratory technician
  • Research assistant
  • Biotechnologist
  • Science communicator
  • Clinical research associate

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,790; £10,050 | International: £25,100

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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