Durham University
Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
Durham University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 120 graduates of Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) at Durham University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Biology (Non-Specific).

Overall student satisfaction
88 /100
120 total respondents
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Biology (Non-Specific)

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Biology (Non-Specific) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £29000 £29000 £33500
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £31000 £23500 - £35500 £28000 - £46500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Biology (Non-Specific)

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24966 £22375 £26273
25-75 percentile range £20975 - £27992 £16894 - £27526 £20699 - £33736

Course Description

With science and its challenges making today’s global headlines, studying this research-led modular degree will help you develop the skills you’ll need to pursue a career in the science sector and beyond. The course offers flexibility so that you can follow specialised routes within Biological Sciences by offering module combinations to address your specific areas of interest.

The curriculum links academic theory with practical experience, with themed routes covering Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science, Cell Biology, Plant Science, Genetics, and Ecology and Environmental Science.

The first year covers fundamental aspects of biology including evolution, biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, genetics, physiology, an overview of the diversity of organisms and the basics of scientific research.

Year 2 concentrates on providing the skills required for research-led learning.

The final year of the degree places the strongest emphasis on research, with taught content directly linked to research being carried out in the Department. Three core modules, a workshop/field course, a literature review and a research module, are combined with three modules linked to your interests and career aspirations.

As well as the three-year course, you can consider a work placement or a year abroad.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) at Durham University

25% Customer service occupations
15% Administrative occupations
15% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Sales occupations
5% Secretarial and related occupations
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Elementary occupations

Grading & Study Time

Modules are assessed via a combination of examinations as well as coursework including essays, laboratory reports, case studies, oral presentations and posters. Literature reviews (dissertation), project reports and laboratory workshop/fieldwork reports are an important part of this degree.

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

In a relevant subject/science (112 UCAS tariff points)

Our contextual offer for this programme is A level ABB (or equivalent, to include a science subject at grade A). Biology or Chemistry to be included in offer. Science subjects can be: biology/chemistry/physics/psychology/maths/geography/human biology/further maths. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • All other courses
    • 4.5
    • Foundation
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)

Ireland £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
EU £29500 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
International £29500 year 1

Additional fee information

The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Durham University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 38 university rankings of Durham University

About Durham University

Founded in 1832, Durham University (DU) is located in the cathedral city of Durham, North East England. DU takes pride in having numerous subject fields ranked among the best in the world according to QS, as well as having an exceptionally large course catalogue without compromising the quality that students can expect. Apart from the impressive academic opportunities on offer, students can also participate in numerous sports, music, and art-based extracurricular activities on-site.

List of 211 Bachelor and Master Courses from Durham University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Durham University

undergraduates:
17140
postgraduates:
4365
Total:
21505
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Where is this programme taught

College allocation pending
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Durham City
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