University of Chester
Biology and Forensic Biology BSc (Hons)
University of Chester

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 15 graduates of Biology and Forensic Biology BSc (Hons) and other courses in biology (non-specific) at University of Chester for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in biology (non-specific).

Overall student satisfaction
62 /100
15 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

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 £21000 £21000 £21500
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £23000 £14500 - £23500 £18500 - £25500


Salary of all UK Graduates of biology (non-specific)

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23943 £22382 £25879
25-75 percentile range £20432 - £26999 £17250 - £27118 £20582 - £32562

Course Description

A Combined Honours degree at Chester gives you the opportunity to study two subjects. You will spend a fairly even amount of time studying each subject area, with possible opportunities to declare a major – minor towards the end of your studies.

Biology

Gain practical experience in areas at the forefront of knowledge on this dynamic Biology degree.

Our Biology course offers a range of subjects and unique experiences due to links with Chester Zoo and other leading institutes, industries and charities. We supplement classroom learning with opportunities for work placements or fieldwork, and there are also opportunities to take part in exciting laboratory-based research.

This course introduces a variety of topics across the whole field of modern biology and emphasises that it is a science firmly grounded in observation and experimentation. We will encourage you to become a member of relevant, professional societies, such as a member of the Royal Society of Biology, and participate at organised events.

We undertake diverse research activities that ensure enthusiastic delivery of contemporary content. These include countering the illegal trade in endangered species using DNA-based techniques; improved understanding of disease processes; cancer biology; microbiology; animal behaviour; and conservation biology.

Forensic Biology

Explore the fast-moving and exciting science behind criminal investigation through the study of biology and practical forensic applications.

This course offers a combination of forensic aspects with a thorough grounding in the traditional science of biology, in particular the molecular biology techniques and DNA profiling. The techniques you will learn are transferable to other biological disciplines and provide a solid foundation for a wide range of graduate employment.

You will gain practical experience in teaching laboratories and crime scene sites, and you will work on projects independently and as part of a team to encourage exploration of cooperation.

Teaching is delivered by an experienced and committed team of lecturers, supported by practising experts from many forensic disciplines, and you will have the opportunity to involve yourself in a range of practices, from crime scene to court.

Emphasis is placed on the development of key broad skills, equipping you with the necessary theoretical basis and practical experience to enter many areas of employment in both forensic and biological sciences.

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 Biology and Forensic Biology BSc (Hons) at University of Chester

15% Media Professionals
10% Administrative occupations
10% Welfare and housing associate professionals
10% Caring personal services
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Legal professionals
5% Secretarial and related occupations
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
5% Skilled trades occupations

For Forensic Biology, assessments are designed to challenge and encourage both your academic skills and skills valid in the workplace. They include a combination of coursework and end-of-module examinations. Coursework includes essays and reports, data processing and oral presentations. For Biology, assessment consists of coursework and end-of-module examinations (typically 50:50 in a module). Coursework can include practical reports, fieldwork, extended essays, presentations, posters or seminars.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for biology (non-specific)

Qualification requirements

Access to HE Diploma

Welsh Baccalaureate (core) and A Level General Studies will be recognised in our offer. We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

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

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

Costs

Tuition Fees Biology and Forensic Biology BSc (Hons)

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

Additional fee information

The University may increase these fees at the start of each subsequent year of your course in line with inflation at that time, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.

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)
  • year 2
  • year 3

University Rankings

Positions of University of Chester in top UK and global rankings.

See all 13 university rankings of University of Chester

About University of Chester

The University of Chester, as the name suggests, is a university located in Chester. The university is formally affiliated with the Christian faith, but they make it clear in their mission statement that students of all faiths or no faith at all are welcome at their university. Chester operates from a total of six campuses, five of which are in Chester, the other in Warrington, with the main campus building being known as Parkgate Road Campus.

List of 330 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Chester - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Chester

undergraduates:
8005
postgraduates:
3300
Total:
11305
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Where is this programme taught

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