University of Reading
Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
University of Reading

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 30 graduates of Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) at University of Reading for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in biosciences (non-specific).

Overall student satisfaction
86 /100
30 total respondents
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Biosciences

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of biosciences (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 £22000 £21000 £25500
25-75 percentile range £20000 - £26000 £16500 - £25500 £20000 - £31000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Biosciences

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24556 £30929 £35939
25-75 percentile range £21037 - £28149 £23857 - £42071 £28098 - £51622

Course Description

This BSc Biological Sciences course is ideal for anyone who is passionate about all aspects of biology, and can be tailored to match your interests.

The majority of modules in BSc Biological Sciences are optional, giving you the opportunity to cover a broad range of topics or specialise in a particular area such as ecology and wildlife or human biology. You will be taught by experts in their fields and have access to a range of research facilities. We are currently in the process of applying for accreditation from the Royal Society of Biology to further enhance this course.

Within environmental biology options you will develop an understanding of ecology, conservation biology and humankind's impact on biodiversity. The University of Reading’s award-winning campus is home to over 1,000 different animal species and is extremely useful for learning fieldwork skills. It also features the Cole Museum of Zoology and a herbarium, which house vast collections and offer volunteering opportunities. Additionally, you will have the chance to apply your scientific knowledge to a range of other habitats through our optional field courses. These normally last around two weeks and take place in locations such as Devon, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Iceland, Spain and Colombia.

Within biomedical subjects you will develop an understanding of human physiology and the basis of disease. The course has a strong practical element, and you will gain valuable experience of laboratory work and learn key molecular genetic and cell biology techniques. During your final year will have the chance to spend 11 weeks working on an original research project using cutting edge facilities and equipment. Previous topics include gene therapy of muscular dystrophy, emerging viral infections, the regulation of the stress response, stem cell biology, the spread of cancer and the control of blood clotting.

Our new £60m Health and Life Sciences building is the home of the School of Biological Sciences. It offers state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories, seminar rooms, and plenty of study and social space, including a café. The building also houses the Cole Museum of Zoology. The collection, featuring more than 3,500 natural history specimens, provides a fantastic resource for biological scientists and the wider community.

Placement

You will have the opportunity to undertake paid vacation studentships funded by organisations such as the Wellcome Trust and the Nuffield Foundation. These can take place over six weeks during the summer break, or be carried out part-time over a longer period. During studentships you will typically work on a set project and benefit from valuable training in techniques, experimental design and the interpretation of data.

You can can also choose to take a work placement module.

Our department has a dedicated academic in charge of placements, who can provide you with advice and support.

Alternatively, you can opt to take the four-year version of this course, incorporating a year in industry.

Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.

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 University of Reading

35% Protective service occupations
15% Information Technology Professionals
15% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Elementary occupations
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Administrative occupations
5% Sales occupations
5% Artistic, literary and media occupations
5% Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation

Grading & Study Time

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).

TOEFL (iBT) 88

We require a minimum score of 88 overall with no less than 17 in Listening and Writing, 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking.

Cambridge English Advanced

We require a grade B or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162.

Cambridge English Proficiency

We require a grade C or a score of 176 overall with no element less than 162.

PTE Academic 69

We require a minimum score of 69 overall with at least 59 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).

Institution's Own Test

Test of English for Educational Purposes (TEEP). We require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each element of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing).

Trinity ISE

We require a Merit in each element from ISE II. If you take ISE III or ISE IV, we require a Pass in each element.

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)

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
EU £27650 year 1
International £27650 year 1

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 University of Reading in top UK and global rankings.

See all 29 university rankings of University of Reading

About University of Reading

The University of Reading is a publicly funded university in Reading, Berkshire, England. Reading has four major campuses; London Road and Whiteknights campus which are located in Reading itself, with Greenlands campus being found on the banks of the River Thames. The fourth campus is known as Iskandar Puteri, in Malaysia.

List of 375 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Reading - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Reading

undergraduates:
11905
postgraduates:
3995
Total:
15900
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Where is this programme taught

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