Biological Sciences with Professional Training Year (BSc)
- Subject area: Biological sciences
- UCAS code: C101
- Next intake: September 2025
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode: Full time with sandwich year
Why study this course
Discover how we can advance our understanding of the real world through biological sciences. Learn how research is crucial to addressing the global challenges we all face. Join us to engage in a wide range of topics, including animal and plant biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics and evolution.
As a student in this vibrant field, you’ll study living organisms and how they interact with the environment. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to contemporary issues. And you’ll see how our research and understanding of biological sciences can further advance areas such as health and environmental conservation.
Our hands-on teaching approach aims to prepare you for your future, focusing on developing your research techniques. You’ll build your practical skills in real-world situations, both in the laboratory and in the field.
With a Biological Sciences degree, you’ll build strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, which will expand your career horizons. You’ll gain valuable transferable knowledge and experience in computing, statistics, data analysis and research presentations, which can open doors to a range of exciting industries. Your Professional Training Year placement provides further appreciation and understanding of the work environment in your chosen field.
You can also tailor some aspects of your degree to suit your passions, combining core course modules with other modules that inspire you. In your final year of study, you’ll have the chance to investigate a topic that you want to explore in more depth, supervised by supportive researchers who are experts in their field. This enables you to focus on innovative solutions to current day issues.
Distinctive features
- Enjoy a flexible course structure that enables you to tailor your degree to match your interests and aspirations.
- Enhance your career prospects and gain professional research experience with a sandwich year placement.
- Develop your field research skills with one of our popular project-based field courses. Opt for one of our UK-based courses or choose to travel further afield to locations such as Tobago or Borneo.
- Experience the excitement of learning in active research environment, with teaching staff who are leading researchers in their field.
- Make use of the latest equipment, techniques and facilities in your project work.
- The School of Biosciences offers access to a wide range of exciting training opportunities with a field centre in Borneo, and strong involvement in Cardiff University research institutes, including Sustainable Places, Water Research, Cancer Stem Cell Research, and Neuroscience and Mental Health.
You may also be interested in the following courses:
BSc Biological Sciences
MBiol Biological Sciences (integrated master’s degree) with Professional Training Year
BSc Biochemistry with Professional Training Year
Subject area: Biological sciences
Entry requirements
We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:
A level
AAB-BBB. Must include Biology or Chemistry. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.
Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.
- Our grade range covers our standard offer and contextual offer. We carefully consider the circumstances in which you've been studying (your contextual data) upon application. Eligible students will be given an offer that is lower than the standard offer (usually the middle or lower end of the advertised grade range).
- Where there is no grade range advertised and/or where there are selection processes in place (like an interview) you may receive additional consideration in the selection process.
Learn about eligible courses and how contextual data is applied.
International Baccalaureate
34-31 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Biology or Chemistry.
Baccalaureate Wales
From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
Other essential requirements
You must have or be working towards:
- English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
- GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent qualification (subject and grade). If you are taking A-level Maths (or equivalent), GCSE Maths is not required. Core Maths may also be accepted in place of GCSE Maths.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
English language requirements
GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
PTE Academic
At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.
Other accepted qualifications
Please visit our English Language requirements page for more information on our other accepted language qualifications.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to lab facilities including chemicals
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Other qualifications from inside the UK
BTEC
DDD-DDM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Forensic Science, with Distinction in all of the Core/Mandatory Units.
T level
Acceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2.
Please see our admissions policies for more information about the application process.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £9,535 | None |
| Year two | £9,535 | None |
| Year three (sandwich year) | £1,905 | None |
| Year four | £9,535 | None |
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £29,450 | None |
| Year two | £29,450 | None |
| Year three (sandwich year) | £5,890 | None |
| Year four | £29,450 | None |
Learn more about our tuition fees
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Costs for sandwich years
During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply. Full details can be found on our fees pages.
Additional costs
Field courses which take place abroad or away from Cardiff incur an additional cost – primarily to cover student travel and accommodation. We strive to keep these to a minimum, for example we maintain our own Field Station and staff in Borneo, whose costs are not recovered from charges to students. We also offer an excellent Cardiff-based field course which does not incur additional costs.
No additional charges are made for other aspects of tuition, although some services (such as student printing on demand) may incur a charge.
Course specific equipment
No specific equipment is required. The University will provide IT facilities (in a communal space), laboratories equipped with specialist equipment, and all specialist software required for the course.
Students are advised to have a personal laptop computer or equivalent.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget. Find out more on our accommodation pages.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Course structure
We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2025 and this page will be updated by end of October 2025 to reflect the changes.
This is a full-time, four-year programme where you will study 120 credits each year.
You will study a range of core and optional modules, and teaching staff will provide guidance on choosing module combinations to ensure a balanced and manageable academic workload across both semesters. The Professional Training Year placement (8-10 months) takes place after the completion of Year Two.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2025.
Year one
The first year is a common year, covering all aspects of the biosciences. This reflects the increasingly multi-disciplinary nature of bioscience research, and has the added advantage of offering you flexibility of degree choice.
The modern, modular syllabus is delivered through lectures, tutorials, presentations, and practical classes carried out in spacious, well-equipped laboratories. It provides a firm foundation in all the biological disciplines, including biological chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, evolution, anatomy and physiology, animal and plant biology, and ecology, as well as focusing on developing practical and academic scientific skills. Modules may begin by overlapping with A-level studies, but will soon progress to greater depth and scope.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Skills for Science | BI1001 | 20 credits |
| Structure and Function of Living Organisms | BI1002 | 20 credits |
| Organisms and Environment | BI1003 | 20 credits |
| The Dynamic Cell | BI1004 | 20 credits |
| Biological Chemistry | BI1014 | 20 credits |
| Genetics and Evolution | BI1051 | 20 credits |
Year two
The second year allows for more specialisation, and builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in the first year. There will be a focus on data analysis and scientific communication, as well as advanced laboratory and field techniques. Understanding of experimental design, literature review, statistical analysis and critical analysis skills will act as a foundation for further study in year three.
In year two, you have a choice of 11 available modules, up to a total of 120 Credits, leaving you free to pursue particular areas of interest. Available module topics include, animal diversity and adaptation, genetics, cell biology, biochemistry and ecology and conservation.
Students on the ecology and conservation module will have the opportunity to undertake one of our project-based field courses, which run in a variety of locations both in the UK and abroad.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Diversity and Adaptation | BI2131 | 40 credits |
| Genetics and its Applications | BI2132 | 40 credits |
| Ecology Part A | BI2135 | 30 credits |
| Ecology Part B | BI2136 | 10 credits |
| Cell Biology | BI2231 | 40 credits |
| Biochemistry | BI2232 | 40 credits |
| Developmental and Stem Cell Biology | BI2233 | 40 credits |
| Molecular Biology of the Gene | BI2234 | 40 credits |
| Physiology | BI2331 | 40 credits |
| Concepts of Disease | BI2332 | 40 credits |
| Practical Anatomy | BI2333 | 40 credits |
| Brain and Behaviour | BI2431 | 40 credits |
| Fundamental Neuroscience | BI2432 | 40 credits |
Year three: Sandwich year
The Professional Training Year (PTY) provides you with an opportunity to spend 9-12 months in an academic, clinical or industrial/commercial research laboratory, or other approved establishment, in order to gain first-hand research experience.
You will undertake different aspects of research, including experimental design, data acquisition and analysis and, finally, data presentation with the production of a project report and presentation.
Our Professional Training Year Coordinators will support you in finding a suitable position that is relevant to your career aspirations, and a tutor will keep in touch and visit you during your placement.
Many placements are in the UK, but we have also had several placements in other locations, particularly in Europe through the EU ‘ERASMUS’ scheme in which Cardiff is a partner, but also Southeast Asia, South Africa, Germany, Italy and the USA.
Finding a placement is a competitive process and success cannot be guaranteed. However, we have always been successful in placing the vast majority of our Professional Training Year students.
A placement report, written by you, will count towards your final degree assessment.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwich Year | BI9999 | 120 credits |
Year four
Our final year curriculum enables you to specialise in more detail within one of the major research themes of the School. This approach immerses you in the research culture of the biosciences, by means of research-driven teaching and a final year project that allows you to investigate a topic in much greater depth.
Application of core knowledge to the solving of problems and critical evaluation of models, ideas and current debates is a primary focus of the final year. This stage of the course will involve an extensive degree of self-directed study in order to develop skills in independent work and lifelong learning, which will help to prepare you for the professional environment.
As well as a 30-credit research project, you will complete three 30-credit modules (from an almost free choice of 18, excluding advanced human anatomy). Modules cover a range of topics including evolution and adaptation, systems biology and modelling, plant science, biodiversity, synthetic biology, advanced cell biology, bioinformatics and functional genomics, and genes and genomes.
At the start of the final year, you have the option of applying to transfer to the MBiol course with integrated Master’s, depending on satisfactory academic progress and space availability.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Biosciences Final Year Project | BI3001 | 30 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Plants for the Future: Frontiers in Plant Science | BI3151 | 30 credits |
| Ecosystems, Sustainability and Global Change | BI3152 | 30 credits |
| Evolution and Adaptation | BI3153 | 30 credits |
| Biodiversity and Conservation Biology | BI3154 | 30 credits |
| Infection Biology and Epidemiology | BI3155 | 30 credits |
| Systems Biology | BI3157 | 30 credits |
| The 'omics Revolution (Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics) | BI3252 | 30 credits |
| Advanced Cell Biology and Imaging | BI3253 | 30 credits |
| Genes to Genomes | BI3254 | 30 credits |
| Synthetic Biology and Protein Engineering | BI3255 | 30 credits |
| Current Topics in Development, Stem Cells and Repair | BI3256 | 30 credits |
| Contemporary Topics in Disease | BI3351 | 30 credits |
| Cancer: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutics | BI3352 | 30 credits |
| Advances in Physiology and Pathophysiology | BI3355 | 30 credits |
| Musculoskeletal System: Disease, Repair and Regenerative Medicine | BI3356 | 30 credits |
| Neurobiology of Brain Disorders | BI3451 | 30 credits |
| Systems Neuroscience | BI3452 | 30 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
The programme is taught by internationally recognised academic staff who are experts within their fields. Our teaching approach is informed by the latest research and is aligned with current industry practices, ensuring that the curriculum is both academically rigorous and relevant to professional demands. Academic staff offer insights into the latest advancements in developmental biology, biotechnology, conservation and environmental modelling and management, and microbiological applications
The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application. Lectures, supported by practical sessions, give you a strong foundation in both theory and practice, while seminars, workshops, and tutorials help you apply what you’ve learned. These interactive formats support hands-on projects and in-depth discussions, so that you can tackle real-world challenges and enhance your professional readiness.
Research integration is a key component. You’ll engage with up-to-date data, relevant case studies, and the newest research findings, connecting academic theory with practical environmental issues. To bring a practical and current-day perspectives to the learning experience, our undergraduate students will have the opportunity to attend a variety of seminars delivered by guest lecturers and industry experts. Your Professional Training Year placement further enhances these opportunities by enabling you to interact in a professional work environment, working in teams and with collaborative groups.
Hands-on learning is a focal point of the programme, giving you the chance to develop practical skills in realistic contexts. Through team-based projects and individual research, you’ll apply sophisticated data science techniques to complex global analytical challenges.
How will I be supported?
We want to ensure that you have the best experience throughout your time with us and you’ll benefit from a range of support. From the very start of your degree, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor who will be your main point of contact, offering confidential guidance on both academic and personal matters. They’ll help you navigate through your studies and be a constant source or support throughout your degree, including your Professional Training Year placement.
In terms of academic support, Learning Central is an online learning portal where you can access a wide array of learning materials including lecture recordings, lecture handouts, and more.
The University provides a wide range of support services for students. This may include study skills workshops, career guidance sessions, mental health and well-being support, and disability services. These services are designed to ensure that you feel supported and empowered to succeed.
You’ll also have access to the excellent support within our Centre for Student Life, which is our one-stop hub for all your student needs. Whether you’re looking for advice on health and wellbeing, preparing for your future, managing money or living in Cardiff, our expert, dedicated support staff will be on hand to support you. We’re here to help you succeed and make the most of your student life.
Feedback
Throughout the programme, you’ll have numerous opportunities for both receiving and participating in feedback during dedicated feedback sessions. Activities such as peer assessments and self-assessments are integral to this process. Additionally, you’ll receive constructive feedback from our teaching staff, providing insights to help your professional growth, in preparation for your future career. During your Professional Training Year placement there will be continuous informal feedback from your placement supervisor; formal feedback will be through a mid-placement discussion with your placement supervisor and Personal Tutor.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments vary by module and include coursework, portfolio projects, written assessments, class tests, oral and poster presentations, and practical projects. Each module and placement employs specific types of assessments to evaluate effectively both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Assessments are used throughout the programme to enhance learning to ensure your grasp of foundational concepts. Assessments will support independent and life-long learning and are designed to put students at the heart of the learning process and to help students take ownership for their own learning. Students will be supported in their assessments by members of module teams and personal tutors.
What skills will I practise and develop?
Throughout the course, you will develop scientific competencies as well as key transferable skills that will be invaluable whatever your future career choice. These include:
- independent learning and self-directed study;
- collating, organising and analysing information to create logical and persuasive arguments;
- analytical thinking and problem solving;
- communicating complex ideas in a clear, effective way (using all media);
- working effectively in a team and as an individual;
- IT competency, including presentation, graphics and statistics packages;
- performing and interpreting statistical analyses of data;
- effective time management and organisational skills.
As a result of engaging fully with this course, you should be able to:
- critically analyse, synthesise and summarise information from a variety of sources;
- discuss the relationships between structure/formation and function/regulation of molecules, organelles, cells, tissues, organisms and populations;
- effectively communicate scientific, and other, information to a variety of audiences, including the general public, using a range of formats and approaches;
- discuss current issues of research, investigation and/or debate;
- synthesise an argument or point of view, based on solid data and evidence;
- determine the validity and rigour of statistical outcomes;
- build on knowledge and understanding of the role and impact of intellectual property (IP) within a research environment;
- work effectively within a group-based environment, both as a leader and a member of a team;
- demonstrate the skills necessary for independent lifelong learning (for example working independently, time management, organisational, enterprise and knowledge transfer skills);
- identify, and work towards, targets for personal, academic, professional and career development;
- demonstrate leadership and planning skills for setting, and meeting, achievable goals within the workplace.
Careers and placements
Career prospects
A significant proportion of our BSc Biological Sciences graduates go on to study PhD or master’s degrees. Many others enjoy successful careers in science-related fields such as research and development, conservation, environmental management, scientific research, medical or scientific publishing, agro-industry and wildlife management, amongst many others.
Our graduates also have many transferable skills that are attractive to a wide range of employers in more general areas of industry, commerce, public service, administration and management. Finally, a degree in the Biological Sciences can act as a stepping stone to further training in professional areas including teaching, medicine, dentistry, nursing, veterinary science, and accounting.
In 2016/17, 93% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported that they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating. Experience has shown that students who have completed a Professional Training Year are particularly well-placed to obtain degree-related employment at the end of their studies.
Placements
In addition to the formal (Year Three) long-term (8-10 months) placement opportunity provided by this programme, we strongly encourage students to undertake informal work placements during the summer vacations to enhance employability. The University’s Student Futures team may be able to support you with sourcing summer work placement opportunities.
Fieldwork
Direct experience of plants and animals in their natural habitats is an important part of modern biology.
At Cardiff we run an impressive range of field courses to give you essential hands-on experience of modern techniques and practical skills in field biology, such as bird-ringing, microbial analysis, small mammal trapping, pit fall trapping and surveying for bats.
In the second year, students on the Ecology and Conservation module can choose from several specialised, project-based courses that run in a variety of locations throughout the world.
Our field courses typically include Tropical Ecology (Borneo, Malaysia), Marine Ecology (Caribbean and Malaysia), Island Ecology (Wales), River Ecology (Wales) and Woodland Ecology (Wales).
Field courses can on occasion be affected by travel constraints, staff availability or numbers.
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HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
