Biological Sciences (MBiol)

Subject area: Biological sciences
UCAS code: L9Y7
Next intake: September 2025
Duration: 4 years
Mode: Full time

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Biological Sciences (MBiol)

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.

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. By undertaking active research within a research laboratory and developing the information literacy skills and analytical skills to support this, the high degree of subject specialisation and knowledge you will gain will contribute to making you highly employable as a graduate in both the research and commercial bioscience sectors.

Distinctive features

We integrate experimental work in the laboratory and in the field, in disciplines that range from cell and developmental biology through to plant science, zoology and environmental science.
Experience engaging teaching that is driven by our research expertise. You’ll also have access to an exciting range of training opportunities in research laboratories within the School of Biosciences.
Study relevant topics that aim to enhance the well-being and sustainability of people, animals and ecosystems.
Over 94% of our graduates from the School of Biosciences are in employment, further study or other activities 15 months after the end of their course (Graduate Outcomes).

Subject area: Biological sciences

School of Biosciences
Get in touch
+44 (0)29 2087 4119
Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX

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

AAA-ABB. Must include Biology or Chemistry.

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

36-32 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

Qualifications from outside the UK

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 ¹	£9,535	None
Year three ¹	£9,535	None
Year four ¹	£9,535	None

¹ 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	£29,450	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.

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

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 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

Your first year provides you with 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.

To remain on this 4-year programme, you are required to maintain a 60 % aggregate average across Year 1 and Year 2 modules (average formed from an aggregate of Year 1 and Year 2 average marks in a 30:70 split respectively). If this is not achieved, at the end of Year 2 you will be transferred onto the respective BSc equivalent of the programme.

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 techniques. Understanding of experimental design, literature review, statistical analysis and critical analysis skills will act as a foundation for further study in year three.

At the end of Year 2 if you have not achieved a 60 % aggregate average across Year 1 and Year 2 (see Year 1 for details), you will be transferred onto the respective BSc equivalent of the programme.

Year three

Our Year Three curriculum enables you to specialise in more detail. 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.

Year Three of our programme will involve an extensive degree of self-directed study to develop skills in independent work and lifelong learning, which will help to prepare you for the professional environment.

Year four

Final year taught modules focus on further developing research techniques, literature searching and analysis skills, discussion and group-based critical appraisal of work, as well as planning of experimental work. As part of your final year, you will complete a research project, which will offer you a fully immersive experience within a research laboratory over an extended period.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

Our Integrated Master’s degree in Biological Sciences forms an excellent basis for a future career in scientific research. It also gives you the opportunity to develop science-specific and more general transferable skills which will be attractive to a wide range of both scientific and non-scientific employers across the private, public and voluntary sectors. Many of our graduates enjoy successful careers in science-related fields such as research and development, conservation, environmental management, scientific research, scientific publishing, agro-industry and wildlife management, amongst many others.

Our Biological Sciences course also provides an appropriate foundation for many other careers. From industry, commerce, public service, to administration and management, you’ll be well equipped to enter these sectors. You may also wish to consider further study as a significant proportion of our graduates go on to study PhD degrees.

Placements

While our programme does not include any formal work placements, 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.

Next steps

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How to apply

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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.