Biology - BSc (Hons)

From genes to ecosystems, Biology at Keele explores the fascinating intricacies of life in its broadest sense, whilst offering opportunities to specialise in topics aligned to your interests, from animal behaviour to human genetics. With access to our 600-acre diverse campus, state-of-the-art David Attenborough Laboratories, and integrated employability modules, you will graduate with the academic, practical and professional skills required for careers as diverse as ecological consultancy to pharmaceutical sales. 

Year of entry

Course type

  • Single Honours

Location

Subject area / School

UCAS code

  • C102

Duration of study

  • 3 years / 4 years with international or placement year

Why study Biology at Keele University?

This programme is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
Our innovative and authentic assessments are designed to foster creativity and develop a diverse range of key employability skills and attributes
Develop your practical bioscience skills in our state-of-the-art laboratories and Keele's 600-acre campus
Access a wide range of final year research project choices
Benefit from a comprehensive programme of academic and professional development workshops to enhance your employability skills
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Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).

Graduates from accredited degree programmes are equipped with well-rounded knowledge and skill sets, making them highly employable both within and beyond their chosen field. 

Royal Society of Biology accreditation logo, 2022

Teaching Excellence Framework GOLD

Keele TEF Gold 2023

Keele University has been awarded the highest rating of gold in the teaching excellence framework (TEF), 2023. The TEF assessment identifies excellence in the educational experience and outcomes of our students, focusing on all undergraduate courses and students.

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Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.

Work placements

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit individuals who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. Choosing a work placement year between your second and third year, is a fantastic way to gain industry experience. It can provide a valuable insight into what working in a specific area of business is like, gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the professional working environment and develop professional networks, and provides the opportunity to apply the theory you’ve learnt on your degree course.

If you don't think you can commit to a full year on placement, our Work Placement and Professional Training module has built-in flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your time in industry around existing demands.

We also offer work placements based in schools and colleges, specifically for students interested in entering the teaching profession.

International Year and Study abroad

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend time studying abroad. This exciting opportunity enables you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Tropical Biology Field Course

Our tropical biology field course in Malaysia, is an optional module with additional costs, taking place in the summer between years two and three. This is an exceptional chance to hone your fieldwork skills in tropical habitats.

Operation Wallacea

Operation Wallacea is a private company that supports a wide range of student projects with a particular focus on biodiversity and climate research. As well as conservation volunteering overseas, you can use your time to gather data for your undergraduate dissertation.

Entry requirements

The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English language requirements you may need.

A Level: ABB Subject specifics apply
BTEC: DDM Subject specifics apply
T Level: Distinction Subject specifics apply

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

ABB in three A levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
Animal Management
Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Health and Social Care
Information Technology
Sport
Sport and Exercise Science

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in one Science A Level from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science, Animal Management, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in any A level

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or Distinction in Applied Science, Animal Management, Forensic and Criminal Investigation, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A levels including B in one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

T Level

Distinction in any of the following T levels:
Health
Healthcare Science
Science

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

655 in three Higher Levels including one Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or 32 points including one Higher Level Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

128 UCAS points in a Computing, Engineering, Health, Nursing, Medicine, Science, or Sports Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A levels in a standard A level offer for this course (see A level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BBBBC in five Highers including one Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or BC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including one Higher or Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List, or BCC in three Advanced Highers including one Advanced Higher Science subject from the Keele Defined Sciences List.

You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in one subject from the Science or Applied Science Groups

You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

China - Gaokao

75% in the Gaokao including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry

You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

India - Standard XII

Average of 75% from four subjects including 70% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects including 75% in Maths, Physics, Biology or Chemistry in any other Standard XII

You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Germany - Abitur

2.0 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Geography, Psychology, Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Technology, Nutritional Science or Sports

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)

France - Baccalaureate

14 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 14 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology, or 13 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 13 in Chemistry / Physics, Maths, Science, Sport, Engineering Sciences, Life and Earth Sciences or Information Technology.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Design and Applied Technology, ICT or Physical Education

You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7.8 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Industrial Technology or ICT

You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

85% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Natural Science, Geography, Physical Education, or ICT

You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Cyprus - Apolytirion

18.5 / 88% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Information Technology, Geography, Maths, Physical Education or Physics

You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Portugal

Overall average of 16 in a secondary certificate including 16 in Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Computer Applications, Psychology, Physical Education

You will also need: 10 in secondary certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Canada - Diploma

70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Advanced Functions, Biology, Calculus and Vectors, Chemistry, Computer Science, Maths of Data Management or Physics

You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

544 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Chemistry, Calculus (either), Physics (any), Biology, Computer Science (either), Environmental Science, Psychology or Statistics

You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

ABB in three Advanced levels including B in Combined Maths, Chemistry, Physics, ICT, Biology, Physics or Agricultural Science

You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Malaysia - STPM

ABB in three subjects in the STPM including B in Maths, ICT, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, or Sports Science

You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

ABB in three H2 levels including B in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Computing, Maths, Further Maths or Geography

You will also need: C in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

European Baccalaureate

75% overall with 7 in Chemistry, Maths (3 or 5 period), Physical Education, Biology (2 or 4 period), Geography (2 or 4 period), or Physics

You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)

English language requirements

All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.

General information

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

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Learn from our campus - our own 'living laboratory'

Our unique, 600-acre campus offers a fantastic experimentation environment to perform fieldwork, test new ideas and discover solutions to real-world problems. 

Student on biology fieldwork at Keele

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The David Attenborough Laboratories

The David Attenborough Laboratories have significantly expanded the School of Life Sciences’ teaching and research areas, and provide two additional state-of-the-art teaching laboratories with space for 120 students between them and two additional research laboratories.

David Attenborough with students

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

The information within this page is for students wishing to start their studies in September. If you would like to start this course in January, please visit our January pages for further details.

Please note, if you are interested in studying Veterinary Medicine and Surgery with Foundation Year, please review the information on this course page.

Course Content

Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills which will be invaluable in your academic studies and beyond. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.

This Foundation Year is a two-semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the BSc (Hons) Biology degree. For example, the Foundations of Life Sciences module will look at basic cell biology in terms of structure and function and go on to examine how cells obtain their energy and raw materials. It considers how organisms interact and analyses the effects of climate change on ecosystems. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.

Find out more about the Keele Foundation Year, including information about teaching and assessment methods by visiting the Foundation Year homepage

Course Structure

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Semester One Core Modules

FYO-00185 Practical and Academic Skills in Science  15 credits
FYO-00211 Foundations in Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Scientists  15 credits
FYO-00197 Foundations of Life Sciences  15 credits
FYO-00276 Foundations of Science and Sustainability 15 credits

Semester Two Core Modules

FYO-00199 Advancing Life Sciences 30 credits
FYO-00271 University Research Portfolio 30 credits

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.

  • 56 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level)
  • Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths

How to Apply 

Students will need to apply for BSc (Hons) Biology with Foundation Year (UCAS code C103) through UCAS at www.ucas.com.

Direct Entry Students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.

We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science, Health and Business courses.

Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.

In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.

Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but on a compressed timescale and tailored to a blended learning approach (with the majority of learning taking place online).

For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.

Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.

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Discover the Keele difference

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Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.