Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,415 per year (£1,200 for placement year)

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Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Develop an advanced understanding of human anatomy, physiology, cell biology, reproduction, genetics and biochemistry.
- Develop your confidence and ability to work at the cutting edge of human biology.
- Apply your knowledge to real-world experience with year-long or summer placement opportunities available.
- Transfer onto an MSci route for a specialist year of research intensive study working alongside our internationally recognised researchers
You will learn how genomics, biotechnology, stem cells and lifestyle interventions impact on the human body. The knowledge you will gain will provide an understanding of the latest advances in this field.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for our BSc (Hons) courses, or you’d like extra preparation before starting degree-level study, we recommend you join the foundation year. You will build your confidence in biology, chemistry and maths, and apply your theoretical knowledge in practical laboratory sessions. You will also familiarise yourself with Sheffield Hallam’s staff and facilities — ensuring that you are fully prepared to begin at degree level study.
How you learn
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
In modules such as human physiology and anatomy, control physiology, reproduction and development and neuroscience, you will gain an understanding of how the whole human body functions. This will be supplemented by an understanding at the cellular and molecular level in modules such as advanced cell biology and molecular biology and biochemistry.
With a strong focus on employability throughout you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills desired by graduate science-sector employers or post graduate education providers.
The foundation course content is delivered and assessed in a variety of innovative and exciting ways, helping you to gain skills required for success on your chosen degree route. You will study 6 modules designed to prepare you for future success while studying one of our bioscience or chemistry degrees. Attending and participating in the laboratory activities is central to your course, as it is where you develop not only practical skills, but also learn to keep effective records and analyse data, as well as working both independently and with others.
You learn through
- lectures and tutorials
- practical laboratory work
- small group academic tutorials
- case studies
- project work
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Work placements
Between your second and third year you will have the opportunity to apply for a placement where you can apply what you have learnt at university to a working situation. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain the experience and professional skills that could give you an advantage at the start of your career.
We offer you the opportunity to apply for placements in a wide range of institutions – including pharmaceutical industries, medical research laboratories, the NHS, schools and colleges. Or if you are unable to commit to a year, it is also possible to work for a shorter period of time on a summer placement (which can still contribute towards your degree). If you are undertaking your work placement in another European country, there may be a possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme.
Completion of a year-long work placement will allow you to achieve an Advanced Professional Diploma alongside your degree.
You will develop problem solving and practical skills by undertaking mini projects in the first and second year of your course. During your final year you will combine the skills and knowledge you have gained to conduct a specialist research project working alongside an expert in your chosen subject area.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a wide range of careers including:
- healthcare industries
- research laboratories
- pharmaceutical industries
- scientific sales and marketing
- scientific communication/journalism
Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate study – including academic research degrees (PhD), masters degrees (MSc) in healthcare settings, (such as physician’s associate, dietetics, radiotherapy and nutrition), while others transfer into postgraduate-entry medicine and dentistry.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Our teaching and research laboratories are equipped with industry standard instrumentation which you will learn how to use in scenario-based practical sessions. Examples of facilities you will have access to include:
- our award winning cell culture suites with laminar flow hoods and incubators
- an extensive range of analytical equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC)
- real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) equipment for quantitative analysis of nucleic acids
- high-powered fluorescent and confocal microscopes for cell and tissue analysis
- an exercise physiology suite
Learn more about your department
Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour
Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.
Entry requirements
All students
UCAS points
- 64
From A levels to include at least 24 points in any one A level or BTEC National qualification. Also need to have at least 16 points from a science subject (biology/chemistry/physics or maths). We do not accept general studies.For example:
- CC at A Level
- MPP in BTEC Extended Diploma.
- A combination of qualifications, which may include AS levels and EPQ.
You can find information on making sense of UCAS tariff points here and use the UCAS tariff calculator to work out your points.
• Access - an Access to HE Diploma from a QAA recognised Access to HE course in a science based subject. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3
GCSE
- English Language at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalent
- Science at grade C or 4
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill.
If you do not have any of the qualifications above but have relevant experience you are welcome to discuss potential opportunities with the admissions tutor.
If English is not your first language, you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or equivalent
Please note the University will only admit students who are aged 18 or over at the point of enrolment.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information.
Year 1
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Biology: Cells And Molecules | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Biology: Organs And Systems | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Chemistry: Atoms To Molecules | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Chemistry: Energy And Reactions | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Maths | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Skills Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Cellular Biology And Biochemistry With Microbiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Human Physiology And Anatomy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Human Reproduction And Development | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Labs | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 1: Skills | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Topics In Human Biology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Year 3
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Advanced Cell Biology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Control Physiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Molecular Biology And Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 2 | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Immunology And Microbiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Pathological Basis Of Disease | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Year 4
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Human Nutrition | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Neurobiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Exam Practical |
Module: Research Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Applied Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Bioethics And Human Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Bioinformatics And Human Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Module: Pharmacology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Exam Practical |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2022/2023 are £9,250 per year.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2022/23 is £14,415 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.

Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Biosciences and chemistry courses (PDF, 770.8KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.