Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £16,655 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
Course summary
- Train in state-of-the-art laboratories and our award-winning tissue cultures suite.
- Work with biology experts to complete your own cutting-edge research.
- Gain the coding skills you need to approach biological data.
- Design real-world solutions such as sustainable manufacturing processes and ecological recovery.
- Take an optional placement year and gain invaluable practical experience within an industrial environment.
Our BSc Biology course develops your knowledge and skills in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and animal, plant and microbial manipulation. You can adapt the degree to your interests, with a choice of modules in your third year. You can also transfer to the MSci route for a specialist year of research-intensive study.
Accredited by
Graduates of BSc (Honours) Biology
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
Graduates of MSci Biology
This programme has been awarded Advanced Accreditation by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
Employability
92% of our graduates are in work or further study fifteen months after graduating (2020/21 Graduate Outcomes Survey).
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Student View
Watch student Jonathan Elton talk about what it’s like to study on this course.
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.
You’ll be taught by experts on this course – all our staff are active researchers. Your learning will be linked to departmental research themes, ensuring your taught material is at the forefront of science. You’ll also have opportunities to complete your own research, and you’ll work on real-world projects alongside industry professionals to develop your commercial awareness.
We’ll teach you to apply your knowledge to increasingly complex problems, encouraging you to think independently. You’ll develop a questioning, probing approach and apply creative solutions to difficult issues. We’ll make sure you are stretched and challenged through real-world case studies, presentations and peer and self-assessments.
You’ll learn through:
- In-person seminars, lectures and workshops
- Independent study, supported by tutorials and your academic adviser
- Practical laboratory experiences with industry-standard equipment
- Placements
- Research opportunities
- Field work
- Real-life projects
- Simulated environments
- Networking opportunities
Key themes
In your first year, you’ll study introductory cellular biochemistry, organs and tissues – as well as plant, microbial and animal evolution in an environmental context.
In your second year, we’ll cover evolutionary biology, animal behaviour and the human biological condition, plus cell, molecular and synthetic biology.
In your final year you explore plant, microbial and environmental biotechnology – with an emphasis on industrial applications for synthetic biology with associated regulatory affairs, ethical and societal aspects of biology. You’ll choose from a wide range of modules this year, and you’ll complete an independent research project.
Course support
Throughout your learning journey, you’ll experience a range of dedicated support, such as:
- Access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development.
- Access to our Skills Centre with one to ones, webinars and online resources to help you to plan and structure your assignments.
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Work placements
You’ll have the opportunity to complete a year-long placement between your second and third year. This gives you valuable work experience to prepare you for your future career and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.
Previous students have completed placements for companies and organisations such as Kew Gardens, Labcorp, Porton Down and John Innes Institute.
Live projects
You’ll have the opportunity to work on research projects for real-world organisations such as Galileo Pharmaceuticals – a company focused on the discovery and development of small molecule therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- Analytical science
- Scientific sales and marketing
- Pharmaceutical research and development analysis
- The biotechnology industry
- Scientific communication or journalism
- Teaching
- Agriculture
- Environmental science and conservation
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for:
- Various wildlife trusts
- Rentokil
- Reckitt Benckiser Group plc
- Labcorp
- AstraZeneca
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 | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
You’ll have access to various collaborative and independent learning spaces, and a large suite of high-quality laboratories. You’ll use the same industry-standard equipment and software that you’ll be using in your career.
On this course you work with:
- Analytical tools such as HPLC and gas chromatography equipment.
- Our award-winning cell culture suites with laminar flow hoods and incubators.
- High-powered fluorescent and confocal microscopes for cell and tissue analysis.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction equipment.
- If you transfer to the MSci route, you’ll work alongside PhD students and scientists in our research centre, with access to a range of cutting-edge facilities.
We’ve invested over £100m in new facilities to help you study how and when you want. This means 24-hour libraries and study spaces.
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
- 112-120
From A levels (including at least 32 points in Biology) or equivalent BTEC national qualifications in Applied Science to include suitable Biology modules. We do not accept General Studies. We will consider a combination of qualification types. For example:
- BBB-BBC at A Level including grade C in Biology.
- DDM in BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science will be considered (please include units on application).
- BTEC Diploma in Applied Science D*D with relevant biology modules ( please include units on application) alongside other level 3 study.
- Merit overall from a T level qualification from T level Science: Laboratory Technician Pathway only.
- A combination of qualifications including relevant subject(s), which may include AS levels or EPQ.
GCSE
- English Language or Literature at grade C or 4 or equivalents*.
- Maths at grade C or 4 or equivalents*.
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 relevant QAA-recognised Access to HE course which has mainly biology and chemistry related modules, or an equivalent Access to HE certificate. Normally we require 15 credits at level 2 and 45 at level 3 of which at least 15 level 3 credits should be graded at distinction level.
* GCSE English and mathematics equivalent.
• Equivalency test from www.equivalencytesting.co.uk.
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. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
We strongly recommend that you tell us about any long-term health conditions or disabilities you may have. This is so we can assess whether we can deliver the course in such a way that you can meet the course requirements and take part without disadvantage. You can contact our University student support staff on 0114 225 3964 (voice and Minicom) and explore any issues you may have.
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.
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: Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Evolution And Environmental Biology | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Fundamentals Of Life Sciences | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Year 2
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Applying Professional Skills For Scientists | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Developing Professional Skills For Scientists | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Ecology, Advanced Evolution And Animal Behaviour | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Molecular And Cellular Biochemistry | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Year 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Placement Year For Biosciences And Chemistry | Credits: - |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Professional Skills For Scientists | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Plant And Environmental Biotechnology | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Research Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Applications Of Data Science | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Applied Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Human Nutrition And Health | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Neurobiology And Neurophysiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Practical |
| Module: Pharmacology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Exam |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fees for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2024/2025 are regulated by the UK government and are yet to be confirmed. For an indication, our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time undergraduate study in 2023/2024 is £9,250 per year. During your placement year you will pay a reduced fee of £1,200.
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 2024/25 is £16,655 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, 427.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
