Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £15,860 per year (£1,200 for placement year)
Come to an open day
Find out more at our undergraduate open days. Book now for your place.
Course summary
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of biological principles of anatomy, physiology, cell biology, reproduction, genetics and biochemistry
- Develop confidence and ability to engage with exciting current developments at the frontiers of human biology.
- Carry out a research project on a topic area that interests you.
Human beings are complex and fascinating. In an age when there is so much discovery transforming our approach to medicine, genomics, stem cells and lifestyle, this course offers a real opportunity to have an important impact on the world.
Accredited by
Graduates of BSc (Honours) Human 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.
Student View
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.
Attending and participating in the laboratory activities is central to your course, as it's where you develop not only practical skills, but also learn to keep effective records, analyse data, design and plan procedures as well as working both independently and with others.
You learn through
- core lectures
- laboratory work
- small group academic tutorials
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Work placements
In year three, you have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in the real world with a work placement. This is an important chance to gain the experience and professional skills that can give you the all-important edge at the start of your career. Work experience of any sort helps to attract the attention of future employers.
We offer you the opportunity to apply for placements in a wide range of institutions, including the NHS, schools and colleges, industry and medical research. If you are unable to commit to a year, it is also possible to work for a shorter amount of time on placement, such as during the summer. This shorter placement can also contribute to your degree. If you are doing your work placement in another European country there may be funding available through the Erasmus programme.
Live projects
Mini-projects are included in the first and second year where you develop experimental design and planning abilities as well as building confidence in practical skills. These lead to a more independent extended research project during the final BSc year, with further advanced projects being undertaken if you continue for an additional MSci year.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in
- healthcare industries
- research laboratories
- pharmaceutical industries
Many of our graduates go on to postgraduate study, including research degrees (PhD), masters degrees (MSc)or post-graduate teaching courses, or go on to study dietetics and nutrition, medicine or 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 | City Campus tour | 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
On this course you work in industrial-standard, well-equipped laboratories. At the end of each year you carry out a mini-project that applies the skills developed through the year to a human biology case study.
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 qualification 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 Biology.
- DMM 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.
- 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.
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.
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: Cellular Biology And Biochemistry With Microbiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Demonstrating Professional Skills For Scientists | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Human Physiology And Anatomy | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Human Reproduction And Endocrinology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Introducing Professional Skills For Scientists | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Topics In Human Biology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
Year 2
| 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 3
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Professional And Scientific Practice 3 | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Final year
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Human Nutrition And Health | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Neurobiology And Neurophysiology | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Exam Practical |
| Module: Research Project | Credits: 40 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Genetics | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework Exam |
| Module: Applied Biochemistry | Credits: 20 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Bioethics 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 2023/24 is £9,250 per year. These fees are regulated by the UK government and are therefore subject to changes in government policy. 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 2023/24 is £15,860 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, 241.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Financial support for home/EU students
How tuition fees work, student loans and other financial support available.
