An excellent choice for a biology degree
The University of Greenwich offers three comprehensive and long-standing biology and biomedical science programmes that can be studied full-time and sandwich mode. These are BSc Biology, MBiol, BSc Biology (Extended), BSc Biomedical Science, BSc Biomedical Science (Extended) and BSc Applied Biomedical Science. The University has now received news that the Guardian League Tables 2025 has ranked biology at the university as third in the UK – this result also factors in Biomedical Science ratings as the courses are combined (due to the rating previously being known as Biosciences). This result is a fantastic achievement for the two departments and adds more cause to celebrate for the University of Greenwich, which this year received confirmation of its rating as a TEF Gold Institution (Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023).
The Guardian League Tables rank universities by criteria including how satisfied students are with teaching and feedback on their course and how many graduates have entered careers after 15 months. For this year’s table for biology, The Guardian ranked the programmes at 87 universities. An additional eight universities offering the programme are mentioned but do not feature in the ranking. For Greenwich to be ranked third in a list of almost 100 institutions is a testament to the University’s work towards becoming a top modern university and to the dedication of its Biology and Biomedical Science Departments in providing quality teaching, support and skills-boosting opportunities for students. For Value Added, a score that indicates the value added to a student who has completed the course, The Guardian awarded Greenwich the maximum score of 10, a score only two other universities offering the subject achieved.
It is great to see that our exceptional teaching, student focus, and wellbeing provision is being recognised amongst the very best in the country for Biology and Biomedical Science. Students can be confident of getting outstanding learning, opportunities, and support from our dedicated teams if they join us at Greenwich.
Professor Linda Brownlow, Head of School of Science.
A collaborative and flexible approach to learning
For Academic Portfolio Lead (Life Sciences) Dr Laura Pellatt it is the programme team that has made this ranking possible.
Our students are supported by incredible programme teams who bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience ensuring every student reaches their full potential, achieving their goals and having every opportunity to succeed in an inclusive and collaborative environment.
Biology students at the University of Greenwich are able to choose the modules that will form their studies from their second year onwards, meaning they can tailor their studies to the areas of biology that interest them and that they may be considering pursuing for postgraduate study or research or their future careers. Module options are broad, ranging from cancer research to insect biology to ecology, and are taught by subject specialists from the School of Science at the university and Natural Resources Institute. Meanwhile, the University’s biomedical science programmes are accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science and graduates of the programme have gone on to work for the NHS, GSK, Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids.
Practical work is a focus on all Faculty of Engineering and Science programmes. Teaching on biology and biomedical science programmes is blended with practical work students undertake in the laboratories on the Medway Campus, which include a brand-new general science laboratory completed in 2024. Field trip opportunities offer unique experiences to students to consolidate their learning with experience as they participate in projects reflecting real work in the field. Students are also encouraged to take up a placement, working for a year in companies such as the NHS. Finally, when working on their final year projects, students can choose a topic and a supervisor from the many academics and researchers across the School of Science and Natural Resources Institute with their own specialisms, research interests and activities.
A well-rounded university experience
Biology and biomedical science students at the university also have plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people, make connections and complement their learning through extra-curricular activities, for example society trips for Cancer Biology Society in recent years have included a visit to the Cancer Revolution exhibit at the Science Museum in London and a guest lecture and discussion with Dr Aiste Steponaneite in partnership with a local NHS network in 2024.
