Biology (Extended), BSc Hons
Our extended degree in biology is a dynamic, multidisciplinary approach to understanding the processes of life. It includes a foundation year and requires lower entry points.
Biology is the study of every aspect of life, from drug discovery and vaccinations for diseases to environmental factors and climate change. Our cutting-edge biology degree offers topics as diverse as cancer therapeutics, applied plant ecology and neuroscience. You begin this extended degree with a foundation year before moving to our three-year course.
You will develop the skills to address some of our greatest problems, from sustainable food production using plant-based products to how we treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. You'll have the chance to put your learning into practice through laboratory sessions and fieldwork, plus an international placement.
Our degree provides the scientific training and transferable skills you need to become a professional scientist. Your potential career options as a biology graduate include research roles in laboratories to positions in food and farming start-ups and roles in education. You could explore careers investigating cures in medical research or inspiring the next generation of scientists by training to become a biology teacher.
UCAS points
64 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
C1FY M BSc/BioE
School
Location
Duration
- 4 years full-time
- 5 years sandwich
Start month
September
Home/international fees 2025/26
£9,250 /£17,500
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Welcome to our extended biology course. When you join us, you'll be taught by an experienced team whose expertise and knowledge closely reflects the modules of this course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, lab technicians, and external experts who provide guest lectures on some modules. Our PhD researchers also offer lab support, which our undergraduate students find very useful.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
- 64 UCAS Tariff points which must include one of the following:
- A level: a relevant Science subject, such as, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
- A level and BTEC National: Diploma/Extended Certificate in Applied Science and an A Level in a relevant Science subject, such as, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
- International Baccalaureate: 24 points overall including Higher Level Science.
- Access to Higher Education Diploma: Science.
- T Level: Science (Laboratory Sciences) at grade Pass (with D or E on the Core).
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language/Literature and GCSE Science all at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
We make Contextual offers to this programme. Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points. Other entry requirements such as GCSEs, Interview, etc., will still need to be met. For further information, please see our Contextual Admissions policy.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
A typical student intake across our biology courses is 20 per year. Lectures are normally attended by 20, and seminars/tutorials by 20.
First year modules may be shared across a number of science courses, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject-specific modules tend to be smaller. A typical biology intake has 20 students in a dedicated biology module.
Similarly, in the second and third year, some core modules taken by all students are larger, while optional courses are smaller (20-40 students per group), enabling close interaction with lecturers.
Independent learning
At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. Some of your time will be in the classroom or laboratory and some will be independent learning.
Assessment
You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please use our contact form.
Official statistics on Discover Uni
Full time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £17,500 | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Safety equipment
Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Professional memberships
The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium-sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing.
- Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
- IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
- We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.
How long is my placement?
Students can undertake a summer placement lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. This can be related to a credit rated course at Level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience.
Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.
What are the financial arrangements?
The faculty expects that students will be as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation.
It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company.
Students on sandwich placements pay a reduced fee to the university for their placement year.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
This course will prepare you for careers such as scientific research in academic, governmental or commercial laboratories, including biotechnology companies and health-testing laboratories, scientific writing and publishing, medical equipment sales and science teaching.
Are internships available?
Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access programme internships.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. Our Employer Partnerships Manager develops relationships with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Other members of the team help students to develop their knowledge of job markets, produce effective CVs, cover letters and application forms, understand HR selection processes, and prepare final year students for graduate job applications and applying for placements.
Visit our Employability & Careers Service pages.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We are ambitious for all our students and we want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access support to improve your study skills through your tutor, our subject librarians and our online academic skills centre.
We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional support in mathematics is also available through the Drill Hall library.
All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies. The academic support available will enhance student performance.
Support from the department
Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO). This role provides an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries.
The university-wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) programme encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.
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