Plant specimen under a microscope, with students wearing lab coats and working in the background
BSc (Hons) Placement year available

Biology

Study the science of life – a varied and exciting discipline that takes you from the molecular to whole organisms and entire ecosystems.

A close-up of a high-powered microscope Find out more about BSc Biology

Studying Biology at ARU

Biology, the science of life, is a varied and exciting discipline from the molecular to whole organisms and entire ecosystems.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

  • Cover all life on earth, from microorganisms to plants, animals and humans, and from genes to whole ecosystems.
  • Bring the world of work to life through Live Briefs; designed and developed with employers to give you exposure to ‘real world’ problem-solving.
  • Build a strong foundation in laboratory, data science, bioinformatic, and field skills.
  • Tailor your degree to your ambitions and interests and choose from a range of specialisms, all underpinned by sustainability.
  • Study in Cambridge, the centre of new and emerging technologies in the life sciences, and take advantage of local opportunities in biological data science, bioinformatics and more.
  • Gain experience on internships with our research-active staff, or and apply for placements with a range of employers.

Biology is the study of life. Life on earth is fascinating, astonishing, diverse and beautiful, and the course aims to provide you with a broad knowledge of the wide variety of living organisms. Your knowledge will encompass how organisms evolve, their physiology, and how they function within the environment.

However, all life is currently under threat; with man-made (anthropogenic) change affecting the earth and all its systems. The biological sciences offer us a wide range of tools which can be used to alleviate these effects and preserve our natural environment, both for the benefit of plants, animals and humans, and for their current and future generations.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

Facilities

As a Biology student at ARU, you’ll be able to take advantage of:

  • state-of-the-art laboratory facilities including a 200-station biosciences laboratory in our £45m Science Centre
  • the chance to gain experience and build your employability skills on an optional placement year
  • award-winning IT and library facilities.

Lecturers

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Careers

Our Biology course offers a large range of potential graduate avenues, across many areas of cutting-edge science, such as:

  • Bioscience, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries
  • Bioinformatics
  • Commerce (sales and marketing) related to healthcare, agricultural, environmental sustainability products
  • Data analysis/science
  • Education: university, college and school teaching
  • Environmental and conservation projects
  • Quality control, food production, food industry and food safety
  • Government departments and the civil service
  • Government or charity-funded research laboratories and institutes
  • Research and development for agri-environment industries
  • Research laboratories in universities
  • Science communication and public engagement
  • Science policy
  • Ecology

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters such as our MSc Applied Wildlife Conservation, MSc Animal Behaviour: Applications for Conservation, or MSc Applied Bioscience. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Apply for Biology

UK students

Visit UCAS to apply

International students

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Placement year available

You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.

Your guide to placements
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