Biology BSc Honours
- UCAS code: C100
- Full time
- 3 years
Our modern Biology BSc Honours degree gives you the freedom to study a broad spectrum of the natural world around us.
You are currently viewing course information for entry year: 2025
Next start date:
- September 2025
Fees (per year)
- Home: Not set
- International: £30600
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Newcastle is blessed with a host of amazing habitats. With the Northumberland countryside on our doorstep, you'll enjoy a unique learning experience at Newcastle University.
You'll develop a comprehensive understanding of all forms of life, from cells and molecules to organisms and ecosystems. You'll learn the theory in modern labs on campus and then put this to the test out in the field. You'll have many opportunities to attend residential and field courses.
You'll also have the opportunity to specialise in topics such as biotechnology, microbiology and ecological survey techniques.
You'll put your skills into action through:
- lab-based classes
- day excursions
- residential field courses
Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions
In the first stage of your degree, you’ll develop a strong foundation in biology and get stuck into practical work from the start.
You’ll study five compulsory modules and choose 20 credits worth of optional modules.
After your first year, you can transfer to our Zoology BSc degree. This must happen before Stage 2 starts.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Genetics and Evolution | 20 |
| Diversity of Life: Form and Function | 20 |
| Ecology and Conservation | 20 |
| Cells and Biomolecules | 20 |
| Academic and Professional Skills for the Biosciences | 20 |
| Optional Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Crop Pests | 10 |
| Animal Health | 10 |
| Introduction to Animal Physiology | 10 |
| Natural Science Research Impact | 10 |
| The Marine Environment | 20 |
| Marine Microbiology and Primary Producers | 20 |
In Stage 2, you'll continue to build upon your skills, delving deeper into the field. You'll also have the option to embark on a residential field course or an intensive practical lab course.
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Experimental Design and Statistics | 10 |
You must also take one of the following compulsory modules (shown in the optional list below):
- Plant Biology (20 credits)
OR
- Insect Biology and Origins (20 credits)
You'll work on your own research project, with the support of an academic supervisor.
You can choose a topic linked to our research expertise, such as:
- molecular biology and biotechnology
- zoology
- conservation and policy
- social sciences and policy
- terrestrial ecology
- marine ecology
- oceanography
Modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Research Project | 40 |
You must also take one of the following compulsory modules (shown in the optional list below):
- NES3302 Current Research in Ecology (20 credits)
OR
Module Overview - Biodiversity Science and Management
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2023-24.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present.
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll be taught via a combination of methods, including lectures and interactive online classes.
Our field and lab-based modules provide you with an exceptional basis to build practical experiences. These enhance the scientific skills expected of a biology graduate.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reports
-
Seminar tasks/exercises
Skills and experience
Research skills
Your teaching is research-led. This means your learning will be strongly informed by the latest research findings by the school. You'll be taught by experts at the forefront of their respective fields in:
- microbial biotechnology
- plant biology
- animal physiology and behaviour
- biodiversity and conservation
- biological computer modelling
Hands-on experience
This is a highly practical course. You'll spend time in the lab and off-campus on field trips.
You'll have access to modern laboratories on-campus and take advantage of our fantastic outstations.
This includes:
- the University Farms
- Dove Marine Laboratory
- Great North Museum biological collections
Field trip destinations include:
- the Northumbrian countryside
- the Farne Islands
- South Africa
Lab-based modules introduce you to key research techniques. Modules include:
- bioprospecting
- cellular biochemistry
- molecular evolution and systematics
Several modules are focused on fieldwork, such as Field Identification Skills and Mammal Surveying Skills.
Business skills
You'll have the opportunity to complete a work placement between stages 2 and 3, as well as taking part in University-wide expeditions on an extra-curricular basis.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Your degree title will show you have achieved the placement year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a Biology and Zoology student, you'll be based in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at our city-centre campus.
During your studies, you'll have access to two commercial farms near Newcastle. These are used as demonstration facilities as well as a field station with a glasshouse and dedicated teaching facilities.
You'll have the opportunity to access purpose-built laboratories. You can also visit the Great North Museum, where there's a range of important biological collections.
Support
You'll have the support of an academic staff member as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
You will have access to a dedicated School of Natural and Environmental Advisor who is there to signpost, advise, and guide you on your wellbeing, should you need it.
There's also a staff-student committee, to allow you to have a say in how your degree works.
Your future
Recent graduates have taken roles such as:
- researcher
- environmental monitoring officer
- science explainer at Newcastle's Centre for Life
- science writer, within organisations such as RSPB, WWT, and Natural England
Many students also go on to further education, pursuing master's degrees, PhDs, postgraduate teaching qualifications, and medicine and law courses.
Having developed a broad range of transferable skills, you'll also have career prospects in industries as diverse as banking and retail management, media production, and adventure tourism.
Industry links
We have strong links with leading organisations, including:
- National Trust
- Natural History Society of Northumbria
- WWT
- National Parks Authority
You can find work placements, internships and volunteer roles through these links. It’s a great way to build up your network in the sector.
Enterprising students
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Careers support
Our Enterprise Challenge gives students the opportunity to work with industry on a project that tackles real-world issues. Watch the above video to find out more.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2025 entry.
| A-Level | |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | |
|---|---|
Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
University Admissions Policy and related policies and procedures
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2025 entry (per year)
The 2025 home fees have not yet been confirmed (see ‘Home Fee Students’ information below).
| Qualification: BSc Honours | |
|---|---|
|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
Not set |
|
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
30600 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
- explore our beautiful campus
- find out about our vibrant city
- discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
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