Biology is the study of life itself, including human, animal and cell life. A degree in Biology gives you flexibility in the career you will go on to choose. Possible fields include medicine, agriculture, conservation and many more. Lots of jobs are suited to biology graduates. If you choose to specialise in a specific field, your degree can give you the skills to apply for research posts in the public or private sector.

What are the university entry requirements for a Biology degree?

To apply to universities for a place on a Biology degree course, you should have, or be working towards achieving a relevant Access to HE Diploma Health Science Professions (Biology). Or, alternatively, 3 A Levels including 2 of either Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths. Some universities also accept Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE. Universities can advise on their particular entry requirements and they also publish these on the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) website.

With the A Level route, you may also be expected to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs. 

With the Access to HE Diploma route, you are normally only required to have 2 GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C or above. Access to HE Diplomas are normally aimed towards adults 18+ returning to education or wishing to change to a new career. There are no upper age limits. The Diploma qualification is viewed as being equivalent to 3 A Levels. Access to HE can be studied from home via online learning or at a local college.

Most universities have a September start date for undergraduate students. However, some do offer a January start for Biological Science. View here to see the universities that have a January intake.

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What career paths are possible with a Biology degree?

A biology degree opens up a huge variety of possible future careers. Most will require further study. It’s useful for many jobs in the field of medicine, for instance, Doctor, Dentist, Pathologist, GP and more. You could also go on to become a Zoologist, Marine Biologist, Veterinary Surgeon or Sustainability Consultant. These are just a few of the career pathways that a biology degree can make possible. 

What personal attributes are useful for a career in Biology?

• • • Strong communicator
    • Good at analysing data
    • Inquisitive mind
    • Enjoy research
    • Good team player

Brilliant biology facts

• • • The largest organ of the human body is skin
    • Babies are born with more bones than adults
    • The average speed of a sneeze is around 100 miles per hour
    • The length of your thumb will be about the same as that of your nose
    • The right side of our brain controls the left side of our body muscles and vice versa

How is your Degree funded?

Studying for a degree in Biology allows you to apply for the standard student support package in the form of a student loan. Scholarships, bursaries or grants may also be available for example, through the university or your place of work.

If you would like to complete an Access to HE in Biology with Academy Online Learning and obtain the level 3 Access Diploma in Health Science Professions for university entry, please complete the online enrolment form or contact us for more information by phone or email. Studying and achieving this qualification provides a flexible way to study as it is fully online and is recognised and accepted by UK universities.

Find out more about our Access to Biology course